Nail painting can be seen as far back between 5000-3000 bc. In some regions it was considered a style for only men not women. Nail paint was used by warriors during battle. It was believe men who painted their nails black or green were fierce and would strike fear in their enemies insuring they come out triumphantly. Outside of the battle field nail paint colors were seen as a statement of class and rank.
One method of painting nails was to use a mix of egg white, beeswax and gelatin as a nail soak. Natural dies were also applied to the nails.
Cleopatra was one of the first Queens to start wearing red nail paint dyed by henna as a symbol of royalty. No one else would dared to wear red nail paint during her reign for she forbid it.
Eventually nail upkeep was considered more for medical and health reasons than fashion. Short round natural and clean nails were a statement of a life of leisure health and wealth.
Finally in 1917 a company called cutex came up with an easy at home nail polish coming in the shades of red and pinks. It was a hit.
Movie star actresses flocked to it. By mid 1920s wearing gloves was out and showing nails was in. Actresses began fashioning well pointy nails with a Lunar manicure. It consisted of a red center white or natural tips and a unpainted half a moon shaped cuticle. It was a hit from the 20's to 40's. Today it's know as the half moon manicure.
What do you think of the Luna Manicure? Would you rock it even once for fun? I must say it has to be way easier than trying something involving beeswax or henna.
I decided to try the Luna. I was excited and anxious. I had no idea if the lady would know what I was talking about. Naturally she did not. I showed her the old pictures of the actresses and the advertisement but she wasn't sure. So I found three modern pictures online and showed her.
Regardless it was touch and go literally. She had to wipe off the Gel a few times. She was trying her hardest. I realized early on that I would have to be very patient. After all I was asking for a style that for the most part has not been seen for a 100yrs.
These are the results
Now seeing it in color threw me off. So I decided to really go retro and bring out the black and white.
What do you think? Was it a success? I think I will definitely be trying the style again. When my man saw the pictures in black and white he didn't even recognize me. At first he thought I was a movie star actress from the 1930s. To be honest that's exactly how I feel. I feel classy and elegant.
Next time I think I'm going to go with a pink clear coat first then a color in the center leaving the cuticle and tips natural. This might be more like the original style.
So would you dare rock the Luna Manicure too?
Oh and MEN any of you fierce enough to rock the Battle Warrior nail paint?
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