Half moon vintage nails

"Anyway it's a great conversation piece to say you are wearing the same kind of manicure as Marlene Dietrich wore. I've struck up many a conversation over the years with my nails".

                                                 ~ Dita von Teese

Hello dear readers,

 Today I thought I'd make a post about the wonder that is the vintage manicure or reverse French manicure. I personally love the style for the way it looks, but for girls like me who work with their hands the extra couple of minutes it takes to do, saves plenty of time because your manicure lasts so much longer!

The half moon manicure was a symbol of glamour in the 1930's and 1940's, but the main reason women left a half moon bare was ultimately practical: when they had their nails done in those days the varnish took a long time to apply and dry, so women tried to keep their manicures going for as long as possible, and leaving the half moons meant that regrowth didn't appear so obvious as the weeks went by.

  

 The half moon manicure has been seen in fashion mags and on the catwalk, but most people these days would recognize it as the Dita von Teese manicure.

Dita Von Teese is known for her authentic vintage style, so to finish her look she wears her fingernails in a retro 1930's - 1940's fashion style, which leaves the half moons left unpainted.

The "original" vintage look is with your natural half moon of your nail on the bottom, it's beautiful.

How did I achieve my perfect half-moon nails? You’ll never believe this, but I’ll let you in on my secret. Psst…. you there, come closer: I used circular paper reinforcers. Yes, those rounded stickers that go around the holes for 3 ring binders – and they work a charm. Some people call this technique the reverse french manicure.

Half moon: red-nude

Half moon: red-white

 Done in red with a bare or light pink “moon” is a classic vintage look. For a modern-day take, experiment with other color combinations like black and griege or green and silver.

 I like my nails round/pointed. I think square or squoval look good on other people, but I find that they look chunky on my soft hands.

I think the look is very chic and the possibilities are endless for yummy color combinations. What do you think? Would you do your nails like this?

Lots of love,

Idda van Munster