How To Do A Half-Moon Mani

Think French manicure—but reversed. Learn how to create a smile line high up onto the nail plate by dipping.
PRO TIP: For best results, use a dip tray to create this half-moon and negative space nail art. This technique will allow better control near the cuticle line and will help to achieve cleaner lines.
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Step 1
  • Apply a coat of Step 1 Bond to all fingernails
Step 2
  • Apply a thin coat of Step 2 Base to the entire nail surface, stroking out towards the tip of the nail

PRO TIP: Avoid getting the product onto cuticles, powder will pick up wherever Base if applied

Step 3
  • Quickly dip the nail at a 45-degree angle into the choice of acrylic color powder creating a French tip smile line high up onto the nail plate
Step 4
  • Pour over Base & Finish onto the rest of the wet nail plate before Step 2 Base is dry

PRO TIP: Tap gently to rid of any loose color dipping powder & gently swipe with a fluffy brush

Step 5
  • Apply another thin coat of Base to the entire nail surface

PRO TIP: Avoid getting the product onto cuticles, powder will pick up wherever Base if applied

Step 6
  • Quickly dip the nail at a 45-degree angle into the choice of acrylic color powder creating a French tip smile line high up onto the nail plate
Step 7
  • Pour over Base & Finish onto the rest of the wet nail plate before Step 2 Base is dry
  • Tap gently to rid of any loose color dipping powder & gently swipe with a fluffy brush
Step 8
  • Apply another thin coat of Step 2 Base to the entire nail surface

PRO TIP: Avoid getting the product onto cuticles, powder will pick up wherever Base if applied

Step 9
  • Quickly dip the entire nail surface into Base & Finish Essential Acrylic Powder, sealing all layers of powder
  • Hold finger straight down & use a clean brush to lightly remove excess powder from around the nail plate & nail surface
Step 10
  • Apply a coat of Activator to harden the blend of powder & liquid
  • Allow 3-5 minutes for Activator to dry completely
Step 11
  • Use a our coarse grit buffer to even out the preferred thickness of the nails, then use the 240 grit buffer to smooth the nail surface
  • Apply another coat of Activator and allow 3-4 minutes for Activator to completely dry
Step 12
  • Apply a coat of Sealer in quick thin strokes
  • Allow 3 minutes for nails to dry
Step 13
  • Apply a coat of Sealer in quick thin strokes
  • Allow 3 minutes for nails to dry