Want to nail this fall’s latest trend, and look cuteicle while doing it? You’ve got to try a Half Moon Manicure.
Also known as “The Cuban,” “Moon,” or “Gatsby” manicure, this trend puts a twist on an old classic–the French Manicure–by reversing it. Instead of white tips, the inner half moon shape at the base of your nail is white or left bare. Rumor is the Half Moon was invented in the 1920s by a manicurist for MGM Studios, though I haven’t been able to find out any specifics. Popular in the 1920s, ’30s and ’40s, the Half Moon Manicure has been making a comeback since it appeared on the runway in Thakoon’s 2009 collection. This Fall, expect to see this chic, clean look everywhere; according to Elsa Deslande, the manicurist for the Dior fall couture show,“It is ‘le must’ in terms of elegance.” Well, ok, Elsa. We’ll take your word for it!
Because the technique for a Half Moon manicure can take some trial and error to master, initially, you might want to go to a salon to test-drive this look. If you like it, here are some ideas for making it easier to do yourself, and for taking this trend to the next level:
- Use a “Stencil”:
- Get some 3-Ring Binder Stickers from your local drugstore or office supply store, unpeel the sticker, and place them on the base of your nails. Then paint 1-2 coats on the top part of your nail, and when the polish is dry, remove the sticker, and you’ve got sleek Half Moons. This idea comes from Miss Glamour Girl blog and I love it because these stickers are easy to find, easy to use, and inexpensive–they’re the perfect tool to create a neat, flawless Half Moon.
Love this idea from Fab-YOU-lous Annie for a perfect half moon mani at home.
- Go beyond the standard “French” colors:
- Try using the reverse French Half Moon pattern, but with non-French-Manicure-colors, for a fashion-forward look. Word on the street is that the trendiest nail polish colors this Fall will be dusty rose, khaki brown, and a subtly minty gray–but if you’re not into those shades, pick your favorite and make the Half Moon your own. Take Dita Von Teese–she’s been rocking this look in retro lipstick red:
Ooo la la!
- If you really want a high-fashion look, do a Half Moon + French Manicure:
- Thakoon chose this look for his runway show, and I have to say, it’s not easy to pull off. But, if you want to make a statement with your nails, this might be for you. Here’s how Thakoon did it in black and white–you can see the half moon shape of the base of the model’s nails are white, then she has a black base polish, then white French manicure “tips” on the top of her nail:
Could you say this look is too matchy-matchy since she's also wearing a white blouse with a black collar?
Really enjoyed reading this morning’s entry. It is very cool to to be kept up to date on new trends. I would shy away from the matchy-matchy look, as I was told awhile ago, by my very fashion forward daughter, it was out. I also remember from your July 28th entry the asymmetrical look is in. It should be a fun fall seeing all these new trends.
Thanks for reading, and for your kind words! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the posts!
love that look! I have seen it before on photos but always thought I wouldn’t be able to do it – love that ring sticker tip!
http://adjewelry.blogspot.com/
Thanks Anne! Just checked out your Etsy store and I love your jewelry. Thanks for stopping by!
What a fantastic tip! I can’t believe I was actually going to buy manicure stickers to pull off this look, when I have binder stickers sitting in my drawer doing nothing!
I love the Reverse French nail style; I’m a sucker for 1920s-30s (interwar) fashion, and keep seeing this nail style popping up in pictures from the period. Thanks so much for your post.
Thanks for stopping by, Fran! I know, this is a perfect way to get some use out of those binder stickers. So glad you enjoyed the post, and thanks again for leaving such a lovely comment–it made my night!
Still popular in my mind!! =) This is a classic that never grows old and soooo easy with those stickers.
I have a nail blog and just posted about my retro brown and gold half moon manicure, check it out here;
http://sp4rklingnails.blogspot.com/2011/04/retro-half-moon.html
Hi Julie, thanks for stopping by and leaving a link to your blog–very cool! Hope that others check it out.
Ms. Von Teese is, as always, the epitome of Glamour. The “Gatsby” is such a classy, ladylike look. I think it isn’t a trend; it’s a classic look, that became Au Currant as the french would say. It recalls a time when, women would, painstakingly I would also say, match their lip color to their nail lacquer. When stockings, garters, corseted bodices, and all manner of beautiful underpinnings were selected-before going to a speakeasy and having a wonderful night with your gentleman caller.
Love it! Chic without overdoing it 🙂 here’s my take on a half-moon manicure. It was inspired by Sephora by OPI’s ad.
http://polisheddiaries.blogspot.com/2012/02/inspired-sephora-by-opi.html