Introducing the Parisian manicure. So much cooler than its classic ‘french mani’ counterpart, the Parisian manicure is less polish, more glow, and focuses on highlighting the healthy natural tones of your nails. Fresh from Paris Fashion Week, it’s another creation of nail guru Marian Newman and popped up backstage at Mugler, Margiela, Lanvin, Nina Ricci and Dior, to name a few.
So what’s so different about it? For starters it couldn’t be further away from the harsh white tip of a regular French manicure. We’ve all fallen prey to a French-mani gone wrong, you know when the ends of your nails look like they’ve been dipped in Tippex? The Parisian manicure enhances the white of your nail in a far more subtle way using a light-reflecting nail polish and subtly pearlescent shades of ballet pink and beige. A healthy dose of shine makes it the ideal way to style out that miserable ‘month off’ gel manicures when you really need to give your nails a break but don’t want to go completely polish-free.
By Rebecca Hoffnung
Book the lookFAQs
What makes a Parisian manicure different from a French manicure?
A Parisian manicure highlights your natural nail tones instead of adding a harsh white tip. It uses subtle, light-reflecting polish in shades of ballet pink and beige for a fresh, understated look. This style focuses more on a healthy glow and less on heavy polish.
Which nail polish shades are used for a Parisian manicure?
A Parisian manicure uses light-reflecting polish and subtly pearlescent shades of ballet pink and beige. These colours are designed to enhance your nails’ natural tones. The result is a shiny, healthy appearance rather than strong colour contrast.
Can you get a Parisian manicure if you’re taking a break from gels?
Yes, a Parisian manicure is ideal if you need to give your nails a break from gels. It lets you style your nails without completely going polish-free and adds a healthy shine during your month off gels.
Where did the Parisian manicure trend originate?
The Parisian manicure trend comes from Paris Fashion Week and was created by renowned nail artist Marian Newman. It was spotted backstage at shows for luxury brands like Mugler, Margiela, Lanvin, Nina Ricci and Dior.
How does a Parisian manicure make your nails look healthier?
A Parisian manicure uses subtle colour and shine to enhance the natural whites and healthy tones of your nails. The light-reflecting polish and pearlescent shades give your nails a fresh, radiant finish. This style focuses on natural beauty over bold effects.