Illusion French Nails – How to Do The Trendy Design Like a Pro

This year, we’ve seen an abundance of variations of the classic French manicure – colorful tips, metallic ombre, negative space, reverse French nails, animal prints – the list goes on and on. Brace yourselves, beauty gurus, because there is a new French girl in town, and she’s bound to make your head spin (quite literally). If you haven’t guessed it yet, I’m talking about that one trend that sensationally took over TikTok overnight – the optical illusion French nails (also known as double ombre French nails). When you first glance at them, they look absolutely surreal, like something out of a magic show that shouldn’t exist in the real world, and yet – it’s right there! This unique interpretation of the French tips may look elusive, but is in fact incredibly easy to recreate. If you want to learn how to master the process of making the optical illusion French nails, then keep reading! We’re going to show you exactly how to do it and give you examples of different designs and color combinations you can try once you’ve mastered it!

How to Do Illusion French Nails?

The first thing you’re going to need for this nail design is nail polish in two colors. There is no specific rule that says what colors, in particular, you should be using, however, we suggest that you choose two tones of the same color – a light and a dark shade – for the best illusion effect. Most designs you’re going to see when you look up the trend are done on long natural or acrylic nails, but don’t let that discourage you! This re-imagination of the French tips works just as well on short nails in any shape. Here’s what else you’re going to need:

• a small damp sponge
• mini flat nail art brush or an oblique French tip nail brush
• 99% isopropyl alcohol
• top coat

Take a look at the video below to see all the consecutive steps you need to follow in order to create the optical illusion design.

Now that we’ve laid all the basics down, here are some jaw-dropping designs and color combinations that you can try out!

Milky White Illusion French Nails

As you’ve probably already noticed, milky white nails are the biggest hype at the moment, and people are coming up with all kinds of exciting designs every single day! This interplay of the white nails trend and the optical illusion French nails is super on trend and guaranteed to get the attention of your fellow aspiring beauty influencers!

Nutmeg Double Ombre French Nails

This almond-shaped nail design in shades of brown is a chick and minimalist way to try out this unique trend if you’re not a fan of the bold, electric colors.

Vibrant Purple Hues

Mystical, enchanting, and absolutely mesmerizing – these black and purple double ombre French nails are a proud representative of this ever-emerging trend. Unlike the classic French tips, the curve is done right at the tip of the finger, which helps create a nice, well-balanced design for these long square-shaped nails.

The Unfailing Black and White Combo

This design of the illusion French nails presents a strong contrast between the two opposing black and white colors, and let’s be honest – the results are mind-shattering! If you want to make the most of this trend and put everyone who looks at them in frenzy – this color combination is for you!

Ocean Blue Optical Illusion French Nails Design

Credits: nailedbyliv__

This might just be my favorite color combination for this trend that I’ve seen on the internet so far! It reminds me of blue crystal quartz, labradorite, or the colors of the deep ocean. This enchanting design will put a spell on everyone that takes a glance at it!

Classic Meets Modern in an Electric Color Combination

This design shows a playful combination of the illusion French nails with a classic French tip done in shades of electric green and cobalt blue. These nails will instantly put you in a party mood, just in time for the upcoming music festivals!

Minimalist Khaki Green Illusion Nails

Credits: kaho_honda_

These short square nails in shades of light green and khaki are an absolute must-try for those of you who gravitate more toward earthy tones and still want to try the trend without using the boundaries of your aesthetic comfort zone!

Optical Illusion French Nails with Glitter Accents

Credits: ayumi_nails

This nail art design is an absolute masterpiece that I can stare at for days! The black and white illusion French nails in combination with the glitter and gold foil mixed together create a luminous state-of-the-art design that’s worthy of admiration and adoration.

Matte Shades of Brown

Credits: nailedbyliv__

These matte double ombre nails in shades of brown appear almost rubbery and completely out of this world! Unobtrusive, yet elegant and absolutely breathtaking – this design has it all!