Cast your minds back to the '90s when the French manicure involved lengthy tapered nails (real or acrylic) that were heavily lacquered with Tippex-like half moons at the tip.
Unsurprisingly, the look soon lost favour with the fashion pack and was relegated to beauty folklore.
Now the French manicure is back but with a fresh new look. The 'baby' French is a wholly modern interpretation - like a French manicure's cooler, low-maintenance baby sister.
Chic and understated, it's designed to look like your natural nails - just a more sparkling, healthy version.
Celebrity fans include Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, who sported the 'baby' on short and softly tapered square nails. Notice, too, how the nude polish is gossamer fine, still allowing her natural nail to peak through.
Harriet Westmoreland, Whitely's manicurist, has posted various iterations on her Instagram. But the overarching theme is, "French but make it as subtle as possible," says Westmoreland.
As well as suiting all nail shapes, another benefit of the baby French is that the natural shade of the base means you can go longer between manicure appointments.
Now that nail salons have re-opened, this is undoubtedly the look to ask your manicurist for.
Westmoreland has been using Spun Out of Dreams or Shade Rose No68, both gel polishes by Bio Sculpture, for the base colour and Evo Polish in Whitney for the white cuticle detail should you wish to recreate the exact look.
Alternatively, for a DIY at-home alternative, Kate Middleton's favourite nail colour Ballet Slippers and a half moon using 1 Blanc, both by Essie, look chic.
For more nail inspo, check out our guide to the 12 Christmas nail designs for the festive season.
-
-
Naomi Campbell announces she is a mother with an adorable photograph of her newborn
Naomi Campbell takes to social media to announce that she is a mother
By Laura Harman •
-
Prince Harry and Oprah challenge cruel language surrounding mental illness in powerful trailer for The Me You Can’t See Me
Prince Harry and Oprah have teamed up to fight mental illness stigma in new Apple TV+ documentary
By Emma Dooney •
-
Dyson Supersonic hair dryer review: does it live up to the hype?
With brains and beauty, the Dyson Supersonic is a true game-changer
By Fiona McKim •
-
The best drugstore mascaras to save money and add impact
Who knew that the best drugstore mascaras could rival the top end of the spectrum?
By Aleesha Badkar •
-
The best hair straightener brushes for sleek, shiny, volumized hair
The best hair straightener brush for you could replace your hair straighteners to become your new go-to for smooth, sleek locks
By Aleesha Badkar •
-
Medium hairstyles—40+ ideas to inspire a new mid-length 'do
Need inspiration for medium hairstyles? Take our handy cheat sheet to your next salon appointment
By Amy Hunt •
-
Celeb-loved brand Kérastase has launched a new range for all curly hair types
The new Kérastase Curl Manifesto range promises to hydrate, define and strengthen curly, very curly and coily hair
By Lucy Abbersteen •
-
Zara make-up is finally here—here's what to shop from the first beauty collection
Zara makeup is officially on sale and these are the products that have caught team woman&home's eyes...
By Rylee Johnston •
-
Puffy eyes: why we get them—plus how to get rid of puffiness fast
What could be causing puffy eyes? We dig into the reasons we all get puffiness and how to fix it it with the right products
By Fiona McKim •
-
Facial cooling globes are the latest skincare tool that promises to revive skin
Ice globes for the face are the newest skincare tool on the scene to firm, brighten and de-puff the skin
By Aleesha Badkar •
