How to Do a French Manicure at Home

Paint your nails with a sheer base, then use tape or guides to create clean white tips.

The secret is in the base color - most people go too pink when a barely-there nude looks infinitely more expensive.

1. Prep your nails. Push back cuticles and file nails into a rounded or square shape. Clean off any oils with rubbing alcohol so polish adheres properly.
2. Apply the base. Use a sheer pink or nude polish as your base coat. Two thin coats work better than one thick one. Let each coat dry completely.
3. Create the white tips. Place tape or nail guides just above your nail's natural white edge. Paint the tips with white polish in smooth strokes from one side to the other.
4. Remove guides and seal. Peel off tape while polish is slightly wet to avoid chipping. Apply a clear top coat over the entire nail to blend the edge and add shine.