A classic French pedicure is the ideal way to keep your toes looking polished all summer long. This timeless look features a natural pink or nude base with crisp white or colored tips, mimicking the ever-popular French manicure style. While you can't go wrong sticking to the tried-and-true standard, there are many fresh interpretations that can transform this pedicure from simple to simply stunning. Let’s explore them now.
Best French Toes Ideas
Classic French Toes
Clean, neat, and healthy is the look you’ll enjoy with the traditional French tip pedicure. It’s got that “your toes, but better” vibe that will make sandals a fearless choice for every summer outfit.
Ombre French Toes
Soften up the transition with a gradient blur and suddenly you’ve got fancy toes. Boomer nails keep the polished look but makes it decidedly more elegant. The tiny stones on the base of the big toes dress it up even more. And no, this isn’t just for grandmas. “Boomer” is just another term for ombre nails.
Rubber Base Gel Polish Collection
Colorful French Toes with a Geometric Design
What is this geometric design? It’s certainly vibrant! These modern-looking French toes would be fantastic for showing off in summertime. The sheer base is a perfect match for the skin tone so the design pops all the more.
If you’re on the lookout for new shades, browse our Summer Colors Collection for the best and brightest hues.
Summer Colors Collection
Contrary to popular belief, you don't need long toenails to rock an elegant French pedicure. In fact, a short and natural French line is more comfortable in summer sandals and peep-toes, but also looks incredibly chic and flattering. When toenails are overly long, they can rub painfully against and are more prone to cracks and chips. Keep yours trimmed for a polished and practical warm-weather look.
When it comes to selecting the right base shade, the options are surprisingly versatile. A sheer pink polish complements fair skin beautifully. Meanwhile, bright pink or coral provides a vibrant pop against bronzed skin and beige can flatter those with deep skin tones. Also, have fun with embellishments because a dash of shimmer can instantly elevate your French toe design.
Glitter Toes
Glitter is magic for manicures, so why not dazzle up your toes, too? Prep the surface with a base coat and be careful to not touch it before gluing on the goodness. When you apply the top coat, use a skinny brush to tuck it next to the stones and shiny bits but don’t brush it over the top of rhinestones because it may dull them. You can and should apply it over glitter.
Rhinestone
Floral Accents
Give yourself vacation toes with flower stickers or hand-painted blooms. Floral accents will not only start conversations but also make you smile when you see them. These happen to be press-on toenails for extra convenience. In a moment, we’ll reveal how you can get a salon-quality look for your French toes.
Nail Stickers
Monochrome Toes
Do you know the story of the original French manicure? The guy who founded Orly invented it as a way for Hollywood actors to have faster costume changes. The look goes with everything, right? Well, it didn’t take long for artists to transform it. Here’s a sample: black and white toes in the French style. What colors might you pick for your pedicure? Do you prefer pastels or high drama contrast?
Reverse French Tips
Put the smile line at the cuticle et voilà, reverse French toes. Imagine how easy this would be if you painted the nails first and then simply glued them on a la press-ons? All you need is soft gel tips for toes (we have them) and the proper tools like base and top coats and adhesive.
Wait—you’ve never tried soft gel toe tips? Well, you’re in for a treat! Lavis soft gel toe tips come in 12 different sizes to fit every nail perfectly. They're incredibly easy to use - just trim them to the desired length. The pre-shaped, matte tips require minimal filing and shaping to save you time. Moreover, you can decorate them before application. These multitasking tips work seamlessly with gel, acrylic, and dip nail systems. Plus, they're durable, breathable, and lightweight enough to look stunningly natural.
To use them, brush on the Protein Bond & Primer, then apply the Soft Gel Tip Adhesive. Position a tip, cure for ten seconds to secure it, then cure all the toes for 30-60 seconds.
Toe Nail Shape LDS Soft Gel
Lavis Gel Base, Diamond Top, Protein Bond & Primer, Soft Gel Tip Adhesive
Milky White Pedi
Let’s be honest, bending over or doing yoga to paint your toes can be challenging. French toes require double the effort. A shortcut like this could save you effort. Let the big toe sport the smile line and the rest can stay a single color. You could add flair with holographic flecks or a marbled effect.
How to Do Flawless French Tips on Toes
What you'll need:
- Base coat
- Sheer nude or pink polish for base color (or mix it up with whatever your heart desires)
- Crisp white polish (or another color for tips)
- Top coat
- Skinny detail brush for the smile line or
- Nail tape or
- A silicone nail stamper
- Or even use your fingertip with the TikTok hack (more on that in a moment)
The steps:
- Apply a base coat and cure it or allow it to fully dry. If you’re using lacquer, it is absolutely essential that each layer is thoroughly dry before adding the next. Use sunshine and a fan to speed things up.
- Paint the toenails with 1-2 coats of your desired base color like sheer pink or nude. Let dry completely.
- For a crisp line, you can use nail tape or hole reinforcement stickers as guides. Pro tip: Hold the brush from the bottle steady between thumb and middle finger while resting your forefinger on the cap.
Or try this TikTok hack - add a generous dollop of white polish to a silicone stamper or even your fingertip, then gently press the nail into it to coat just the tip area. You’ll probably need a skinny brush to neaten things up. - If freehand lining, you can place dots along the smile line as a guide first before filling in.
- Finish with a top coat because it prevents smudging and chipping.
With a little practice and these helpful hacks, you'll be a French pedicure pro in no time!
Conclusion
Whether you opt for a timeless look or a trendier style, we hope you enjoy exploring these French toes ideas. While you’re at it, pamper your tootsies this summer. Treat yourself to an indulgent pedicure using our luxury line of foot care products. Start with a sumptuous softening soak and wrap up with a rich hydrating cream that will leave your soles feeling smooth as gems.