Nail Of The Day 12/10/11: Holiday French Manicure + Mini Tutorial

Today's Nail Of The Day is a holiday inspired manicure. It is red tips over top of a white base. I think this look is really pretty for the holidays and it is super easy, so anyone can do it. 

For this look you will need:

Nail File

Base Coat

White Nail Polish

Paper Reinforcements

Red Nail Polish

Top Coat

Glitter Nail Polish (optional) 

Step 1: Using a nail file, file your nails to your desired length and shape. 

Step 2: Apply a base coat to prevent your nails from stains and to help your nail polish last longer. Allow your base coat to try before going on to step 3. 

Step 3: Once your base coat dries, apply your favorite white nail polish. I used two coats of OPI 'Alpine Snow'. Wait 10-20 minutes for the polish to dry. 

Step 4: Once the white has completely dried, apply paper reinforcements to all of your nails (you can place them closer to the tip of your nail for a thinner stripe, or farther for a thicker one).

Step 5: Once your paper reinforcements are placed where you want them, apply a red nail polish to the part of the nail that is showing. I find that the reinforcements make this type of french manicure easier because you can't really fix it if you mess up without starting the nail over completely, so it is kind of like your guide. 

Step 6: Wait for the red nail polish to get mostly dry and then slowly remove the reinforcements. 

Step 7: Wait for the red polish to dry completely, or apply OPI 'Drip Dry' to make sure your nails are completely dry before applying your top coat so the two colors don't bleed or mix together. 

Step 8: Apply a clear top coat to seal your look and protect your nails from chipping. 

Step 9 (optional): For a little extra glitz, apply any glitter nail polish before you apply your top coat. The glitter can be fine or chunky, but only apply one coat so it doesn't over power, or take away from, the red and white tips. 

This is a really simple way to spice up your nails for the holiday season. I hope you enjoyed this mini tutorial on how to achieve a holiday inspired french manicure.