At this point, the French manicure has seen just about every kind of twist. While there’s truly no such thing as a bad Frenchie, it’s safe to say that finding a fresh take is taxing. The constant cycle of nail art and trends doesn’t make it any easier. But if there’s one place to search for inspiring looks, it’s Instagram. The platform is a gold mine for imaginative designs and cool manicures. Take creator Jessica White’s cuff French manicures, for example. Essentially a reverse French manicure, her unique design highlights the lunula (the crescent at the nail’s base) instead of the nail’s tip.
The chic nail artist, educator and owner of Blanc Studios in England has perfected this unique take on the reverse French manicure. Admittedly, the style is nothing new, but White’s cuffs give the twist a fresh and seriously sleek look. “Flipping the focus creates a modern, eye-catching look,” she says.
There are lots of different ways to wear a reverse French manicure. However, adhering to White’s method is the best way to keep the look clean. “Using a clear or nude polish as the base is essential to making the colors pop and stand out,” she says. As for the cuffs, the pro recommends opting for shades that either complement or contrast each other. For more inspiration, take a look at the best reverse manicure looks on Instagram right now.
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Tangerine
If you fell in love with the Orange Julius and Aperol spritz nail looks this summer, you’ll likely go head over heels for this manicure. The punchy tangerine color provides the perfect contrast when paired with a nude polish.
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Bejeweled
Rhinestone nail designs are having a major moment. This set takes sparkle to a new level. Instead of an all-over design, it focuses on the natural beauty of a bare nail. The almond shape, for example, gives the manicure a feminine feel, while the colorful stones hug the cuticle like a beautiful necklace.
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Rose gold
A fun way to show off your natural nails is to add sleek metallic elements. These rose gold cuffs are the ultimate luxe accessory and work perfectly with short nails. The key here is to keep your nails as natural as possible. Instead of using a nude polish, paint them with a coat of clear top coat for maximum shine.
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Rainbow colors
Contrast is the name of the game when it comes to the reverse French. To recreate this look, choose a creamy, opaque nail and then add a strip of color at the base of the nail. Be sure to select a few shades that stand out and work well together.
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Golden cuffs
Looking for a sleek manicure to bring in fall? Then look no further than this set with sleek gold cuffs. To create the perfect cuffs, White suggests using a fine brush, like one used for nail art. “This will ensure your lines are clean and precise,” she says.
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Mirror reverse French
For a completely new twist on the classic, give this mirror reverse Frenchie a try. It features the traditional colors but with a unique mirrored design. While you could pair this look with long extensions, a natural length works best to showcase the delicate lines.
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Two-tone reverse French
Who says you have to choose one style or the other? With this two-tone manicure, you can sport a classic French and a reverse style at the same time. Just be sure to select shades that complement each other to give the final look a cohesive feel.
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