22 Inspiring Moon Manicures You Should Definitely Try

Images: Imaxtree

It’s easy to get carried away with nail art. One minute we’re content with a sparkly top coat, the next we want stiletto nails decorated with a sweater effect, rhinestones, little plastic iced lollies, piercings and no less than three holographic nail polishes. When a manicure takes an entire afternoon to do, it becomes too much. It’s time to take a step back and remember that simpler nail art can be just as striking. And moon manicures are the perfect example.

Moon manicures, half-moon manicures, reverse French…the technique has a few different names but the common identifier is that they enhance the lunula, the whitish crescent at the base of the nail, rather than the tips, like in a French manicure. Half-moon manicures are a little bit retro as they recall the nail styles from the 30s yet they seem more modern and fresh than a French manicure. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with combining the two.

As with other nail trends, the runways are broadening our definition of what reverse French manicures can look like. Some adhere to tradition while other looks experiment with different nail polishes, designs and shapes. No matter what nail art idea you choose, the first thing to do is show cuticles some TLC by gently pushing them back and moisturizing them. After that, choose a half-moon manicure and get painting. Flip through the gallery above for 22 moon manicures to inspire you, straight from the catwalk.

[ Next: 21 Easy DIY Nail Art Ideas for Beginners ]

22 Moon Manicures for When You Need a Break from a French Manicure

Light and Dark

The classic look consists of light moons and darker tips but a deep teal polish isn't the expected base color. That being said, it works very well, especially against a neutral accent. Play off the round half-moon by filing nails into a square oval shape.
Show Those Stripes

The two thick horizontal stripes divide up the nail, enhancing the lunula and tip, creating a cool colorblock effect. Start off with a natural nail or use a sheer ivory nail polish for more shine.
Girly Girl

A bright pink nail polish on long talons is pretty, but it's even better with red half-moons.
Multicolored Moons

Have trouble choosing one or two colors from that huge nail polish collection? Mix your favorite pastels and brights with a multicolored half-moon manicure.
Accent Moons

Some throwback half-moon manicures leave the nail crescents unpainted. This one leaves the lunula natural on accent nails. It's anything but traditional with the black base and stripes of yellow on the moon nails.
Bling, Bling

A silver nail polish has plenty of prismatic sparkle, but why stop there? Take it to the next level with multicolored diamantés focused on the moons. It may not be a classic moon manicure, but it definitely enhances the lunulae. Want more shine? Embellish eyes, too.
Go for Glitter

There's no such thing as too much sparkle, especially when it comes to nail polish. Combine a shimmering pink base with glittery red moons. Don't worry about an ultra precise finish. With so much shine, no one is going to be paying attention to the lines.
Golden Touch

Nod to tradition with a white French and half-moon mani, but ditch the soft pink base in favor of a metallic gold one. It makes the white pop and looks very luxe.
Major Metallics

Go for gold...and silver with a two-toned metallic manicure. See this silver manicure with "reverse" gold moons for inspiration. It's not the traditional crescent shape, but it still succeeds in drawing attention to the lunulae.
So Sweet

Pink and white are classic for a French manicure, but there's no need to stick to tradition with moon manicures. For a sweet look, try a pale pink base with baby blue half-moons. It's perfect for spring. Plus, it still works the rest of the year.
The Shape of Things

While experimenting with different nail polish colors, play around with unique shapes. We love these beige crescents contrasted with the red chevron shape. Bonus: The design makes fingers look longer.
Just a Bit

Reverse French manicures don't have to follow the shape of the moons. Combine an outline manicure with a moon manicure by drawing a thin, rounded shape on moons. Contrast it with silver tips. Let's call it a sickle moon manicure.
Black and Blue

Mastered a watercolor manicure? Contrast the swirling design with a slick of black across the lunula. It's a simple addition, but changes the look.
Updated Classic

Ivory half-moons and scarlet red nail polish was one of the favorite styles in decades gone by. Bring the color combination into this century with a prismatic nail polish and shimmering silver moons.
Drip Drop

Worried about getting a crisp half-moon shape? Forget about the traditional design and copy this dripping look.
Flattering Effect

Brighten up oxblood tips with beige half-moons. The key is choosing a neutral nail polish that matches your skin tone. It will help elongate fingers and create a negative space effect.
Round and Around

Orange and black aren't just for Halloween. Select a soft orange nail polish as the base color and finish with a black exaggerated half-moon design. There's nothing spooky about it.
Moon Phases

This manicure may not be scientifically accurate in terms of where the lunulae are on nails. We're not bothered because the mix of different half-moons creates a cool geometric effect, especially with the beige and black color combination. Think of it as a tribute to the moon phases.
Magic Touch

Red and black are usually associated with punk looks, but this striking bottle green and black moon design has plenty of edge. An embellished skull ring and dark lipstick play up the badass feel.
Classic Reversed

Stick with the classic red and beige combination, but reverse the placement so the moon is red and the base is beige. Buck tradition further with a plain accent nail.
Play Around

French tips and a moon manicure are a fail-safe combination. Keep things interesting by tweaking the shape of the moons so they're concave. While experimenting, try gold on the tips, white as the base and a skin tone-enhancing neutral polish on the lunulae.
Rounded Out

Sparkly nail polishes are gorgeous, but we don't blame you for sometimes wanting something extra. That's where a white half-moon manicure comes in. To increase the drama, keep nails long and rounded or wear falsies.