Tutorial: Half Moon Manicure

First off, I have a confession to make. I'm no nail expert, I've never even had a manicure. When I actually paint my nails its usually right before I go out, between sips of gin and tonic with only moments to spare. This method was learned through trail, error and a few stellar tips from my future Mother-in-Law, Lilian. She's true Geordie lady, always perfectly turned out with a standing manicure appointment.

I've always admired half moon manicures but it was only when I was watching Atonement a few weeks ago, where in one scene Emily Tallis lays her perfectly manicured hand on Bryony's shoulder that I really fell in love with them. At first I tried to cover my half moons with stickers usually used for french tips but on my nails they were a little uneven so I tried circular stationary stickers and it worked perfectly. Admittedly its all a little fiddly but if I can turn my hand to it (pun intended) then anyone can.

• Basecoat
• Nail Varnish 
• Circular Stationary Stickers
• Quick Dry 
• Toothpicks 
• Cotton Pads
• Nail Varnish Remover

Until now, I didn't see the point in using a basecoat but its really important here otherwise there will be a distinctive line between the nail and half moon. Start with a quick coat of clear varnish, I used Barry M's "All in one" then once its totally dry stick a sticker over each of your nails. I found the holes in these really useful because I could just line them up with my cuticle.

Once they are all stuck on firmly, with no gaps otherwise the vanish will seep under, paint on two coats of your favourite colour and wait a few minutes. I already had the toothpick to hand for the final stage but I found that they were pretty useful for peeling off the stickers while avoiding any smudges. When all nails are sticker free, paint on a coat of quick dry coating. This was the first of Lilian's tips but after sceptically paying nearly £7 for Save The Nail "45 Second Dry" I am entirely convinced. It does exactly what it says on the bottle and leaves your nails with a super glossy coating, like a 'proper' manicure.

Lilian's second stellar tip is for mini DIY cotton buds made from cotton wool pads and toothpicks. They are perfect for dipping in nail varnish remover and cleaning up any smudges and are so much more accurate than ordinary cotton buds, even the pointed kind. Just put a little NVR on a cotton pad and roll a toothpick on the pad until a little comes away. Smooth it off with your finger and clean off the smudges. Thanks Lillian! x