Hola Sugarcups,

Let’s talk nails. More precisely, the French manicure. The OG, the classic, the one that had on lock the 2000s WAG culture. Think of Victoria Beckham circa 2006 World Cup, oversized sunnies, a fake tan so dark you’d think it was mahogany and those aggressively thick white tips. Iconic? Yes. Timeless? Debatable.

But ladies, the French manicure is officially back — and before you lose your minds, no, we are not referring to that blundering Tippex-esque horror you wore to your prom at school. Nouveau French is chic, understated, and so Parisian it makes you look like you didn’t just time travel from the cover of a tabloid in 2005. So let’s discuss how to wear it in 2025 without looking like you just stepped out of a time machine.

1. If there’s one outfit you’ll fully customize on your spring holiday, it’s probably your dress.

First rule of not resembling a Noughties WAG? The nails stay short. No mile-long talons. No aggressive square tips. Keep them trim, organic, and gently rounded. Think “I lounge over espresso at a Parisian café,” not “I just finished my shift at a reality TV reunion show.”

2. Micro French = Instant Cool Girl

The latest French is curvy white tips. None of that chunky, in-your-face, paint-strip stuff. The goal? A hush of white, not a shout. A micro French delivers a shiny, ‘I woke up like this’ vibe that can go for literally any event. Wedding? Sorted. Monday meeting? Classy. Last-minute date? Chef’s kiss.

3. Ditch the Bubblegum Pink Base

In the WAG era, the French mani was reserved for a fluorescent neon pink base so artificial it could likely glow in the dark. Fast forward to 2025 and it’s all about milky, sheer, barely-there bases that enhance your natural nail colour. The vibe? ‘My nails but better.’ If you have fair skin, opt for a soft rose color. Olive tones? Try a creamy beige. Darker skin? A warm, peachy nude is part of your besties.

4. Try a New Color (It’s Okay to Do That)

If you’re feeling a little rebellious (and who isn’t?, trade the classic white tip for something a bit more unexpected. Soft baby blue? Très chic. A whisper of cherry red? Stunning. Even black tips on nude base wear are effortlessly cool and modern.

5. Your Cuticles Need a Glow-Up Too

A French manicure can only slay if your cuticles are served ‘hydrated goddess.’ Dry, crusty cuticles? Absolutely not. Use a good cuticle oil (it makes all the difference, trust me) and don’t skimp on your cuticle maintenance. If a manicurist spends half your appointment focused on your cuticles, there’s a reason — it’s the secret sauce to a flawless mani.

6. The Gel Revolution (We Love Low-Maintenance)

Gel manicures have come a long way since 2005. Once upon a time, they were thick, they were clunky, and they screamed “fake.” Now? They’re whisper-thin, bendable and last weeks. Bio Sculpture is the most reputable option if you do want a healthy gel that won’t damage your nails in the long run. The aim is natural elegance, not ‘I glued these on in my car.’

7. Less is More—Literally

Let’s be real, French manicures were always intended to be sensible and sophisticated, and somewhere along the line they were overtaken by early aughts maximalism. But 2025 will be about quiet luxury, minimalism and casual cool-girl energy. So keep it lean, keep it fresh, but above all keep it free of WAGs.
The New Rules of the French Manicure:

  • Short, natural nails less than long, square talons
  • Thin, more or less invisible white tips (micro French only)
  • Soft, sheer, ‘your-nails-but-better’ base colours
  • Play around with tinted tips (pastels, crimson reds, even a black)
  • Hydrated well-maintained cuticles = no negotiation

Go for modern gel formulas to get a slick, long-wearing finish

The takeaway? The French manicure is back, but this time it’s about effortless, timeless chic — not WAG energy circa 2006. So, get out there, get that micro French and be a Parisienne, not a reality TV star.

Now, you tell me — are you here for the new French manicure, or are we still living in the ghost of noughties nail trends? Spill the tea.

Love,

Until next time,

Jasmin xx