DIY French Manicure

 

I’m over my Vamp nail polish phase. In retrospect, maybe it did make my fingertips look like a hammer had hit them.  The “bruised” nail polish look wasn’t the best choice for me.

For now, I’ll keep my nails short and natural-looking.  The clean look of a French manicure and drama-free, nude nail polish is something I always come back to. 

Getting a manicure used to be a weekly ritual for me, but that was in another city with a different lifestyle. My Colombian manicurist, Luce would revitalize my Blackberry-fatigued fingertips as she massaged my hands and gave me the best French manicure in town. 

Since then, I’ve gotten rid of my Blackberry and my weekly manicures. My simple flip-top cell phone is easier on my life and my nails.  I’m not as regimented about nail care as I used to be and I’m more accepting of myself.  I’m free from the drudgery of bourgeois “immaculateness.”

I’m not forgoing a professional manicure altogether, but it’s sometimes better to DIY.  I’ve decided to be self-sufficient, when I can, by giving myself manicures. 

O.P.I.’s Coney Island Cotton Candy (peachy pink) and Mimosa’s For Mr. & Mrs. (whitish pink) are my favorite nude colors.  Using a color a few shades lighter than my skin tone gives an appearance of a faux French manicure.  It’s easy to do and gives me a week’s extension on nail maintenance.

But I feel so much more put-together with a real French manicure.  When I found out about YSL’s French manicure kit, I thought I’d give it a try.  For the price of one manicure session, it was worth a shot.  Plus, I’m a sucker for YSL’s gold packaging.  Even though I’m saving, I feel luxurious.

The kit’s duo pens are surprisingly simple to use.  One draws the white tip; the other is for the sheer polish that goes on top.  The felt head makes it easy to paint a white tip, in a straight line, without making a mess.

I was relieved that there were no guides. Like Luce, I’d rather draw it freehand.  At least I’m honing my artistry skills and controlling my white tip (a major pet peeve), which I like skinny.  There’ve been many times that I’ve asked a manicurist for “thin” and found a fat white strip along my nail tip.

The results of my self-administered manicure weren’t bad.  My nails have that “salon-maintained” appearance that I love.  I feel clever and resourceful and no one’s the wiser.  From an arm’s length away, I think even Luce would approve.

The YSL French manicure kit is available at major department -stores for $42.

By Sabrina Azadi

Sabrina Azadi is a writer, columnist and fashion consultant.  Want a fashion makeover?  Got a fashion question?  Just send an email to PersianOrange@gmail.com.