Why we'll all be asking for the 'baby' French manicure made popular by Rosie Huntington-Whiteley
Meet the French manicure for the Noughties
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.
A post shared by Rosie HW (@rosiehw)
A photo posted by on
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.
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
A post shared by Harriet Westmoreland (@harrietwestmoreland)
A photo posted by on
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.
Fiona Embleton is a beauty writer who is now Acting Beauty Editor at Stylist. She is obsessed with Isabel Marant and cats.
-
Amethyst jumper, cosy beanie and Hunter wellies? We can't wait to copy Helen Skelton's perfect 'coffee and a stroll' outfit
Elegant burgundy nails elevated this effortlessly chic look
By Ella Taylor Published
-
This is the exact temperature your thermostat should be this winter, according to heating experts
We've spoken to experts to find out the ideal heating temperature to save money and keep you warm
By Emily Smith Published