Baby Moons

By Melanie Parker

The half-moon or reverse French manicure is a nail polish trend that continues to gain acceptance going into Fall.

Some glamor girls, such as Dita Von Teese, have been wearing the whites of their nails exposed with a deep vampy red creme. This look goes back to the old Hollywood movie sirens, such as Jean Harlow, in the 1930s and 40s.

Today, Fergie and Gwen Stefani have even been seen wearing their nails painted like this. Dior's Fall 2007 runway show featured both white half-moons and tips.

The technique mocks the lunula, or half moon, at the the nail base. The lunula naturally occurs at the end of the nail that is closest to the cuticle. It is not actually white, but appears that way when seen through the nail. Some people have exposed lunulas and others don't. If you don't, you can paint them on using a French white nail polish as a base.If you want to experiment with this look, French manicure guides or even round smiley stickers can be used to mask off the bottom portion of the nail, then apply 2 coats of a deep, vampy creme polish.