Aging Backwards Tuesday Tips #37: Oui Love French Manicures

A French manicure is a classic, clean look that never goes out of style. It is the preferred manicure for brides because it's very feminine and glamorous. The French manicure has been called, "The ultimate in sophistication," by style experts.

The origin of the French manicure is difficult to trace, but manicures themselves have been around for over 4,000 years. According to the Web site, Longnails.com, the use of fingernail polish can be traced back to China in 3,000 BC, when nail color indicated one's social status. A citation in a Ming Dynasty manuscript pointed out that royal fingernails were painted black and red. The Egyptians also used red nails to denote the highest social class. Some historians claim that the French manicure was invented by famous makeup artist Max Factor for the fashionable ladies of Paris in the 1930s. What is known is that the Los Angeles-based company Orly trademarked the term, "Original French Manicure," in 1978.

Suitable for all occasions, the French manicure's signature pink or beige nails with white tips is easier to achieve at home on natural nails than you might think.

Aging Backwards Tips For French Tips

1) Get a kit. Several companies offer French manicure kits that can range in price from under $4.00 up to $12.00, which is still less than many salon French manicures and the kit is good for more than one manicure. Orly kits are available HERE and Sally Hansen kits are HERE.

2) Pick your tips. There is no hard and fast "rule" about the length of the white tip. You can have long nails with a little white or shorter nails with a lot of white. I personally prefer a ratio of three-quarters pink to one-quarter white tip.

3) Don't forget the prep. It's easy to jump right into polishing the nails, especially when you're in a hurry, but taking a few minutes to file and buff the nails and soften the cuticles with a little oil and push them back with an orange stick can make your French manicure look even more professional.

4) Get help. The Orly Web site offers instructions for beginners, intermediate and advanced or professional French manicures. You'll find such designs as French Wave, Reverse French, Chevron French and Diagonal French on their professional page.

5) Be creative. If you want to try something a little wilder than the traditional pink and white French, why not spice it up with some color? I'm the beauty editor for Clear Channel's Mix 100.7, Nancy & Chris Mornings in Tampa Bay, Florida. Our producer, Rachel, affectionately called Coppertop on the air, had her nails done in funky purple, blue and silver a la French style. Check it out HERE.

Whether you choose the classic French or something jazzier, keeping your nails clean and manicured is always an Aging Backwards tip.