Posted by Tran Khue
on June 09, 2025
French tips have been around since 1975. You can definitely call it a classic look. But artists have been producing new spins on the old theme for decades. Recently, nail enthusiasts have transformed the crisp white tip in unexpected ways with vibrant shades and effects that make it all feel fresh again. French manicures with color line designs are personalized and fun. They’re perfect for anyone who says they’re “over” the basics but still want something polished. Keep scrolling because you’re going to want to try some of these!
French Manicure with Color Line
Soft Color Line French Tips
In case you missed the original tale of how French tips began, here’s a summary. A fellow named Jeff Pink was the CEO of Orly International. Someone in Hollywood reached out with complaints from makeup artists. During filming, it took far too long to repaint the actors’ nails to match outfits. Mr. Pink created a kit called The Natural Look with sheer shades and white polish. You might say this was the original “your nails but better” moment. The idea was to make all the actors’ nails look healthy and freshly manicured in a style that would literally go with everything.
Mr. Pink debuted The Natural Look Nail Kit at fashion week in Paris, then dubbed the style “the French Manicure” (perhaps to make it sound more fashionable). Once Barbra Streisand and Cher popularized the look, the trend began. Even today, you can see French manicures on Victoria Beckham and Beyoncé.
Now, anyone can enjoy colorful variations on the classic look. For example, here’s a pastel version with alternating colors for the smile lines and the tips.
LDS Soft Haze Collection
Abstract Tips
Here’s what happens when you’re feeling whimsical and have several new polish colors to try. Wouldn’t this beautiful set be great for a vacation? Even if you don’t have time off, just looking at your nails would make you smile.
Glazed Lemon Tips
The artist called them “lemon glazed tips”, but they also fit into the buttercup nails trend. The soft yellow color and hint of iridescence doesn’t wander far from the original French manicure concept. However, what if you have cool undertones? Blueberry milk tips would look lovely. Or maybe you could flip the script with a milky white base and baby pink tips?
Softly Sheer Collection
Lavis Gel Polish 146 - Butterfield
Complementary Colors
Whenever complementary colors are involved, compliments aren’t far behind! Here’s a hint of yellow hibiscus blooms on purple tips that serves up spring and summer vibes. Notice that the color line on the French manicure wouldn’t have to be a perfect curve because the petals overlap the base and would disguise little mistakes.
Colorful Nail Cuffs
Remember nail cuffs from a few years back? They are still popular and sometimes labeled as “reverse French”. Their enduring appeal comes from their colorful lines and the fact that they turn the French manicure on its head. If you were to create a double cuff design, what shades would you select?
LAVIS Jelly Gel Polish (J03) - Bare With Me Collection
Double Chrome Tips
Have you ever heard that saying, “Two is one, and one is none”? It’s a prepper axiom referring to the need for at least one backup of every essential supply. If you apply it to a French manicure, you don’t really need double lines to delineate the tips, but it sure looks nice, doesn’t it? Is it an optical illusion, or is the space between the gold chrome edges a little whiter? Was the original a gradient look like Boomer nails or are we seeing through the soft gel tips?
Lavis Emboss Gel - Gold
Half and Half French Manicure
Here’s what happens when you combine colorblocking and French tips. Not only do you get to enjoy periwinkle polish, but you also practice flawless line work. Consider the sheer base – do you suppose the artist applied any color there?
Double Micro French
If you search for “micro Frenchies”, you’ll get cute doggie photos instead of nail art inspo. It turns out this is an actual breed. But if you look for “micro French tips”, you’ll scroll through a plethora of thin and colorful lines decorating French manicures. Although many designs feature short nails like these, there are some jaw-dropping sets on stilettos. Honestly, short nails with micro French tips are a smart choice for anyone growing out their nails. With a structured manicure, the set can be backfilled every few weeks and the tips renewed with different colors.
Dots and Tips
This is like a diet version of skittle nails where you can test drive hot new shades. Be prepared for people wanting second glances.
What would Jeff Pink think about modern French manicures? Would he be pleased with how they are so versatile and easy to personalize? Obviously, the original idea was to blend in, not stand out. Therefore, French manicures with color lines are a definite detour!
Swirls
Do swirls and sideswipe tips count as French manicures? For the purposes of this article, we say they do! These nails are sporting neon red on a sheer base. If you love vibrant colors, take a tour of our LDS Color Craze Collection of neon shades.
LDS Color Craze Gel Nail Polish - 852 Fruit Punch
Green and White Tips with Love
Imagine that you just finished the perfect white smile line. Now go over it again with sage green and leave just the thinnest sliver of white peeking out. Since that was stressful enough, switch gears and paint cute little hearts on the nails to either side. Finish up with solid colors on the remaining fingertips and Instagram it immediately.
This pretty manicure had already achieved over 50,000 likes at the time of writing. It’s from a well-known account, but every nail artist has to start somewhere. One day, it could be your beautiful nail art featured in magazines and on social media.
Conclusion
We’re here to support you in your nail art dreams. This colorful French twist is the kind of fresh idea that keeps your sets feeling current. We hope that soon your French manicure variation will be the one turning heads! Shop our store for the deals you need to make your budget meet your goals.
Sources:
https://www.whowhatwear.com/french-manicure-history
