This Pedicure Is Controversial, But I Wear It Anyway
With that in mind, I'm thrilled that the design is making a comeback. But it's not in the Y2K way you might remember from your teenage years (alongside velour tracksuits and frosted lip gloss). If Instagram is anything to go by, the French pedicure is chic and modern.
What is a French pedicure?
If you're looking for a do-it-all pedicure that goes with everything and works for any occasion, the classic French is versatile. Whether you're heading to the beach, the office or your third wedding of the year, it just works. Whether you love it or hate it, a French pedicure is a classic for a reason: 'It's clean, elegant, and endlessly wearable,' says Juanita Huber-Millet, founder and creative director of Townhouse. 'Traditionally, this look features a soft nude or pink base with a crisp white tip.' Adding, 'It's that timeless contrast that makes it so instantly loved and recognisable.'
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Harriet Westmoreland (@harrietwestmoreland)
It's little wonder, then, that the design is often spotted on some of the world's biggest celebrities at red carpet events. Think Rihanna, Kylie Jenner, and Lily Allen, who are just a few stars frequently photographed with a fresh French pedicure.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Milly Mason (@millymason_)
What are the benefits of a French pedicure?
French pedicures aren't limited to just pink and white; there are endless possibilities to explore with colours and creative designs: 'French pedicures are back but in a unique and modern way,' says Fatima Naveed, senior brand manager at Duck & Dry. 'We're enjoying using fresh new shades and details to breathe new life into the traditional design,' like chrome and pastel tips, and jelly base colors.
Huber-Millet loves that the French pedicure complements every skin tone — and grows out beautifully. 'It's understated luxury that never goes out of style,' she says.
Why is the French pedicure considered controversial?
But not everyone is sold on the French pedicure. It's even a little controversial at times. Why? Naveed explains that the trend essentially emphasises the overgrown tips of toenails, making critics question the look's practicality. 'Personally, though, I think that the key lies in the length as well as the choice of tip and base colour,' she says. 'A milky white or a sheer pink tip will give a more subtle, chic finish than bold white tips.' As for the base shade? 'It's more than just a background colour; it sets the entire tone of the design.'
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Milly Mason (@millymason_)
What does the French pedicure look like in 2025?
If you want to avoid the overgrown look, consider one of the biggest French pedicure trends. Enter: micro tips. 'The micro French pedicure is gaining huge popularity,' says Naveed. 'It consists of a very thin tip along the edge of toenails, which provides a clean and understated look.' The secret to pulling it off is keeping toenails short and well-groomed. This helps enhance the minimalist effect. Naveed's clients also opt for a 'Frombré' effect (French ombré) which blends the nude base and milky white tip shades to lend a subtle, modern take on the look.
Huber-Millet adds that 2025 is seeing a real evolution of the French pedicure: 'It's all about tonal or unexpected colour pairings, and playful accents like chrome, shimmer or deep red shades for a moodier take. It's fresh, flattering and very now.'
Keeping that in mind, scroll on for nine French pedicure trends to try now.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Maša Papovic • Obuke za nokte • Leskovac (@masha_nails.beauty)
Pastel Perfection
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Harriet Westmoreland (@harrietwestmoreland)
When you can't pick one colour, go with all of them. Harriet Westmoreland proves that pastel French tips over a barely-there base are a summer pedicure essential.
Barely Blue
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by 𝐌𝐀𝐆𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐄 • 𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐔𝐂𝐔𝐑𝐄 𝐑𝐔𝐒𝐒𝐄 𝐕𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐅𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐇𝐄 | 𝐋𝐘𝐎𝐍 • (@m.comptoir.beaute)
This unexpected colour pairing of a dusty blue base shade and milky white tips by @m.comptoir.beaute is perfect for lounging around.
Mix & Match
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Paris • Belle Voir • Nail & Beauty Salon (@belle_voir)
A classic French meets street style cool with clashing colours, prints, and glitter to boot? Nail and beauty salon @belle_voir proves that French pedicures never have to be dull.
Golden Hour
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by 𝙽𝙰𝙸𝙻 𝙰𝚁𝚃𝙸𝚂𝚃 - 𝙵𝙾𝚁𝙼𝙰𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽 - 𝙼𝙰𝚁𝚃𝙸𝙽𝙸𝚀𝚄𝙴 (9𝟽𝟸) (@mylenails.s)
Chrome is certain to earn compliments — and it can be subtle. Nail quiet luxury with something like this soft nude base and gilt tips by nail artist @mylenails.s.
Ombré All Day
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Milly Mason (@millymason_)
London-based nail artist Milly Mason uses various shades by @the_gelbottle_inc to create this milky blush Fombrè pedicure.
Make It Micro
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Sydney Nails & Beauty (@beautyspothq)
The square shape, clean lines, and micro tips by Sydney nail and beauty salon @beautyspothq is the freshest take on a '90s French.
Minimal-Meets-Maximal
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by 𝙽𝙰𝙸𝙻 𝙰𝚁𝚃𝙸𝚂𝚃 - 𝙵𝙾𝚁𝙼𝙰𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽 - 𝙼𝙰𝚁𝚃𝙸𝙽𝙸𝚀𝚄𝙴 (9𝟽𝟸) (@mylenails.s)
With a fusion of colours, patterns, and embellishments, this look by nail artist @mylenails.s is a strong case for more is more, especially if you want a truly unique take on the French pedicure.
Mellow Yellow
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Natalia Bulat • Gel Nails • 1:1 Accredited Courses • LONDON (@bombshellnailslondon)
Butter yellow is one of the hottest pedicure colours of the summer, and judging by these chic sunshine tips by Natalia Bulat at Bombshell Nails London, it's not going anywhere.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Post
an hour ago
- New York Post
Taylor Swift recalls Jason Kelce panicking over his beer when meeting the royal family: ‘I knew you were serious'
Hold my beer. Taylor Swift recalled the hilarious moment Jason Kelce found himself in full-blown panic mode over his beer when she asked if he wanted to meet the British royals following her 'Eras' show in London. The 14-time Grammy winner, whose appearance on Travis and Jason Kelce's 'New Heights' podcast sent shockwaves across the internet on Wednesday, told fans about the retired NFL star's royal run-in. Advertisement 6 Taylor Swift recalled the hilarious moment Jason Kelce found himself in full-blown panic mode over his beer when she asked if he wanted to meet the British royals. @New Heights/YouTube As the trio discussed Travis's show-stopping debut on the 'Eras' tour stage last summer at Swift's Wembley show, the 'Blank Space' singer divulged another memorable moment that night. 'Wasn't this the week I got to watch Jason meet the royal family?' Swift asked the Kelce brothers. Advertisement 'He was like, 'What do I do with my beer?'' the Kansas City Chiefs tight end, 35, recalled, laughing at his sibling. 'I watched him have this moment with his beer where he was like, 'But I want to take it, but I know that I probably should not take it,' ' Swift said, gesturing Jason holding his beer. 'I watched this happen, and it kind of was the most amazing [thing].' 6 The 14-time Grammy winner's appearance on Travis and Jason Kelce's 'New Heights' podcast sent shockwaves across the internet on Wednesday. @New Heights/YouTube Advertisement 6 The Kelce brothers met Prince William and his two eldest children, Prince George, 12, and Princess Charlotte, 10. @taylorswift/Instagram The 37-year-old, who retired from the NFL in March 2024, met Prince William and his two eldest children, Prince George, 12, and Princess Charlotte, 10. 'I like that you picked up on it because that was exactly what was going through my head,' Jason said in response to Swift's analysis of the situation. 'Like if I don't have my beer, what do I do with my hand now?' Swift quipped. Advertisement 'Is it disrespectful to have a beer when you meet royalty?' Jason mused. 6 The singer posed for photos with the British royals following her London show at Wembley in June 2024. Prince and Princess of Wales/Instagram 6 The retired NFL star, 37, panicked over what to do with his beer when he realized he would be meeting royalty. Getty Images 'Yeah,' Swift said, 'or is it authentic by having the beer? I would normally have the beer, wouldn't they want me to be myself? I'm watching you say that in your head.' 'It was fantastic,' the 'Fortnight' singer, who announced her 12th studio album, 'The Life of a Showgirl,' during her podcast appearance. Still, it appears the royal meet-up went swimmingly, as Swift and Travis shared selfies with the future king and his children on Instagram, as well as the Prince of Wales himself. 'Thank you @taylorswift for a great evening! #LondonTSTheErastour,' the Prince and Princess of Wales' official Instagram account captioned a photo of Swift taking a selfie with the royal and his two children. Advertisement Swift's photo, meanwhile, included her boyfriend too. 6 The trio discussed Travis's show-stopping debut on the 'Eras' tour stage last summer at Swift's Wembley showfor TAS Rights Management William — who celebrated his 42nd birthday just days prior — grinned in between Swift and the 3-time Super Bowl champ while keeping a hand on both of his kids. 'Happy Bday M8! London shows are off to a splendid start,' Swift captioned her post.
Refinery29
3 hours ago
- Refinery29
The ‘You Look Happier' Trend Is Giving Us Space To Be Messy
Doing the 'right' thing. The wellness thing. Or even the self-betterment thing, is so impressed upon us these days, we can feel guilty when we make the 'wrong' choice for our overall wellbeing. Things like: Texting an ex, getting drunk instead of sitting with tough emotions, flaking on the gym to bed rot, foregoing journaling yet another night. We all do them. It's fun. It's enlivening. It isn't something you want to make a regular occurrence, but being messy is part and parcel of being human. It's time we stopped berating ourselves for it. On Instagram and TikTok we're seeing this play out with playful takes on the 'you look happier when' trend, in which people film themselves smiling with this caption overlaid. Some people have gone about the trend in earnest, finishing the sentence with 'you go to bed on time and cut screen time '. But others have been more tongue in cheek. 'You look happier when you spend a weekend with your ex and don't tell your friends', being a clear example of this. It's unsurprising this is happening midsummer when attitudes typically lean towards prioritising fun over productivity, and when shows like Lena Dunham's Too Much have us hooked — a show about being messy, imperfect, and growing through poor choices. Being messy harnesses growth so we're leaning into it. Is it harmless to embrace our messy selves? Pamela Roberts, therapist at Priory, says there are two types of happiness and that both are important. 'Hedonic happiness is the kind of happiness you get from pleasure and enjoyment,' Roberts says. It's the feeling you get from a delicious meal, a funny movie, or a spontaneous night out with friends. 'This type of happiness is often short-lived and focuses on maximising pleasure and minimising pain. It's about feeling good in the moment. Eudaimonic happiness, on the other hand, is a deeper and more lasting form of happiness. It comes from living a life of purpose, meaning, and personal growth. This is the happiness you get from achieving a long-term goal, helping others, or developing skills. It's not always about feeling good in the moment, it might even require sacrifice or hard work.' Roberts says that allowing yourself to make the 'messy' choice does have some psychological benefits, to a degree. At its best, it can be a 'form of mindfulness', because you're fully present in the moment. It can also be a way to relieve stress and break free from the pressure of always doing the "right" thing. However, doing too much of this can make us pain-adverse, resulting in an inability to tolerate any kind of emotional pain, like boredom, sadness, and guilt. There is a psychological benefit to being flexible and being able to tune into what you need at a particular moment, is the view of psychotherapist Liz Kelly, author of This Book Is Cheaper Than Therapy. That might not be the 'healthiest' choice all of the time. 'It's essential to discern whether you are engaging in a behavior intentionally, because you genuinely want to, or if you are participating in a pattern of numbing out or distraction from difficult feelings,' she says. It might be helpful to think about whether an action is going to lead to more stress or complications down the road. Making sure a messy night doesn't snowball into a messy year Roberts says it's crucial to differentiate between occasional "messiness" and a pattern of self-sabotage. 'The former can be a healthy release, while the latter can be a sign of deeper issues. So, is this mindful messiness and would it be as satisfying? When making a frivolous, messy choice, like seeing an ex, it's important to be mindful and intentional about the actions taken to avoid this snowballing into a bigger issue.' Make sure you show yourself compassion, too — no one is perfect all of the time. She recommends: setting boundaries, reflecting on your motivations, and how you feel afterwards. But also, to have fun. 'A life of constant discipline and self-control can lead to burnout,' she says. 'Treat frivolity as a single occasion, not as a new way of life. The occasional embrace of frivolity can be a healthy expression of an adventurous spirit, if it's not a means of self-sabotage. The image of walking a tightrope is a good analogy here — it's about balancing fun and spontaneity with a clear understanding of your boundaries and goals.'
Hypebeast
4 hours ago
- Hypebeast
Corteiz Teases Upcoming USA Tour and Exclusive Releases
Summary London-based streetwear brandCorteizis bringing its disruptive energy to the US with a highly anticipated tour, set to drop exclusive merch that has fans buzzing. Known for its guerrilla marketing tactics and highly coveted releases, Corteiz is taking its sought-after gear directly to the streets of America. Taking to Instagram to tease his upcoming American tour with a video starringWallo267, telling a story from the perspective of one who is incarcerated. Just before the interaction between Wallo and the audience is cut, he pinpoints cities Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., New York City, and Atlanta, all of which are in Corteiz's next stop. The exclusive merchandise collection is a love letter to American culture touching on its sports, featuring a range of new apparel that reinterprets iconic team aesthetics. Among the standout pieces are football-inspired jerseys and basketball jerseys that play on the classic colors of the Knicks and the Lakers, reimagined with Corteiz's signature style. The tour's limited-edition offerings also include a variety of hoodies and sweats, promising comfort and street-ready style. Adding to the hype, the brand has collaborated withDenim Tears, founded byTremaine Emory, for a special capsule collection. This partnership of two cultural powerhouses is expected to be a major highlight of the tour's drops, further cementing Corteiz's place in the global streetwear scene. Each city on the tour will get a one-day-only pop-up, with exact locations being announced just hours before the event, ensuring that the brand's 'real life only' ethos remains intact. Corteiz's USA tour begins August 15 in LA.
