How to Do a Half Moon Manicure-The Vintage Nail Art
Last updated on August 31st, 2024 at 08:13 am
- Essential Tools and Materials for Doing a Half Moon Manicure at Home – The Vintage Nail Art
- A List of Steps For Doing Half Moon Nails in a Vintage Style
- How to Remove Gel Nail Polish Without Damaging Your Nails
- How to Keep Your Nails Healthy With the Active Range From Manucurist
- Brief History of the Nail Polish
- What Nail Polish Colours Were Used in the 1920s, 1930s and the 1940s?
The half-moon manicure is a stunning vintage style that has certainly stood the test of time, from the glamorous flapper era of the 1920s, through to the dazzling and most influential Old Hollywood stars of the 1930s, and the challenging times of the 1940s despite which American women were encouraged to maintain their appearance with the help of makeup to boost morale, to its presence on today’s runways and red carpet events. And the best part is that you don’t have to be a professional nail artist to achieve this classic vintage look.
Mastering how to do the half-moon manicure- the vintage nail art, at home, is surprisingly straightforward. The technique may seem daunting at first, but with a few tips, the right tools, and a little bit of patience, you can achieve it in 30 minutes or less. I managed to get it done in 17 minutes.
Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion, although if you ask me, every day should be a special occasion, or want to add more than a dash of that je ne sais quoi to your vintage style, learning how to do half-moon nails will take your vintage nail art to the next level!
Many French women to-day varnish from the entire base right over the nail. This is not really very becoming. The half moon showing is always rather intriguing. Dip the brush in the varnish and then press against the bottle so that only a portion remains on it; this guards against and excess of varnish, which usually results in a blob on the nail. Make an even sweep with the brush from the half-moon down to within ½ in. from the edge, or where it can bee seen that the nail ceases to adhere to the flesh.
Hanckel, A.E. The Beauty Culture Handbook: A modern textbook of beauty culture and hairdressing. London, 1935
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Essential Tools and Materials for Doing a Half Moon Manicure at Home – The Vintage Nail Art
You can create a flawless half-moon vintage-style manicure using just a few essential tools. All nail products featured in this article were gifted to me by the French brand Manucurist, which I discovered not so long ago, but I fell in love with their Green Flash LED gel nail polish from the first time I used it.
This is no ordinary gel polish, mind you! It’s a plant-based hybrid applied like a classic nail polish and removed with gentle acetone-free nail polish remover. You can “peel it off.” The Green Flash nail polish needs to be dried under an LED lamp, but the process is fast and effortless, the lamp itself is very affordable, and your beautifully manicured nails will thank you!
Green Flash-the first clean gel nail polish that removes like a regular nail polish.
You’ll need two contrasting nail polish colours, although you can get away with just one, and I shall explain why, later, a nail polish remover, a base coat, a top coat, nail guides or reinforcement stickers, scissors, and a nail file.
What do I need to create a half-moon manicure at home?
- One or two nail polish colours for the half-moon and the base. You can leave the lunula crescent without any colour, or paint it with a contrasting one.
- Green Flash Base Coat
- Green Flash Top Coat
- Round reinforcement stickers/ Paper hole reinforcements work great!
- Nail polish remover or Pen Corrector
- Nail file. Manucurist has a great Nail Prep Set that consists of; a professional nail file, an effective emollient, a cuticle pusher and a preparing file.
- Manucurist Travel Lamp is part of the Welcome Kit Green Flash and Green Flash Box, but you can also buy it separately.
These tools and materials will help you achieve a beautiful half-moon manicure in a classic vintage style without the help of a professional nail technician.
A List of Steps For Doing Half Moon Nails in a Vintage Style
Prep Your Nails for The Half-Moon Manicure:
Preparing your nails for half-moon style involves several important steps to ensure a flawless and long-lasting manicure.
- Begin by shaping your nails to the desired length and shape, such as mountain peak, almond or square. You will find that the almond shape was very popular in the 1940s (seen in ubiquitous Revlon ads) whereas the mountain peak/claw shape, although not the most practical, was favoured in the 1920s and 1930s.
- Remove any existing nail polish.
- Next, gently push back your cuticles and trim any excess skin to create a clean canvas for your half-moon design.
- For better adhesion, lightly buff the surface of your nails with a buffer block and cleanse them with a nail cleanser to remove any oils or residues.
Create the Half Moon Manicure With Stickers:
When you opt to do a manicure at home using Manucurist’s brilliant Green Flash nail products, you’ll find that the process is speedy and straightforward, just as easy as counting to 1, 2, 3. It’s essential to remember that for optimal results, it’s best to exclusively use the Green Flash line of products, including the base coat, top coat, and nail polish, without mixing them with other Manucurist ranges or brands.
How to do a half-moon manicure at home?
- To create a half-moon manicure with Green Flash nail products, apply a base coat to protect your natural nails.
Pro tip: Apply one thin layer of base coat and don’t forget to cap the edge of each nail. If you use too much of the product, you will have to double the drying time under the LED lamp.
To cap the nail edge means, to paint the end of the nail for a longer-lasting and chip-free manicure.
2. Cure your nails under the lamp for 60 seconds
The LED lamp pro from Manucurist dries the Green Flash base coat, top, coat and nail polish in a New York minute.
3. Then, pick one or two nail polish colours – one as the base/main, and the other for the half-moon detail, I love a pale shade of pink to fill the half-moon, or leave a clear base coat. If you want to re-create the 1930s or the 1940s look, opt for your favourite shade of red, after all, there are so many to choose from.
4. Place reinforcement stickers at the base of your nail to create the half-moon shape.
Pro tip: Use the 15mm stickers instead of the classic 13mm which, as you can see in the picture, are a bit too small and don’t cover the entire width of my nails.
The shorter the nails the smaller the half-moon should be, but it’s a personal preference.
5. Paint the whole nail with a thin layer of your favourite Green Flash nail polish. There are so many delicious colours that you will be spoiled for choice. I opted for the irresistible Red Cherry to channel my inner Rita Hayworth. Remember to paint the edge of the nail as it will help to extend the life of your manicure.
*Just a reminder, I made sure to take off the stickers before I cured my nails under the LED lamp. The base coat stayed perfect!
6. Dry your nails under the lamp for two minutes.
7. OPTIONAL: Fill the half-moon area with the second colour using a fine nail art brush or toothpick.
8. Finish off with a top coat to seal the design and add shine.
9. Cure the top coat under the lamp.
10. Clean up any mistakes with a small brush dipped in nail polish remover or use the Nail Polish Corrector Pen.
Manucurist-Green Flash Gel Polish Reviews
The Green Flash range stands out for several reasons, such as the remarkably fast drying time of the gel nail polish as well as the base and top coat, thanks to the Manucurist LED lamp (between one and two minutes to cure each layer), ensuring a lasting finish for over a week, when applied correctly. Additionally, one noteworthy advantage is that the nail polish peels off effortlessly without requiring acetone, making the removal process hassle-free and without causing damage to your nails. It’s also vegan, cruelty-free and 12-free.
Have fun experimenting with different colour combinations to create your unique half-moon nails! I like to stick with my favourite colours; red, black and pale pink.
Create the Half Moon Manicure Without Stickers:
- Doing a half-moon manicure without stickers requires a very steady hand and a lot of practice.
- To create a classic 1930s nail style, use a pointed Q-tip or a toothpick wrapped in a small piece of cotton pad to gently remove part of the nail polish with nail polish remover. Focus on exposing the natural lunula shape of your nails or just the tips for an authentic look.
- I have no clue how my grandmother managed to do the perfect half-moon manicure without the help of stickers, and even though I tried her technique on several occasions, the results were less than perfect, which is why I strongly recommend using stickers.
How to Remove Gel Nail Polish Without Damaging Your Nails
I always keep my nails painted, and I mean always. I don’t think anyone, even my husband, has ever seen my unpainted nails. A new coat goes on as soon as the old polish comes off. I used to redo them every three days because the polish would start chipping, and there’s nothing worse than half-peeled polish. Then I found and tried the Manucurist brand. Have I mentioned how obsessed I am with the Green Flash and the Active Ranges?
Those of you who’ve been reading my blog for a while know that when I’m very passionate about a particular makeup or beauty product, I keep going on and on about it. What can I tell you, It’s Beyond My Control!
I’ve been using acetone remover for years, and as a result, my nails are not in great shape which is where the Active range comes to the rescue. Also, Imagine my relief when I discovered that the Green Flash gel polish can be easily removed using a gentle, 97% plant-based polish remover in just four simple steps.
- Get 10 cotton pads and cut them into squares to match the size of your nails.
- Soak each cotton square with the Green Flash acetone-free nail polish remover.
- Place a soaked cotton square on each nail and press down firmly, leaving them on for one minute.
- Use the Manucurist nail clips to secure the cotton squares. After a minute, gently rub from left to right, pulling towards the outer edge of the nail to remove any residue.
And voila, your nails are now ready for a new coat of nail polish, although don’t forget to moisturize first or use the brilliant all-in-one nail care product from the Active range.
How to Keep Your Nails Healthy With the Active Range From Manucurist
To maintain your (half-moon) nails healthy, keep them clean and dry to prevent bacterial or fungal infections. Always use a gentle nail polish remover. Moisturize your nails and cuticles regularly to keep them healthy and hydrated. Trim your nails regularly to prevent them from becoming too long or prone to snagging. It always happens to me which is why I keep my nails short. Consider using a strengthening base coat to protect your nails and promote growth. Finally, ensure a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to support overall nail health and growth.
The Active Range from Manucurist for Keeping Your Nails Healthy and Beautiful
- The Active line is an all-in-one range of multi-purpose polish that merges makeup and nail care.
- Effectively hydrates every nail type and intensifies its lustre.
- Crafted to complement all skin tones, these 5 multi-purpose enhancers do not need a base or top coat and are enriched with potent natural active components. It air-dries in seconds.
The Active Range Consists Of:
- Active Glow Rasberry contains hydrating almond oil, raspberry extracts, and AHAs for restoring, and hardening the nail plate and creating a natural, elegant, subtle rosy glow. I don’t want to play favourites with the Active Glow products but I can’t imagine my manicure kit without it! I kept it on for a week because my nails were in terrible shape, and the results were astounding.
- The nail-nourishing Active Glow Blueberry is in a cooler and more intense shade of pink than the Active Glow Rasberry.
- Active Shine contains hydrating antioxidants from beetroot extracts and is a dream for every lady who loves a little sparkle. I recommend applying two layers for a very intense shimmer.
- Active Smooth is a little miracle worker for people like me, with very uneven, ridged nails as it smooths and repairs the nail plate. Leaves a lovely satin coat in the sweetest shade of beige.
- Active Bright does exactly what the name suggests, it brightens and strengthens the nails leaving them with a natural shine.
One nail-nourishing Manucurist product that should not be overlooked is the Green Oil which consists of 6 different oils that promote nail growth and make wonders to my nail plate. All you need is a tiny drop of oil which you massage on the nails and their contours.
Brief History of the Nail Polish
The gloves are off!
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Before the 1920s, when a lady wouldn’t be caught without gloves, there wasn’t much need or point for having perfectly manicured nails, but women still used polishing powders in various forms to give their nails a shine.
These powders contained fine abrasives that, when buffed, produced a shining effect on the nail plate. Though powder polishes are still used, I’ve never used one, so I’m not going to comment on how good or bad they are, they have largely been replaced by liquid polishes that are painted onto the nails for an instant shine. Early liquid polishes were colourless or pale pink and made from materials such as; waxes, shellac, and gum benzoin, later transitioning to nitrocellulose.
The first liquid wax polishes utilized a solvent to create a protective layer on the nail plate, reducing the need for frequent buffering. Nail polish manufacturers initially relied on industrial lacquers and varnishes sourced from specialized companies. This enabled nail polish businesses to concentrate on bottling and packaging, facilitating the establishment of new brands. ( Read more on cosmeticsandskin.com Nail Polishes/Enamels)
For instance, Revlon began selling opaque nail polish in 1932 and introduced matching lipsticks in 1939, incorporating seasonal colour palettes akin to the fashion industry.
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What Nail Polish Colours Were Used in the 1920s, 1930s and the 1940s?
I’ve had two years to grow claws mother. Jungle Red.
Mary Haines ‘The Women’ 1939
I’ve been painting my nails since my early 20s, and in the beginning, I wouldn’t have considered any colour that wasn’t black. That changed in my 30s when I suddenly swapped to red, and now in my 40s, I’m much more open to experimenting with different colours, as long as they are one of the 100s shades of red. And on the days, when I can’t decide between red and black nail polish, I opt for a subtle pink.
What nail polish colours were popular in the 1920s, 1930s and the 1940s?
In the early days, nitrocellulose nail polishes were limited to clear “Colorless” or pink “Natural” shades. However, by the late 1920s, companies started offering a wider range of colours to complement women’s attire and accessories. How fun! During this period, mother-of-pearl polishes containing fish-scale essence also became popular.
When it came to personalized nail shades, manicurists had the skill to craft unique nail polishes for their clients. They achieved this by mixing powders into the clear polish, creating tailor-made colours. Alternatively, they could first apply colours to the nails and then add a layer of clear polish. I remember experimenting with this technique as a kid. I covered my nails with non-nail glitter powder and then applied clear nail polish on top, resulting in a disastrous effect.
In the 1920s, most nail polishes, except for pearl and metallic types, were predominantly transparent, clear or coloured with dissolved dyes. The application typically covered the nail’s centre while leaving the lunula (half moon) and free edge visible, as it was thought to create the illusion of longer and more elegant fingers. The free edge was often left clear of polish, or colored underneath with nail white to make it stand out. a similar approach was taken with the half-moon. If a woman didn’t have one, a manicurist could easily paint it on.
I read somewhere that in the 1930s and the 1940s, women often left the half-moon and edge of the finger unpolished to make the nail polish last longer. Popular nail polish colours in the 1930s were; coral, rose and ruby.
ROBIN RED & RUST NAIL POLISH
Nail polish colours that were popular in the 1930s.
Ad from Cosmopolitan in August 1936.
I’ve picked out three nail polish shades from the Green Flash collection to create a classy half-moon manicure that perfectly matches any 1930s, 1940s, or 1950s outfit.
The Red Cherry is a quintessential 1940s shade of red that I can’t get enough of.
The Terracotta shade of red reminds me of the Rust nail polish from the 1930s ad above.
The wonderful Coral Reef colour is the closest I’ve ever found to the Coral colour from the 1933 Cutex advertisement. It’s beyond fabulous, but I might be biased since I’m always drawn to orange-red.
Whichever colour you choose for the vintage-style half-moon manicure, it will not go unnoticed.
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