Friday, February 19, 2016

Simple Manicure

Once upon a time I hated nail polish - and the reason for that was because my nails were U-G-L-Y
I would bite them to the point where I had no nail tip. It was pretty gross, but two years ago I conquered my habit and now I LOVE NAIL POLISH. I have a passion for taking the time to do my own manicure.

With that being said - I thought I would share a few EASY STEPS to achieve a simple at home manicure (you can click here and watch the video).

First I find an item – usually a bowl or cup – anything that can hold lukewarm or hot water. I then proceed to fill it up with water at a temperature that I consider reasonable (USE WITH CAUTION). I let my fingertips soak -usually one hand at a time, for 5 to 10 minutes. When I see/feel that my cuticles are soft I proceed to "prepping the nail".

I select a finger and using a cuticle tool (wooden or metal) I take the tip of the tool and push the cuticle back (repeat on each finger and hand, of course always use caution). This step is optional - I personally prefer pushed back cuticles because it gives the manicure a cleaner look. Also if you don't have time to soak your hands it's better if you skip this step.

Fun fact: did you know that it's actually illegal in some states for nail techs to snip the cuticle during a service? 

Once I have soaked my hands and pushed my cuticles back - I give my nail a bit of shape by taking my nail file - I ONLY file the tips of my nails never my nail bed[not for a mani anyways]. I file inwards - meaning I take the file from the edge of the nail tip to the center [I wish I knew how to explain this more lol] – I never file back and forth.

To follow I always use a base coat.  I apply an even coat on all my fingernails letting it dry completely so that it sets nicely. (You never want to skip this step- this is to protect your natural nail.)

I then I apply my favorite nail polish. 1 to 2 coats depending on how the polish runs.

After letting the polish dry completely - I apply a top coat for a glossy finish but also to prevent chipping of the nail.

The end. There you have it a simple at home manicure

I try to follow these steps ones a week. If I feel like my nails could go a little longer without a manicure I just leave them alone.

If you decide to give yourself a mani – show me by tagging me on Instagram or twitter @natnailedit I hope you enjoyed.

Nat.



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