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Half Moon Manicure: Hot or Not?

Posted by Cathy | Monday January 10, 2011

Popular in the 1920s, ’30s and ’40s, the Half Moon Manicure is a hot nail trend that resurfaced on the Fall/Winter 2009 RTW catwalks but has been slow to gain mainstream attention. Championed by Ruffian and early adopters Dior and Thakoon, we saw on runways again for Spring 2011 - but this time, it's getting nods beyond the beauty blogger posse.

Dubbed "the Ruffian" for the label's loyalty to the trend (pictured: Ruffian Spring 2010, Fall 2010, Spring 2011)

Thakoon Fall 2009, Dior Fall 2009, Vena Cava Spring 2011

Celeb fans Mya, Dita Von Teese, and Ciara (hand)

What may seem impossible to recreate at home (especially for those among us whose basic technique needs professional intervention), try these simple steps to DIY the Half Moon Mani:

Step 1: Paint your entire nail the colour you want your half-moon to be. For a more understated look, choose a clear base coat instead of bold colour.

*image credit (right): GorgeousGlam

Step 2: Allow the nail to dry completely, then use hole reinforcement stickers and place them on the base of your nails. Recreate the classic Ruffian look as shown, or use french manicure tip guides placed upside down (like a smile) along the cuticle edge to achieve the "lunar landing" version as demonstrated in Ruffian's Fall 2010 look (top).

Step 3: With your other colour, paint only above the sticker. Wait for the polish to dry before removing the sticker.

Step 4: Apply a clear topcoat, if desired.

What's your verdict - is the Half Moon Mani hot or not? A few of our blogger besties predict this might be The Look for 2011.

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20 Comments

	on January 11, 2011 takoda 28,648 said: I never even thought about using reinforcement to do my nail's. What a great tip, I can't wait to try this out.
	on January 10, 2011 jchang212 106 said: LOL complete win on using reinforcements! Now I have another reason to go to Staples :) I think I like the upside down half moon look that Janine got. Will have to try it some time!
	on January 10, 2011 LaurenBlair 128 said: @mumaluv awesome, thanks! I can't get enough of these dark polish shades. Right now dark grey is my favourite.
	on January 10, 2011 mamaluv STAFF said: @LaurenBlair Luckily, short nails are in! You can see on the picture in the DIY section that those nails are shorter but still look nice with the rich colour (in fact, we recently agreed that long gothic nails are too too). Long nails aren't out per se but for once style and practicality are on the same page. That's great news for me since my nails are too weak to grow more than a few millimetres worth of white :P
	on January 10, 2011 LaurenBlair 128 said: I really like this look (especially the Thakoon black and white)! These tips make it super easy to recreate, but I'm not sure I'll try it out on hands anytime soon - all of these nails look pretty long so this paint job might make my fingers look stubby.
	on January 10, 2011 Oendrila 997 said: This is great! I find when I get a french manicure the tips chip so easily - this look is way easier to maintain. Thanks for the tips!
	on January 10, 2011 mamaluv STAFF said: Yeah, this is def one look I'd never try freehand! Sheesh, I can barely manage a single colour and have it turn out properly.
	on January 10, 2011 Becky 13,128 said: I just love this look! I saw it worn around Toronto and couldn't for the life of me figure out how to do it (at home)! But your tips make applying this super easy! :) thank youuu can't wait to go home and try it :)
	on January 10, 2011 dolce_bellissima 4,214 said: I actually LOVE the Thakoon Fall 2009 and Vena Cava Spring 2011!! Neutral tones with dramatic effect.
	on January 10, 2011 mamaluv STAFF said: I love this look in a more understated way, especially as the lunar landing version! As a french manicure (a la Thakoon F/W 2009 or Ruffian S/S 2011), I'm less enthusiastic. Actually, I think I'm over french manicures entirely.