French Manicures: Hot or Not?

Before all else, a manicure lover dreams of her fashion statement. 

Is yours the French manicure? Depending on who you ask, this pale pink polish with a white tip is either classic or old-fashioned.

If you love the look, you'll be happy to know that it makes nails look longer.

And pale shades are just right for serious moments, like a job interview

Do a Skin Check for Sizzling Color

Will cherry red polish make you look vampire-pale or sizzling hot? The answer is in your skin tone.

For skin with blue undertones, choose pinkish nudes, deep violet, fuchsia, or that cherry red.

For olive or yellow undertones, pick beige or white nudes, chocolates, and corals.

Test new shades on a piece of clear tape stuck to a nail.

Let Nail Shape Flatter Your Hand

Should your nails be short and square or long and pointy? You can play it safe with an oval shape, which flatters most hands.

If you want to soften your look, try a round shape.

Square nails look best on long fingers

Pearly Pinks Look Good Longer

Shimmery or pearly nail polishes may last longer than matte ones.

And a neutral color pale pink or a pretty cream makes nicks and dents less obvious.

To touch up your nails at home, use an extra layer of top coat (instead of any old clear nail polish).

Two thin coats are less likely to chip than one thick layer.

Fake Nails Are an Artful Cover-up

Nail extensions can hide weak, damaged, or broken fingernails.

But you have to go to the salon often to keep them looking good.

And they may damage your real nails even more.

Wet, loose, or chipped acrylic nails can trap moisture and give you an infection.

Go completely fake-free once in a while to keep your nails healthy.

Quick Fix for a Smudge or Chip

A smudge or chip after you've left the salon is maddening. Not to worry.

Dab a little acetone nail polish remover on the trouble spot and smooth it.

When it's dry, fill in the area with matching polish.

Follow this with a new coat of polish on the whole nail and a clear top coat. Allow 10 minutes to dry.

First Aid for Split Nails

Cut paper strips from a tea bag to give a split or cracked nail extra support while it grows out.

Apply a base coat to a clean, dry nail, wet the strips with the same polish, and wrap them around the nail. 

Smooth your work with a manicure stick and seal with another layer of polish.

For severe nail cracks, see your doctor