Someone has to know :)

[allycat0303]

Hey Ladies,

Alright, afer countless store and internet searches (not to mention a lot of money wasted) I''m going to put the question out to the LIW.

I love french manicures (it''s the only nail polish I''m willing to do).

Unfortunately, I think the white tips are always "too bright". Now I know more discreet exists cause I''ve seen it on other girls, but I''ve never ventured to ask them "what nail polish do you use."

I searched the internet and found someone that said Revlon''s white on white was a nice off white. So I descended on stores near my house only to discover they don''t sell it.

So ladies, I''m using the Sally Hansen french manicure kit (and always looking at those flourescent white tips"

I''ve tried to find a more pink top coat (they always look nice in the store and end up totally sheer)

And finding a less flourescent white (the bottle looks pearl but once you take it home, it''s sheer wite.)

Anyone have suggestions?

 

[larussel03]

when you get a manicure, you can ask for an "american" french manicure, where they''ll use a more pearl colored polish for the white, and a more peachy color for the top coat. This keeps the white from being stark white.

 

[allycat0303]

Sweet Pea: Oh more evidence that it exists. Unfortunately I never have a professional manicure. Although you wouldn''t happen to know the brand/ color of the more pearl color? That''s the elusive creature I''m looking for

 

[Lorelei]

Ally I suppose you have tried painting over the tips with the pink or beige polish? I find this neutralises the white tips well, yet you can still see them. I have heard Sally Hansen have bought out a french tip pen, I hope I can get it here, it will save a lot of fiddling about. Anyone tried it yet?

 

[lilyinct]

Take a look at the Essie line- they have a ton of creamish colors which look great as a french manicure.

 

[Mara]

I agree, Essie has tons of colors. Also OPI has alot of sheerish colors too.

I use an Essie white to do my french with a variety of sheer pinks. You can get both brands at pretty much any beatuy supply store.

One other thing you can do is put two coats of a sheer pink on if you have a stark white bottom. That definitely gives it a non-white look.

 

[MissAva]

Manicure Magic it has a bright white and a more eggshelly type color. I love using that one becuase it is not so glaring and then the pale pink over it for a more subtle look or the sheer redish color for a brighter look. Very easy to use with the polish in the pens.

I like Opi Bubble Bath as well for that cream like color.

 

[Giada]

I read an article a while back in Town & Country describing the "Perfect French Manicure"..that being subtle.

One coat of "Allure" all over the nail, apply "Waltz" to the tips (which is a soft beige/white), then top all with one coat of "Fed Up" all over.

It is really beautiful and not too "liquid paper" white.

 

[fisherofmengirly]

Wet and Wild used to have a color called something like Opal pearl, and it''s got a tinge of iridescence in it, but it''s a lovely off white and I use it quite often for french manicures, along with the beige/pinkish color from the Hansen manicure set. I don''t like the white/white, either, but putting a couple of coats of the topcoat over the nail kills off some of the glare. I don''t think Wet and Wild makes the color anymore though. I''ve not seen it in over a year.

Since the topic''s out there; how do you all do the hand you write with? I can paint nails, but the tips are SO hard to get right on my left hand, which I write with. Anyone else have this issue? Any ideas? I''d LOVE to have pretty fingernails right now!!

 

[Fancy605]

Date: 11/14/2005 8:19:36 AM
Author: *~Sweetpea~*
when you get a manicure, you can ask for an ''american'' french manicure, where they''ll use a more pearl colored polish for the white, and a more peachy color for the top coat. This keeps the white from being stark white.

I love American French Manicures.

I am like you, Allycat. I don''t use any color on my nails--only clear or close to it!

You could always go to a salon and have them done once and pay careful attention to what products/colors they use. Then you could buy them from a store and copy the look at home.

 

[Cind11]

I''d like to know how you do your writing hand too-actually BOTH hands. I have tried doing my own French manicure, but it just ends up looking bad. I love the look but don''t want to pay for it regularly.

 

[pea]

Date: 8/14/2006 10:53:11 PM
Author: Cind11
I''d like to know how you do your writing hand too-actually BOTH hands. I have tried doing my own French manicure, but it just ends up looking bad. I love the look but don''t want to pay for it regularly.

Do you use those sticker thingies? They''re a huge help for getting the tips all nice looking.

 

[Mara]

Date: 8/14/2006 10:53:11 PM
Author: Cind11
I''d like to know how you do your writing hand too-actually BOTH hands. I have tried doing my own French manicure, but it just ends up looking bad. I love the look but don''t want to pay for it regularly.

Practice...!! I have gotten pretty good at doing my own hands, but it has taken many many tries and sometimes I have to clean off a nail and start from scratch, a few times!

 

[jsc44]

Get a professional manicure and ask them to use "marshmallow" by essie instead of nude over the white tips and on the whole nail. it looks amazing. trust me