We always have the staples. If we’re going out out, it’s an LBD. Looking for a pair of heels? Killa nude courts, duh. When it comes to nails, it’s obvs the French Manicure. We called the man behind the mani to get the 411 on the failsafe nail trend.

Summer only means one thing; a golden tan, salt-infused hair and a fresh mani, of course! But with nail trends at an all-time high, it can be hard to make a decision when it comes to which colour to rock all summer long. But one option that never seems to fall by the wayside is yes; you guessed it, The French Manicure. This staple mani has been around since 1976 and is showing no signs of slowing down. We sat down with the man behind the mani, Jeff Pink, to talk all things nail related.

GOSS WITH THE BOSS: JEFF PINK

Question: Tell me about your discovery of the French manicure?

Answer:

There’s an expression, necessity is the mother of invention. I was approached by a Hollywood Studio and they wanted me to develop a color that looks good with every costume the actress would wear. At the time, there was no quick dry, or UV/LED drying and actresses were spending more time waiting for polish to dry then on the set. I experimented with various colors and remembered that women used a white pencil under the nail for a clean crisp look.  I thought, what if I put the white on the nail, and coupled that with a light bare pink.  The result was a very polished looking natural nail.  The studios loved it and I called it the Natural Nail Look.  I then introduced the Natural Nail Look to the runway shows in Paris.

During my flight back I was thinking, the Natural Nail Look was more of a description, but I wanted a name that had more snap to it. I then decided to call it The French Manicure.

Question: What inspired you to create something revolutionary in the beauty world?

Answer:

At the time, I didn’t know it was going to be revolutionary.  I was in the beauty supply business and, as I do today, I listen to my customers… trying to satisfy their needs for the best products.  That philosophy is alive and well at ORLY today. Innovation comes from answering the demands of the market and thinking out-of-the-box.

Question: When did you invent it?

Answer:

The French Manicure was introduced in 1976.

Question: Why do you think it’s been so influential in the beauty world?

Answer:

It’s a classic look that works beautifully on every woman. Just as it created versatility in styling in Hollywood, The French Manicure is ideal for the professional woman at work, or as the ultimate accessory for an evening on the town.

Question: What are some of your career highlights?

Answer:

Without doubt, The French Manicure.  I’m very proud of the portfolio of natural nail treatments we’ve developed. The introduction of the Griper Cap also had a big influence on the nail industry.  Responding to the needs of the nail technician has always been paramount to me. Nail technicians were looking for an easier way to apply, and especially open, the product.  After months of research and three years of development in Italy, ORLY introduced the award-winning and patented Gripper Cap in 2002.  The rubberized exterior, combined with easy-to-grip design on the cap, makes the bottle simple to open and allows for a more controlled application of lacquer, resulting in a more professional looking manicure

Question: You have seen tremendous change in the beauty industry so far, how do you see the French Manicure developing in the future?

Answer:

The sky is the limit! I’ve seen variations of The French Manicure in so many different colors, textures, matte and gloss…a reverse French manicure.  I’m always amazed by the creativity I see from nail technicians.

Question: What are your top tips for keeping nails in good condition?

Answer:

First, file correctly. Don’t file aggressively in a back and forth motion. This could damage the nails. File gently and in one direction. Second, don’t over soak. And lastly, do not over trim cuticles. Cuticles are there for a purpose: to protect your nails. And always use a cuticle oil/cream daily.

Question: Any new launches to share?

Answer:

I’m thrilled with the launch of ORLY Breathable Treatment + Color. It’s the perfect one-step for strong healthy nails. It’s the nail polish that breathes allowing oxygen and hydration to reach the nail, while also allowing excess moisture to escape. This allows for longer lasting manicures. It’s also infused with Argan Oil to moisturize, antioxidant protecting Vitamin C and Pro Vitamin B5 to support the structure of the nail.

We just launched 3 new shades in our award-winning BB Crème. It’s the ideal product to perfect the look of the natural nail and now we have a shade to compliment various skin tones.