I only do a French manicure (well, American manicure, to be accurate) every once in a while. I've been using Essie Waltz as my white tip colour for a long time, but I've always wanted to try Marshmallow since that's what everyone else seems to use! And I think they were on to something...
This is 2 coats of Essie Marshmallow on the tips with 2 coats of Essie Vanity Fairest on top:
The same mani a few days later, when I added Essie Big Dipper on top. It adds a haze of fairy dust-type sparkle to the finish:
I definitely prefer Essie Marshmallow to Waltz. It's more opaque, so it only requires two thin swipes of polish on the tips - making them less thick - therefore less prone to chipping and looking silly. Even though its more opaque, it still possesses that more natural translucent quality, rather than a chalky white that belongs with a classic French.
Oh and if you're curious, I did the tips freehand. Believe it or not, my right hand (I'm right-handed) actually looks better. I think its because I'm more conscious and careful when painting with my non-dominant hand. Even though I don't do this kind of mani often, I really like it. I actually think it looks pretty cute! I know a lot of you are bored by this style, so I'll try not to post them too often! :P
What are your fav French/American mani ingredients?
kittytokaren
Wow, beautiful French manicure!
ReplyDeletesoft & fabulous!
ReplyDeleteI think your mani is very delicate and feminine. I will remember these polishes. I never get tired of french tipping my nails and often have to take breaks from solid colours or stamping and just do a subtle tip. The latest french tips I did were with Sally Hansen Hard as Nails; the tips were in Pink Whisper and then I went over it all with Encore (a pinkish glaze with a little opalescent sparkle).
ReplyDeleteCheers!
wow wow wow love this!
ReplyDeleteThat looks really nice on you. I think french manis are very pretty, but I'm awful at painting the tips. I have to use the guides and then it turns into such a process, so I rarely bother. Also, I'm from Long Island, so I'm very sensitive to the "chunky french manicure wearing, Coach bag carrying, gum chewing..." stereotype. I try to stay as far away from it as possible :)
ReplyDelete*Adds Marshmallow to wishlist
ReplyDeleteVery pretty mani, and I like how your tips aren't Tipp-Ex white!
This looks perfect!
ReplyDeleteSo sweet!
ReplyDeleteKisses!
@Aurora - Thank you!
ReplyDelete@LisainFL - Thanks friend! :)
@JQ - I don't know why I don't do it more often..I really like the look. Your combo sounds like a win!!
@OMP - Thank you!!
@Grace - Hahaha omg I just got the greatest image from your description (based on my time at Short Hills Mall.....)...hehe I'm still giggling :) I totally understand your avoidance!
@Shiny! - Love you name! :) And that's exactly why I like Marshmallow - it's not so severe
@ABOP - Thank you!
@Ju R - Aww thanks! Kisses right back at you!
k2k
This is perfect, I love it. And I really really like the top coat on it!
ReplyDeleteNow this is a French tip manicure I could love. I hate the stark white tipped kind. Especially with super square tips. They just look so artifical. Your nails look very clean and natural. I've only done this once. It seems my nails like to break too much to try this. I could do one hand right now. For some reason all the nails on my left hand broke. I'm right handed so it's nuts. Your manicure is just fantastic.
ReplyDeleteI love Marshmallow for french tips, it's my fave as it looks so much softer and more natural. This is a lovely look on your nails, but I must remember to order a new Vanity Fairest, I've run out! Usually I pair my marshmallow with mademoiselle but really want to try this combo now! I have big dipper and love the effect it gives to your french!
ReplyDeleteI love your French manicures! I need to try freehanding my tips sometime. I like OPI Desire for soft white natural-looking tips.
ReplyDelete