Black on Black
Every time I open up my Tumblr or check my Instagram, I get flooded with pics of whacky and whimsical manicures. Cute, yes. For me? No. This subtle black on black French manicure is making me want to brave the rains and go check to see if the salon on 43rd Street is open during the storm today.
- Paint your nails with your favorite black polish and let dry.
- Use a matte top coat over them, such as Deborah Lippman Flat Top Matte Topcoat for $18 at Nordstrom, or the Essie Matte About You Mattifying Top Coat for $8 at Walgreen’s.
- Using a French Manicure Guide or clear tape, cover your nails leaving the tip exposed for painting.
- Paint the exposed tips with your black polish and let dry.
August 27th, 2011 at 12:58 PM
i wish i had nails long enough to do that!
August 27th, 2011 at 1:45 PM
I never wear polish, but I would do this look. I think it’s chic enough that I might even be able to get away with it at the office.
August 27th, 2011 at 1:58 PM
If it wasn’t pouring outside, I’d be on my way to Walgreens right now. Where has this matte coat been all my life??
August 27th, 2011 at 2:04 PM
I love this. I don’t have long nails, but I bet this would work well with stripes. I’m going to try this as I wait out the hurricane.
August 27th, 2011 at 2:07 PM
Love, love, love this.
August 28th, 2011 at 12:56 PM
Looks so fantastic–will be trying this at the soonest opportunity! Thanks!
August 28th, 2011 at 1:07 PM
i am SO doing this today!! i usually do nude with matte brown on top, but this is something ~special~!
August 28th, 2011 at 1:20 PM
I agree with Calluna Dellamorte- they’ve been hiding this topcoat from us on purpose.
Love it!
August 28th, 2011 at 5:33 PM
ooooooh. stunning!
August 28th, 2011 at 5:42 PM
the only problem with matte coats is that they chip pretty much instantly. I wonder if the glossy tips would help prevent that? gorgeous anyway. trying it this week
August 28th, 2011 at 8:43 PM
Heather – My “day” job is bartending and my nails get destroyed. The only top coat that I’ve found to keep them from chipping is Sally Hensen’s Hard as Nails. It’s not fool-proof, but it definitely makes a difference!
August 29th, 2011 at 10:44 AM
Oooooh! Love this!
August 30th, 2011 at 12:45 PM
This is so simple and gorgeous! It’s a pity that I am missing that girl gene that allows a mani to stay nice for more than 5 minutes. hmmm. I wonder how this would look as a pedi?
September 4th, 2011 at 2:30 PM
Kim Kardashian posted her nails like this over a year ago. Always liked it.
October 3rd, 2011 at 9:29 AM
very classy!