ARTICLE/NEWS

THE ORIGINAL FRENCH MANICURE® 2010-02-10

The Original French Manicure

As much a trendsetter as a nail care brand, ORLY also introduced the first-ever iconic nail look. Since the mid-1970’s when it was developed by Jeff Pink, the Original French Manicure has prevailed as the ultimate in nail chic. From day job to dance floor, first date to wedding day, hip to haute couture—French is the ultimate accessory. Jeff created this versatile look to complement the Hollywood star’s entire onset wardrobe. It was then introduced on the runways of Paris where it became an instant classic. The ORLY French manicure collection includes all the essentials for a fast and flawless French.

 

The French Manicure Story

Jeff Pink

ORLY Founder, CEO, President

The idea for the French manicure look came to me while I was starting ORLY back in 1975. Directors wanted a versatile nail style to complement a Hollywood star’s entire onset wardrobe. They were looking for a singular look that would coordinate with the numerous wardrobe changes actresses had to make in one day. Prior to the French Manicure, the manicurists were often changing the polish several times a day to match their onset wardrobe changes. This took up too much time, as you can imagine. Once I started having the movie star stylists paint the nails with white tip and a sheer, the celebrities loved it! I realized the most elegant, universal nail look is a natural nail look. 

 

Jeff's friends in the movie business loved the look he created by painting the tip of the nail with white lacquer and then covering the entire nail with a pretty, sheer shade to create an even shine. Jeff took his look, at the time dubbed "The Natural Nail Look," to the runways of Paris where the models and designers loved this sophisticated nail design. On the plane ride home back to the U.S., Jeff decided to rename his creation the French Manicure in honor of his new friends in Paris. And the rest, as you say, is history.

 

Today, the French Manicure look is as popular as it was back in the 70s. Since it's inception, Orly has created French Manicure kits, French Manicure guides, new sheer shades and even a nail treatment product designed especially for this classic look. Visit www.frenchmanicure.com <http://www.frenchmanicure.com> for the latest looks and application techniques. 

 

French Lessons

 

Follow these simple instructions to create a flawless ORLY French Manicure:

 

1. Apply a basecoat to prime nails. ORLY recommends BONDER rubberized basecoat to grip lacquer to nails.

 

2. Paint the nail tip or free edge with ORLY WHITE TIPS or POINTE BLANCHE bonding white tip lacquer to form a half moon. Pointe Blanche contains a special precision brush for easy application. Let dry.

 

3. Cover entire nail with a sheer coat of ORLY French Manicure nail lacquer.

 

4. To finish, apply MAGNIFIQUE topcoat to seal the nail color. This special French Manicure topcoat contains special optical brighteners that will maintain the vibrance and durability of your French Manicure. 

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