Hello there,
I've just done the first of my manicure assesments for my NVQ and although I passed on my dark polish manicure I failed on my french manicure .

I don't really know why as I've done it before and it's been ok. I usually use just a white for the tips and a clear over the top, but the client wanted a peachy colour over the top and this was really streaky and ended up a bit of a mess.

I used a base coat, Orly white and essentials for the peach. What kind of french manicure range do you range and could you sugest some ideas as to how to apply?

http://www.thenailgeek.com/main/2560...ch-polish.html
HI, click on this link, you'll find some useful answers!
Happy reading!

Hi Candy, Sounds like your College kit is as bad as ours, our French is the pits too. Streaky is an understatement, try as you may you have no chance of getting a good finished result.

I have found two really good ones though, Seche Vite and Nails Inc both give excellent results. It is one of those I will be using for my French assessment.

One tip I have found is to make sure you use the same brand base and top coat. Not too expensive with Seche Vite as mine came in a box with base, white, pink and top coat.

I will probably be told that this is wrong, but it does work for me honest. This is the first bit of advice I have given so I stand corrected if wrong before someone shoots me down

Joan (Newbie Geek)

For a french manicure try not using a base coat it goes on better, but if its for an exam you prob will ahve to

personally i use creative creme puff and essie mademoiselle pink and then a seche vite top coat. thats not to say that you should you will find your way and find what polishes you like with what brushes and the best coverage for you

hth

I agree with Scatty that you will find what works best for you. You have to play a little. I used to be HOPELESS at French and have come along in leaps and bounds. Make sure you use a good quality base and topcoat but personally I like OPI's Alpine Snow for the white. Glides on beautifully. Go into search and type in 'Frightened of French Manicures'. I got loads of useful tips there.

I use Creative Nail Polish now but previously had a french by Salon Systems that you can get from a Sallys shop. I found this french good and the enamel was a lovely lilac shimmer. The white eventually went thick but I would recommend that if you wish to buy from Sallys.

I would now however recommend Creatives Cream Puff and either Negligee, Beau, Romantique or Moonlight and Roses as the enamel colour. I also use Creatives Top Coat Supershiney and their base coats too, Stickey or Toughen Up.

Note you can buy enamels from Creative.

i use essie sugar daddy as a base coat, opi Alpine Snow white and then a seche top coat. i love the colour that sugar daddy gives you its a really natural pinkie colour.

Rach xxx

I've also used the Salon System lilac shimmer - I've got it on my natural nails now and i really like the colours.

Its probably not really for professional use, but ive just bought a white nail varnish from Bourjois which has a special shaped brush and i have found this works really well if you are trying to do a french manicure on yourself!!

thanks alot for all your replys and advice. I'll try the links to find out some hints and tips on doing a french manicure, and then I think its time for a little shopping spree!

All GORGEOUS french alternatives. great heads up LBR