Modern French Manis for Spring | Masterclass Monday | at Makeup.com

Modern French Manis for Spring | Masterclass Monday | at Makeup.com

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What's a better indication than the groundhog-or even the Easter bunny-that spring days are ahead? The sudden disappearance of dark, vampy nails. It's a surefire sign that sunshine and flowers are pushing their way onto the scene. In their place: Light-as-air pastels. And what could be lighter-or cleaner looking-than a French mani? To make it more modern than ever-and springier to boot-we asked Essie artist and celebrity manicurist Michelle Saunders to create a trio of looks that incorporate this season's prettiest hues to take your nails out of hibernation and into the light.

Spring French Mani Option 1: Moon over Paris (see above)

This clean colorful look only takes one bright, beautiful shade-the half moon mani meets the French tip with negative space in between. With only one polish hue it still delivers a strong pop of color.

Step 1: Hydrate Your Cuticles

And the area around the nail bed, with Apricot Cuticle Oil . Put a drop at the base of each nail and massage it into and around your nails.

Step 2: Clean and Prep

Remove any remaining polish or oil residue with a cotton ball (and polish remover if needed), then prep nails with clear base coat. Allow 1-2 minutes for the base coat to dry.

Step 3: Paint A Moon

Brush on a half moon at the base of your nails with a coral-y peach polish like Resort Fling . Let completely dry.

Step 4: Create a French Tip

Make a French manicure curved tip on all of your nails using the same color. Simply use the brush to follow along the shape of the top ¼ inch of your nails.

Step 5: Shine and Seal

Use a top coat like No Chips Ahead . Apply one thin layer over each nail.

Spring French Mani Option 2: Take a Dip (see above)

This sophisticated yet edgy look takes its inspiration from spring break vacas and almost-here beach season. It takes three shades to create one fun, gorgeous look.

Step 1: Hydrate Your Cuticles

And the area around the nail bed, with Apricot Cuticle Oil . Put a drop at the base of each nail and massage it into and around your nails.

Step 2: Clean and Prep

Remove any remaining polish or oil residue with a cotton ball (and polish remover if needed), then prep nails with clear base coat. Allow 1-2 minutes for the base coat to dry.

Step 3: Apply Two Coats of Polish

Apply a pastel, minty green like Mint Candy Apple on all of your nails. Let completely dry.

Step 4: Polish The Tips

Moving from left to right, create French tips by polishing them with a dark sea blue like Go Overboard .

Step 5: Dot Each Nail

Using a toothpick, bobby pin or dotting tool dipped in white polish, apply one dot at the base of each nail. Try .

Step 5: Shine and Seal

Use a top coat like No Chips Ahead . Apply one thin layer over each nail.

Spring French Mani Option 3: French Tulips (see above)

Ooh la la. What could be more feminine than a mani that combines the softness of a French mani with the sensual shape of spring's favorite flower?

Step 1: Hydrate Your Cuticles

And the area around the nail bed, with Apricot Cuticle Oil . Put a drop at the base of each nail and massage it into and around your nails.

Step 2: Clean and Prep

Remove any remaining polish or oil residue with a cotton ball (and polish remover if needed), then prep nails with clear base coat. Allow 1-2 minutes for the base coat to dry.

Step 3: Apply The Base Shade

Paint two coats of a pale, sheer pink like Ballet Slippers over all of your nails. Let completely dry.

Step 4: Draw White Arcs

Using a white polish like , and a toothpick or nail brush, draw three connecting arcs evenly spaced across the nail tip. The fill in the tip. Let dry.

Step 5: Shine and Seal

Use a top coat like No Chips Ahead . Apply one thin layer over each nail.

**What's your favorite way to update a French mani? Tell us in the comments below.

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