Pretty manicured nails can easily be attained at home without spending the time and money at a salon. Some key manicure products and a little bit of time is all that is needed for an at home manicure. Sit down and relax to your favorite movie or favorite television show and enjoy some much needed “me” time.
Manicure Tools needed: Nail polish remover, cotton balls, nail clipper and nail scissors, nail file, bowl, nail brush, cuticle clipper, orange stick, cuticle oil, hand cream, nail strengthener, clear nail polish, color nail polish
At Home Manicure Tips:
1. Start by taking off any remainder nail polish. Use cotton balls and nail polish remover. Nail polish remover can be very damaging to your nails, try to use a nail polish remover that is acetone free. Another option would be to use a salon brand nail polish remover, they work a lot better and remove the polish very easily.
2. The next step is to shape your nails. If your nails are weak or damage it would be better to keep them short. Use a file for this step unless the nails are very short and you need to trim off a lot with scissors or clippers before. Remember to file your nails filing in one direction to prevent damage to your nails.
3. Clean your nails with a nail brush and soak for a couple of minutes to soften your cuticles.
4. Next take an orange stick with a tiny piece of cotton wrapped around it and push back cuticles. If you have hangnails or rugged cuticles, clip them with cuticle scissors. Massage cuticles with cuticle oil and apply hand cream.
5. Use the nail polish remover one more time and remove any oil or lotion that may remain on your nails from the previous step. This will help your nail polish to stay longer and better.
6. Apply a base coat or nail strengthener, depending on what you need. Never forget this step if you enjoy dark polishes, this will help prevent staining. For a simple look, you can stop now.
7. Pick out your favorite color of nail color and apply two light coats.
8. Last but not least, apply a clear nail polish or top coat to help make your at home manicure last longer.
French Manicure: Don’t rush off to the salon if you prefer a French Manicure. Available at any beauty store is a French Manicure kit. Inside the kit will be White and Natural nail colors plus strips that stick to the nails to paint the white on the tips of the nails.
Remember, sit back and relax while your nails dry! For more great ideas on how to relax and enjoy your day.
References:
Kyan Douglas, Beautified: Secrets for women to look great and feel fabulous. Clarkson Potter, New York, 2004.
Chrissy Dolezal - Chrissy Dolezal is a freelance writer and has a passion for makeup, skincare and living a healthy life.
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