1Shape nails and deal with cuticles as with the traditional manicure. Then apply the base coat.

2Now paint the whole nail with a neutral, pale shade which should match the natural colour of the nail bed. Leave this to dry.

3Paint the naturally white tip of the nail with an opaque white or beige polish. In tranditional French manicures this white strip is straight across the tip of the nail; however, curving it to follow (or create) a natural oval will make the nails look longer.

4Finish off the nail with a coat of clear varnish. This will protect the layers underneath, helping the manicure to last longer.