There is something so timeless and classic about a French manicure, but many women only get them if they visit a nail salon because they seem too complicated to do at home.
Today, I share my special technique with you. It requires practice and patience, but in the long-run is less complicated than many of the other techniques out there. Some people use a makeup brush dipped in polish remover, others use stickers or tape to create the little white line... I like to hold the brush still and roll my finger to create a natural-looking line. This technique is demonstrated in this week's video, along with some of my other tips to successfully create a French manicure at home.
Please check out this week's video for the full tutorial. If you are unable to see the video above, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or visit my channel (and don't forget to subscribe!) at www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur
A classic French manicure is perfect for this upcoming holiday season, especially if you are on a budget or don't have time to go out and get a professional manicure. I urge you to try one at home!
News
Vicki Archer of the beautiful French Essence blog, has chosen Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic for her Christmas Edit.
Meghan Carver, Lawyer Mom lists Lessons from Madame Chic as one of two perspective-altering books.
This past week I signed more Madame Chic books at Pages, A Bookstore in Manhattan Beach. Thank you to everyone who ordered personalized and signed copies. Santa is coming to your house this year!
Letter of the Week
J. Claire writes:
Dear Jennifer,
Thank you so much for inspiring me to live better. I admit that when I first read some of your ideas, like how to fold towels or arrange flowers, I sort of rolled my eyes and thought about how I was too busy to be bothered by such trivial things. My apartment was a mess, my husband and I ate microwaved dinners in front of the TV, I would run errands in sweats, and I told myself that it was to be expected because I had so many other things to worry about. My husband and I both work long hours during the day and I attend law school in the evenings, so it's not unusual at all for me to leave for work at 7:30 in the morning and return home at 11:00 at night. Thankfully, I kept reading your books and your blog while I was on the subway and the ideas really started to sink in. I realized that I was using my crazy schedule as an excuse to be sloppy, and that the little changes you recommend are easy to implement but make a huge impact on quality of life. I derive so much more pleasure from little daily things, like having candlelight dinner with my husband or freshly folded laundry, now that I do them carefully and thoughtfully. I'm so glad that I finally embraced the message behind your books and your blog and learned that there is no such thing as being too busy to live well.
Thank you!
Dear J.Claire, I love that you started off reluctant and then were open enough to try the techniques. I am so happy to hear that they are enriching your life. Keep up the great work!
Comment of the Week
Ulrike writes:
Hello Jennifer,
I enjoy your piano performances very much, especially because you are not a professional! There is an honesty and courage in publishing a performance that is not absolutely perfect, and it is so inspiring, because it is something we amateurs can relate and aspire to as well. I am 48 years old, and last year I was finally able to fulfill a lifelong dream and start taking piano lessons. My children are ten and twelve, and both started lessons when they were seven years old, so I am just a measly 40 years behind... Playing and learning new songs is giving me so much joy and enriches my life way beyond the obvious. It is never too late to pick up a new skill, and as long as we are realistic in our expectations there is no telling where it will lead us.
Thank you for your books and this blog. Your message is such an important one, and I find it encouraging to see so many people here on this site who also wish to live beautiful and cultured lives and teach our children the value of manners and poise.
Dear Ulrike, I am so happy to hear you are taking piano lessons. Age really never matters with learning the piano and I am happy that at 48, you have decided to challenge yourself. I hope you enjoy the process!
If you try out the French manicure, let me know how it goes! Upload a picture and use the hashtag #MADAMECHIC
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12 comments:
Good Morning! I just wanted to thank you for Polish your Poise. I'm sad it has to go back to the library today, but happy that someone else can get your message. I didn't initially think the book had a lot to offer me, but I enjoyed the other two a lot, so I wanted to give it a try. I enjoy being a comfortable, casual person. However, this weekend our family attended a public Santa event, and I got a deeper understanding of poise- because of the utter lack of it around us. It definitely broadened my perspective on the topic. It's not just in how we carry ourselves. Being a jeans-and-sweater gal doesn't mean I'm not poised, but the fact that I didn't scream at my children (or even hit them, something else we unfortunately witnessed) just might - to say nothing of not showing up in beer-stein pajama pants. Keeping a calm and positive attitude despite a long wait and crazy crowd rubbed off on my children, and I was so proud of their respectful attitudes toward other people and the location. You've given me a lot to think about, so thank you!
HI, Jennifer,
I might be unobservant, but it's a very long time since I spotted a French manicure in our part of the world (Devon, UK). Maybe they're still popular in the USA? Most nails I've seen are wearing dark plummy colours this autumn/winter.
Margaret P
I love a good French Manicure. It's a timeless classic that always looks good. I'm enjoying reading your books and this blog. It's been a great reminder that I can take the time to look good. For me. It makes a difference. Thanks for sharing your message.
Beautiful! I love a French manicure and am definitely going to try this tip. I have been doing at home manicures because I don't have the time to go to a salon and have been amazed by Essie's gel setter top coat. I have been wearing my current polish for 5 days with no chips (amazing since I am a busy, dish washing mom)!
Doing nails at home is the best! Interestingly enough, I haven't seen any French manicures in France--I think it's more of an American thing. They can be considered cheap and vulgar here. I think the key to pulling it off is short, natural nails (never long fake ones!) like you have done here. Still, I hesitate. The trend seems outdated to me. I think a solid neutral color or just a clear polish is more chic.
Yes, while your nails look neat (and I mean 'neat' in the UK way, i.e. tidy) I'm with Kait here. It's a very long time, as I said, since I've seen a French manicure and mainly they were on, shall we say, people you'd not associate with the word "chic"? I won't elaborate but I'm sure you get my meaning. I also think a solid neutral colour or a clear polish is more chic, too.
Margaret P
I always liked a neat French manicure on natural nails but I don't see this look much anymore. I'm bringing it back!
This isn't really French. Most French women stick to natural or red. Short and neat.
Thank you for this video, Jennifer. Today I was nicely dressed and neatly coiffed. I watched your video and then looked down at my nails. They were ripped and jagged! I am so exhausted from all the holiday prep and my children's school activities that I didn't even notice the condition of my nails. Being away from home, I quickly popped into a nail salon. Now I'm ready for my daughters winter show. Once again I have you to thank for my tidy appearance. I received a compliment from a stranger today. And I did go for the "French" nail design. I don't care if it's trendy or not. It's simple and classic. Happy holidays! Warm best, Alexandra
I have all your books and have to say I love them, I learned a lot from them, but on the blog, I must say the Letters of the Week are such a high light too (no offense to you, what you write is great as well!) as they do constantly remind me of stuff I had read but kind of forgot. So please never stop posting them!
I was surprised by this post, and I'd have to agree with other posters that I haven't seen a french manicure in a very long time. Here on the east coast of the US, you're far more likely to see short, neatly buffed natural nails or a dark, wintry polish color. French manicures just aren't at all associated with chic, well-dressed women in this part of the country.
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