Shape the nails and deal with cuticles as with the basic manicure. Then apply a base coat.
Now paint the whole nail with a neutral, pale shade which should match the natural colour of the nail bed. Allow to dry.
Paint the naturally white tip of the nail with an opaque white or beige polish. In traditional French manicures the white strip is straight across the tip of the nail, but curving it to create a natural oval will make the nails look longer.
Complete the process with a coat of clear varnish. This will protect the layers underneath, and also help the manicure to last longer.