How French Women Perfect Their Nails

French beauty, celebrated for its emphasis on natural skin, classic makeup, and an overall minimalist aesthetic, finds a perfect echo in France’s nail care trends. French women prefer their nails to look impeccable yet simple, focusing on perfect shape, healthy cuticles, and a refined color palette. Long nails, acrylics, chipped polish, or bold nail art designs are not commonly seen in France. Instead, the French nail aesthetic is characterized by clean, minimalist elegance. In this blog post, I will guide you through the nail trends French women adore and recommend products to help you achieve this look at home. So, let’s step into French chic, where beauty is in the details and simplicity reigns supreme :).

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1. Dior Crème Abricot
2. Hermès Les Mains Nail Enamel
3. Hermès Les Mains Hand Cream
4. Dior Huile Abricot – Nutritive Serum for Nails and Cuticles
5. Dior Nail Glow – Instant French Manicure Effect
6. Caudalie Vinotherapist Hand & Nail Cream (my favorite hand cream!)

Natural, Short & Rounded

French women prefer their nails to be short, rounded, and classic, avoiding long nails or squared-off edges to keep them as natural looking as possible. Their nail care routine is thorough, starting with a manicure that enhances the nail’s natural shape. After moisturizing their hands with their favorite creams (mine is Caudalie Hand & Nail Cream), nails are prepared for nail polish with a protective base coat, such as Dior Base Vernis. One or two thin coats of polish are applied to achieve the perfect color, followed by a layer of top coat. Cuticle care is also essential for strong and healthy nails. Products like Dior Huile Abricot, infused with apricot kernel oil, can help. I also recommend Dior Crème Abricot, an iconic nail care product since 1963, which I use as an overnight treatment to improve nail resistance.

The Minimalist French Manicure

Despite its misleading name, the French manicure—known for its natural, sheer, or pale pink base and distinct white or off-white tip—actually originated in the 1970s in Hollywood. Created by nail technician Jeff Pink, this style was designed to give Hollywood actresses a versatile nail option that matched any outfit. However, in France, where the style suggests, it’s not as popular among Parisians and French women. They prefer the simplicity and elegance of transparent or nude polishes, such as Chanel Le Vernis 111 Ballerina, Dior Vernis 108 Muguet, or Hermès 01 Rose Porcelaine, over the more noticeable French manicure. This preference aligns with the French minimalist aesthetic, where long acrylic nails are often seen as overly extravagant.

For enthusiasts of the French manicure seeking a touch of this French subtlety, opting for short, naturally rounded nails with a sheer pink base and an almond milk-white tip can offer a more refined take on the classic look. Alternatively, for an even simpler look, a light pink base like Dior Nail Glow can subtly enhance your nails’ natural beauty.

A Shade of Red for Each Season

In France, classic red is the go-to nail color for many women, sidestepping the trend of flashy hues. This red varies from bright crimsons to deep burgundies, always applied with care to ensure a perfect, glossy finish. A coordinated lipstick adds an extra touch of sophistication. My personal preference shifts with the seasons: in spring and summer, I’m drawn to lively pink-reds and orange-reds, while in autumn and winter, I opt for the warmth of deep reds and burgundies, like the Chanel Le Vernis 155 Rouge Noir. Nevertheless, certain shades of red, such as the Chanel Le Vernis 151 Pirate and Dior 999 Rouge, are forever classics, transcending seasons and occasions.