Why we'll all be asking for the 'baby' French manicure made popular by Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

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.