1.Before you begin pampering yourself try lighting a scented candle or turning on some mood music. This should help put you in that relaxing, spa state of mind.
2.Clip and file your nails! You can file your nails into any shape that pleases you- oval, square or my personal favorite- a combination of the two. I file the top of my nails so that the nail file is at a 90 degree angle, or perpendicular to my nail. Then I file the sides of my nail at a 45 degree angle. This makes a square/oval look. File your nails gently in one direction, DO NOT file in a sawing motion- that splits and damages your nails. I have my nails cut fairly short because I use my hands a lot at my job and long nails can be a problem.
3. Apply a cuticle remover and gently push back your cuticles. There are many different cuticle removers out there. Check out your favorite brand of nail polish and see if the have one! I also recommend reading Makeup Alley's reviews! It's a great site with TONS of reviews on pretty much every beauty product out there.
4. Apply a base coat! Many people skip this step but I highly recommend it. Base coats help keep nails strong, keep the polish from chipping and make it so your nails won't be discolored once the polish is removed. There are SO many base coats out there- use one from a brand that you like and that works well for you. I frequently use Sally Hansen Complete Care extra moisturizing 4-in-1 treatment (which can also be used as a top coat) or Sally Hansen Hard as Wraps Powerful Acrylic Gel. Apply a thin layer because if you apply too much it will take forever to dry.
5. Once your base coat dries completely you can apply your nail polish. Do not shake your polish before opening. Instead, gently roll the bottle between your hands for 30 seconds! Shaking it creates those nasty bubbles that we all hate. Apply 3 strokes of polish- one in the middle, one on the right and then one on the left. Multiple thin coats of polish is much better than one thick, goopy coat.
6. Allow the polish to dry then apply your second coat (and third if necessary) the same way we did in step 5!
7. Allow the polish to completely dry before applying a top coat! Your top coat will make your nails look glossy and professional. It also prevents chipping! Let your nails to dry completely again! This could take about 10-15 minutes unless using a quick dry polish.
And there you go! Your perfect DIY manicure!
**I used Rimmel London 60 seconds polish in mintilicious. I love the color- it's almost like a Tiffany blue!**
A few tips...
1. Don't soak your nails in water before applying polish. I read in women's health magazine that "This makes it hard for polish to adhere, which results in chipping."
2. Try to minimize buffing your nails as this thins your nails!
3. For easy clean up on skin around your nails try using a nail clean up pen, q-tips and nail polish remover or putting Vaseline around your nails and cuticles before applying polish. The polish on your skin will easily wipe away when you are finished.
4. Have fun!
Note: I am not a professional in any way (as you can tell!) This is just how I do my nails!
That's it for today! Comment how you do your nails and if you like my method!
Love you all!
Xoxox Becca
