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    1. Beauty

    You heard it here first: as a nail technician, this classic pedicure trend is the only one I buy into

    These are all of the products you need

    By Tori Crowther
    Published 23 April 2024 In Features

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    french pedicure - Woman's pedicure in the water and sand at the beach - gettyimages 1353071606
    (Image credit: Getty Images / royalty-free)
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    I have always loved a french pedicure. Ever since I was a teenager, I've worn white tips on my toes; even when it was uncool the past decade. So you can imagine how thrilled I am about the return of the french mani/pedi being cool again. This time, there are more variations than ever before. 

    In true Devil Wears Prada: "It's a tough call. They're so different" fashion, despite all of these pedicures looking similar, they all differ slightly. There are 4 main french pedicures that I often see and wear myself: bubblegum (a pink base), clear (as you can expect, a clear base), chrome (a shimmery base) and milk (a white, milky base).

    If you're looking to try something a little different—or return to an old favourite— with your next pedicure, try some white tips in one of these versions. 

    1. Bubblegum french pedi

    A post shared by Harriet Westmoreland

    A photo posted by harrietwestmoreland on

    A post shared by Kelly | Luxury Manicurist Hampshire

    A photo posted by noir__beauty on

    A sheer pink base is the perfect way to get this bubblegum pink french pedi that looks ultra shiny and clean. For this, I love the Dior Glow polish with Seche Vite's fast dry top coat for that gel effect top coat.

    Dior Nail Glow

    Dior Nail Glow
    £25 AT SEPHORA UK

    Seche Vite fast drying top coat

    Seche Vite Fast Drying Top Coat
    £9 AT BOOTS

    2. Clear base french pedi

    A post shared by Beth Watkivs GLÓ Beauty Sussex

    A photo posted by globeautysussex on

    A post shared by 𝐈𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐝𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐲

    A photo posted by isabeldbeauty on

    Sometimes you can't go wrong with the original. Using a clear base with a bright white tip, finished off with a high-shine top coat to create that classic french pedicure look.

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    3. Chrome french pedicure

    A post shared by Glow Studio ✨ Manicure•brwi•wosk

    A photo posted by glow_studio_koszykowa on

    A post shared by L i s a

    A photo posted by nailsbylisabannister on

    Of course, chrome and sparkles are making their way to our toes and I'm here for it. Try a chrome top coat with a gel pedicure or a subtly glittered top coat if you're using nail polish to give a classic a special twist.

    chrome nails

    Manucurist Glazed Effect Powder
    £9 AT MANUCURIST

    Nails Inc Plant Power Nail Polish in Glowing Somewhere

    Nails Inc Plant Power Nail Polish in Glowing Somewhere
    £9 AT LOOKFANTASTIC

    4. Milky french pedi

    A post shared by Céline • Nail Artist 💅🏼 • Dubai Marina 🇦🇪

    A photo posted by cosyongles on

    A post shared by Julie Coates Salon Owner

    A photo posted by thelaneshealthandbeauty on

    To try something a little different, go for a milky base coat instead of a clear or white one. If you struggle to do a french pedicure then try one of the handy kits available, like this Mylee kit that uses a clever clear sponge tool to avoid the painstaking painting required. 

    Marie Claire Newsletter

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    Mylee French Me Kit

    Mylee French Me Kit
    £18.99 AT MYLEE

    Tori Crowther
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    Beauty Contributor

    Tori is a freelance beauty journalist and contributor for Marie Claire. She has written for various titles, including Allure, Glamour, Elle, Refinery29, Brides, and more. Currently training to be a nail tech, Tori is a total nail enthusiast and always has time to talk all things nail art. When she’s not writing about beauty and testing products, Tori can be found walking her rescue dog Pip, drinking great coffee, and eating as many croissants as humanly possible.

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