Moon manicure: step-by-step instructions

The moon manicure, sometimes referred to as the reverse French manicure, is a chic and distinctive way to display your nails. By emphasizing the crescent-shaped area at the base of your nails, this nail art technique creates a striking contrast that can be altered with various colors and finishes. It’s the ideal choice for people who wish to infuse their appearance with a dash of style and originality.

It’s not as hard as you might think to master the moon manicure, regardless of your level of experience doing nails. You can get salon-caliber results at home with the correct equipment and a little practice. To achieve a flawless finish, every step is important, from selecting the ideal colors to carefully applying the polish.

We’ll walk you through every step of the process to make your own moon manicure in this guide. We’ll go over every detail, from planning to applying the finishing touches, to make sure you have all the knowledge necessary to design stunning, striking nails. Let’s get this stylish and entertaining nail design started!

Method No. 1

To remove oil-free nail polish, treat the nail plate with a specific degreasing liquid or agent. A single layer of base coat will improve the polish’s "adhesion" to the nail plate.

Starting from the free edge, paint roughly two thirds of the nail with colored polish (we used Essie’s 935, "In the Foyer"). Next, use a standard polish brush to paint the remaining corners to create a hole. After a few more minutes, wait for the coating to dry completely before applying another coat of the same polish.

There is another method to create the "moon" pattern on the nails.

You will need special round stickers-stencils (which you can generally make yourself) or an equivalent item, like a band-aid, to accomplish this.

Which guidelines to adhere to in this situation? Recall the primary actions.

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A moon manicure is a chic and adaptable nail art that uses a contrasting color or clear polish to draw attention to the nail’s lunula, or "moon." This detailed tutorial will show you how to achieve this sophisticated look at home, covering everything from choosing colors and nail prep to polish application and finishing touches. You can elevate any ensemble with a sophisticated moon manicure that you can accomplish with these easy steps.

Method No. 2

After applying a base coat, cover approximately 25% of the nail with a round (or semicircular) stencil applied starting from the base.

Apply the primary varnish shade to the nail plate, leaving the lunula unpainted (the stencil should cover it).

After applying a second coat of the same varnish to the nails, take off the stencil. Should the coating slightly smudge (the primary color varnish will "go" onto the lunula), use an eyeshadow brush or any other flat brush dampened with nail polish remover to make corrections. Prior to doing this, give the color coating a few minutes to "settle"—it shouldn’t be entirely dry, but it also shouldn’t be "fresh."

What other suggestions are there for achieving a "moon" manicure that are worth mentioning? Take inspiration from images on social media! and watch our video tutorial to solidify your understanding.

Transparent lunula

A "Moon" manicure using a transparent lunula (which can be painted with a neutral nude varnish if desired) is straightforward but possibly one of the most unique applications for this type of coating. But in this instance, you can take chances. For instance, create a web-like design on multiple nails or use acrylic powder to create a rose-shaped design to go with them.

Colored lunula

You must perform the following steps to create a manicure that resembles a "moon" with a colored hole rather than a transparent one: apply a base coat, fully coat your nails with the varnish shade you selected for the hole, use a stencil, and then apply a second layer of the primary color varnish over the stencil (this method is relevant, first and foremost, for creating a coating using gel polish). Applying a top coat is the final step in fixing the varnish. The hole may be triangular, for example, or semicircular.

“Moon” manicure with glitter or metallic varnish

You can add some variety to the "moon" manicure in a way that looks familiar to all: by using glitter or a "metallic" shade of varnish. Usually, they draw attention to the hole, but you can also do the opposite: on some nails, make a hole using glitter or "metallic" varnish; on other nails, use that color as your primary accent. Another choice is to leave all of the holes transparent and alternate between varnishes with different textures.

A moon manicure is a time-tested and adaptable nail design that elevates any ensemble. You can make this chic design at home and personalize it with your preferred finishes and colors by following a few easy steps. There are countless creative options available with the moon manicure, whether you go for a striking color contrast or a more understated, organic style.

To guarantee a tidy and polished finish, it’s critical to have the appropriate equipment and to take your time. Always remember to apply thin, even coats of polish after starting with clean, well-prepared nails. This will make your manicure look its best and last longer.

You can become an expert at the moon manicure technique with practice, and you can try out various variations to fit your own style. Enjoy the process and don’t be scared to experiment with different setups and concepts. Ultimately, your nails serve as an ideal medium for showcasing your individuality and inventiveness.

Video on the topic

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