THE PRODUCTS
THE TOOLS
For the most part, I tend to do my nails myself (although last week I got my first ever New York mani which was brilliant and only cost $12!), but I tend to do my nails last thing at night before I go to bed as this way I can let them set overnight without smudging them! These are the steps I take for the best DIY manicure I can get!
Step One – Buff the nails to remove any ridges and create a smooth surface for the polish to be applied. I love the Sephora Nail Buffer Block. I don’t do this step every time I paint my nails, just when needed.
Step Two – Apply a cuticle remover like the Sally Hanson Instant Cuticle Remover. I like this one as it only takes 15 seconds to work and is so effective. I have a done a full review of this here.
Step Three – Push down the cuticles using a cuticle pusher/stick and then gently remove the cuticles with the Revlon Cuticle Trimmer which I find really effective for making the cuticles nice and neat.
Step Four – Trim the nails, I like to use Boots Nail Clippers, but you can use nail scissors if you prefer.
Step Five – File the nails into your desired shape, I use the Leighton Denny Crystal Nail File which is by far the best purchase I have ever made for my nails. I have tried cheaper brands, disposable emery boards, you name it, I’ve tried it, but nothing compares to this. It files the nails so smoothly that it creates such a neat edge and doesn’t damage the nail.
Step Six – Clean your hands to remove any debris, either by washing them or using nail varnish remover.
Step Seven – Apply base coat. This will help the nail polish adhere to the nail and stop dark colours from staining the nail too. The Orly Bonder Rubberised Basecoat is the best base coat I have ever tried, it really makes your last longer and prevent thoses dreaded chips.
Step Eight – Apply two coats of your favourite nail polish, allowing drying time in between each coat. If a nail varnish is not opaque in two coats then it deserves to go in the bin, nobody has time for any more than this!
Step Nine – Once your varnish is dry, add a topcoat to create shine and gloss. Some also speed up drying time too. I am using the Revlon ColorStay Gel Envy Diamond Top Coat at the moment and have been really enjoying using it, it glides on effortlessly, dries quickly and gives your nails a professional finish.
Step Ten – Apply a cuticle oil to keep the cuticles nourished to prevent them from getting dry and damaged. This should ideally be done daily! My favourite is the CND Solar Oil which smells like almonds and is absorbed quickly with leaving a greasy residue on my nails.
If you have any recommendations of brilliant manicure products, please let me know in the comments below.
Come and join me!