NTNA week 6 French Manicure Challenge

Oui! Je parle francais tres bien! I was very excited about this challenge as the French Manicure is a technique I use on a very regular basis. I spent a long period of time sketching and researching for this challenge as I wanted to ensure a unique and original design. I look at the French Manicure as an art form of its own, that can be worn with anything. We also know that there are competitions just for Pink & Whites. Knowing these things about the French Manicure, I chose my design very carefully.
I wanted to stick to the core ideals as requested in the challenge. I sketched many designs initially and followed up the final stages of creating the design online, as to ensure I was not copying another artist. I came across a very colorful design called the “Hourglass” nail that had an element similar to my original design. I chose to stick with this idea as the hourglass nail was a popular trend this year, and a French version would work for anyone. I did not copy the design, but I wanted to tweak it into a French Manicure, which covered the lunula like a reverse French, but allowed me to create a “wing tipped” shape at the smile line. I loved the vintage feel, but the design is certainly modern enough to make people notice! I used Gel Lacquer for my natural nail model. I stayed true to the natural pink base with the white free edge, but wanted to add a fine shimmer and barely there color fade for the pink base. Notice zone one is a more pigmented pink then zone three. I created an hourglass shape up to the smile line, and connected the hourglass with the French itself. I added a single pink Swarovski stone instead of clear to add a bit of color and fun!
I believe my “Hourglass French Manicure” is professional and playful, but holds true to the original ideals in which anyone who wears a French Manicure can easily transform her look without worrying about her nails!

I can see a white dog with pink ears over its eyes and the gem is the nose 😬