While historians continue to debate the origins of French fries, French toast, and French kissing, the genesis of the French manicure is unambiguous: The timeless two-toned style was created in 1974 by American makeup artist Jeff Pink at the request of a Hollywood producer seeking a finish that would endure his leading lady's many costume changes. For inspiration, Pink looked to the Paris runways, where he observed models rubbing a white pencil beneath their unvarnished nails, and he quickly whipped up a series of polishes to replicate the clean, high-contrast effect. After its '70s and '80s heyday, the French manicure's popularity waned somewhat, but at the fall fashion shows, the look was back, and Pink (now the owner and CEO of Orly) is putting a fresh spin on the classic style he unveiled more than three decades ago.

French Nouveau, a collection of 20 lacquers ($7 each; orlybeauty.com) and treatments ($8.25 each), not only makes it easy to achieve a perfect Parisian finish—it delivers a lush array of colors that go far beyond the typical pale pink and white. Café au Lait, a sheer mocha, Passé, a translucent buff, and Un Peu de Rose, an ultrasheer blush, offer all the versatility the French manicure is known for in modern, nuanced shades. The rosy Mon Amour, the violet Ooh La La, and the champagne Café Glacé provide a much-needed hint of shimmer, while Étoile imparts a sheer glitter finish--the perfect way to amp up the look after dark. Our favorites include Déja-Vu, a warm pale pink shimmer, Sheer Pêche, a vivid peach, and Des Fleurs, a bold, refreshing alternative to the collection's mostly pastel palette.

The line also features Orly's best-selling White Tips polish, along with two new innovations: Point Blanche and Magnifique. Point Blanche, a lacquer and rubberized basecoat in one, comes with a precision brush for easier and cleaner application of French tips (because the brush has half the bristle count of that of a standard lacquer, the product reduces excess polish and the need for correction). Meanwhile, Magnifique, which contains optical brighteners and UV protection, delivers French Nouveau's most compelling stroke--a durable, non-yellowing, quick-drying, and high-shine finish. --Jennifer Riley

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