Ok, Gals, you’ve cancelled your regular mani and pedi appointments, but that doesn’t mean you have to look down at neglected, unkept nails.
Gather your nail favorites and facetime your gal pal and let’s get polished!
Step 1: Cleanse nails
Start by removing all the old polish. If you have shellac polish on, soak cotton wool rounds in acetone and place on nail bed and wrap foil around nail and leave for 5-10 minutes. The polish should come off cleanly, if not repeat this process until all of the polish is removed.
Step 2: Shape nails
The best shape is one that suits your nail bed. The most flattering shape is an oval shape as it makes nails look longer, leaner and more feminine. File nails in one direction from side to side using a medium textured nail file which is gentler on your nails, preventing jagged edges and splits.
Step 3: Buff nails
Buffing the nails creates a smooth even surface for your polishes to glide on seamlessly. Don’t buff too much or add too much pressure. Simply rub your buffer lightly along the nail bed a few times back and forth.
Step 4: Cuticle treatment
For a salon perfect looking manicure, it’s important for your cuticles and the surrounding skin area to appear pristine, hydrated and remain intact. That’s why cuticle oil is a miracle worker as it helps nourish and prevent damage to the nail bed and cuticles. If needed, push cuticles back with a cuticle pusher and apply a generous amount of oil on cuticles and let it soak in for a minute or two. Then give hands a gentle wash so they are ready for color.
Step 5: Paint nails (yay! the fun part)
Just like any artist you need a smooth base to paint on your polish. Start with a base coat so that polish adheres to it, then use the three-brush stroke method to apply polish. Start down the centre then apply side-to-side. Finish with a glossy or matte topcoat and voila! You now have salon worthy nails.
Your Tool Kit
Smith & Cult Flaunt-Leroy,$18 USD |
Christian Louboutin Crosta Meteor $30 USD |
OPI My Chihuahua Doesn’t Bite Any More, $10.50 USD |
Eve Lom Moisture Lotion, $105 USD |
OPI Natural Nail Base Coat, $10.50 USD |