Half Moon Manicure: what it is and how to do it

The Half Moon Manicure is a variant of the French with an inverted colored bezel placed near the cuticle . Reminiscent of the Ruffian technique , it is elegant and refined, it is extremely modern so as to be exploited on the catwalks all over the world.

In this article we illustrate what the Half Moon Manicure is, explaining its  characteristics and showing you several examples . We also show you  how to do the Half Moon Manicure quickly and easily through photo tutorials .

Half Moon Manicure

Half Moon Nail art

Half Moon Nail art

Half Moon manicure

WHAT IS THE HALF MOON MANICURE

The  Half Moon Manicure , also called Gatsby or Cuban , is a type of nail art that sees the presence of a crescent at the base of the nail, near the cuticle. This crescent can be colored with an enamel or left empty, without color.

It differs from the Ruffian in that the rounded section in this case does not follow the line of the cuticle turn but is inverse to them .

The Half Moon technique generally involves the use of two glazes chosen in different shades and possibly in contrast to emphasize the final effect, making the manicure extremely original.

Rather simple to make, it is widely used during fashion shows all over the world, as it is versatile and easily combined with any type of fashion outfit.

Half moon manicure - pic: @naominailsnyc; @missvioletjune

Half Moon white and gold manicure

Half Moon original manicure

Half moon manicure - pic: @mama_jme

Half moon red and gold manicure

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO THE HALF MOON MANICURE

For the realization of the Half Moon Manicure you need specific but easily available materials:

Here is what is essential:

Transparent base: useful for protecting the natural nail avoiding any color spots.

Two colored glazes: better if one lighter and one darker, for contrast.

Top coat sealant: indicated to increase the duration of the manicure.

Optional but always useful:

Correct - enamel pen: to correct any inaccuracies during production.

Thin nail art brush:  convenient if we want to obtain a precise and clean final result.

Headbands: easily available in stationery, very useful for those with little manual skills or beginners with nail art.

Half Moon manicure

Half moon manicur gray and blue + french - pic: @chroma_nails

HOW DO THE HALF MOON NAIL ART

Making the Half Moon Manicure is quite simple: it does not require special technical skills. Accuracy and discrete dexterity , as well as a hand as firm as possible are essential.

To obtain a perfect result , follow the following simple steps. Before starting, always spread a transparent base to protect the nail.

The first base color is applied to the  entire surface of the nail (e.g. powder pink).

With the second color of enamel  (eg brown) and a thin brush draw a crescent about 3/4 mm wide depending on the length of the nail.

Then continue with the filling of the remaining part of the nail, always using the second color.

Finally, the work is sealed with a top coat .

TUTORIAL HALF MOON MANICURE WITH SALVABUCHI

Those who are not very familiar with brushes , can make it easier by creating the crescent with the use of adhesive savers .

Available in stationery , they must be cut in half and then proceed in reverse with respect to using the brush. Look at this simple photo tutorial , you don't even need explanations to learn how to make the Half Moon manicure with the mouthpieces, it's very easy!

This instead is an alternative that involves adding a colored line that separates the bezel from the rest of the colored nail. A kind of double Half moon manicure.

Half moon nail art tutorial

HOW HALF MOON MANICURE IS BORN

The origins of  Half Moon Manicure   date back to the 1920s .

Exploited by the stars of American cinema, it was immediately considered an excellent compromise to have a manicure that is always accurate and easily adaptable to the numerous changes of clothes provided during the shoot.

In fact, it is believed that it was created by a Metro Goldwyn Mayer Make-Up Artist to make the hands of movie stars elegant and refined.

It was later revived by the queen of burlesque Dita Von Teese who also created her own collection of false nails characterized by this elegant and refined style called Kiss Nails .

The Half Moon technique continues even today to represent the most modern and current nail trends. Chanel , Dior and Ruffian have chosen this manicure to show off on the catwalks all over the world for its versatility and refinement.

It is no coincidence that it is one of the  most loved and exploited nail decorations by celebrities!

Half moon burgundy and glitter manicure - pic: @hasta_lavictoria

Half moon bronze manicure - pic: @ miss.nailed.it

Half Moon manicure nail art ideas

Half Moon manicure with spotted French

HELPFUL HINTS AND TIPS

The Half Moon Manicure lends itself to numerous variations that can unleash our imagination. We can use light, dark, or pastel colors depending on the result we want to obtain.

Half Moon black and white manicure

It is even possible to customize the crescent typical of this manicure: glitter and swarovski or small beads are always very glamorous. For example, a thin gold or silver line can also be superimposed between the edge of the bezel and the rest of the nail bed . In short, green light to creativity!

Half Moon red and white manicure

Half Moon nail art

WHO SUITS THE MOST

The Half Moon Manicure , being very similar to the Ruffian , adapts very well to any shape of nail, whether on natural or reconstructed nail.

Particularly effective on Square, Pipe, Stiletto and Almond, of medium and considerable length, it also lends itself well to short nails . Optically it tends to slender the nail bed , thinning it if it is too wide and therefore making it more harmonious.

Also suitable for not excessively tapered hands which, thanks to this type of manicure , will certainly be more elegant.

In short, the Half Moon Manicure is perfect for all those who want an original but refined look for their hands!

And do you like this variant of the classic French? What do you think?

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