Modern French Manis for Spring | Masterclass Monday

What’s a better indication than the groundhog—or even the Easter bunny—that spring days are ahead? The sudden disappearance of dark, vampy nails. It’s a surefire sign that sunshine and flowers are pushing their way onto the scene. In their place: Light-as-air pastels. And what could be lighter—or cleaner looking—than a French mani? To make it more modern than ever—and springier to boot—we asked Essie artist and celebrity manicurist Michelle Saunders to create a trio of looks that incorporate this season’s prettiest hues to take your nails out of hibernation and into the light.

Spring French Mani Option 1: Moon over Paris (see above)

This clean colorful look only takes one bright, beautiful shade—the half moon mani meets the French tip with negative space in between. With only one polish hue it still delivers a strong pop of color.

Step 1: Hydrate Your Cuticles

And the area around the nail bed, with Apricot Cuticle Oil. Put a drop at the base of each nail and massage it into and around your nails.

Step 2: Clean and Prep

Remove any remaining polish or oil residue with a cotton ball (and polish remover if needed), then prep nails with clear First Base base coat. Allow 1-2 minutes for the base coat to dry.

Step 3: Paint A Moon

Brush on a half moon at the base of your nails with a coral-y peach polish like Resort Fling. Let completely dry.

Step 4: Create a French Tip

Make a French manicure curved tip on all of your nails using the same color.  Simply use the brush to follow along the shape of the top ¼ inch of your nails.

Step 5: Shine and Seal

Use  a top coat like No Chips Ahead. Apply one thin layer over each nail.

Spring French Mani Option 2: Take a Dip (see above)

This sophisticated yet edgy look takes its inspiration from spring break vacas and almost-here beach season. It takes three shades to create one fun, gorgeous look.

Step 1: Hydrate Your Cuticles

And the area around the nail bed, with Apricot Cuticle Oil. Put a drop at the base of each nail and massage it into and around your nails.

Step 2: Clean and Prep

Remove any remaining polish or oil residue with a cotton ball (and polish remover if needed), then prep nails with clear First Base base coat. Allow 1-2 minutes for the base coat to dry.

Step 3: Apply Two Coats of Polish

Apply a pastel, minty green like Mint Candy Apple on all of your nails. Let completely dry.

Step 4: Polish The Tips

Moving from left to right, create French tips by polishing them with a dark sea blue like Go Overboard.

Step 5: Dot Each Nail

Using a toothpick, bobby pin or dotting tool dipped in white polish, apply one dot at the base of each nail. Try Blanc.

Step 5: Shine and Seal

Use a top coat like No Chips Ahead. Apply one thin layer over each nail.

Spring French Mani Option 3: French Tulips (see above)

Ooh la la. What could be more feminine than a mani that combines the softness of a French mani with the sensual shape of spring’s favorite flower?

Step 1: Hydrate Your Cuticles

And the area around the nail bed, with Apricot Cuticle Oil. Put a drop at the base of each nail and massage it into and around your nails.

Step 2: Clean and Prep

Remove any remaining polish or oil residue with a cotton ball (and polish remover if needed), then prep nails with clear First Base base coat. Allow 1-2 minutes for the base coat to dry.

Step 3: Apply The Base Shade

Paint two coats of a pale, sheer pink like Ballet Slippers over all of your nails. Let completely dry.

Step 4: Draw White Arcs

Using a white polish like Blanc, and a toothpick or nail brush, draw three connecting arcs evenly spaced across the nail tip. The fill in the tip. Let dry.

Step 5: Shine and Seal

Use  a top coat like No Chips Ahead. Apply one thin layer over each nail.

**What’s your favorite way to update a French mani? Tell us in the comments below.