Pretty polished nails imply that a girl spends time for herself. Just like shoes and accessories, the perfect manicure can make or break a look. It ain't easy doing it on your own but if you're looking for ways to cut down your nail salon expenses, here's an in-depth manicure tutorial for you!
Of course, practice still makes perfect so don't worry if you make a mess, especially on your right hand (or left, if you're a leftie)! So go ahead and grab your nail kit and let's get started!
STEP 1: SHAPE
Always clip your nails across. Never dig into the sides of the nail to avoid ingrowns and infected hangnails. To achieve the perfect shape, use a soft nail file and run it sideways in one direction.
STEP 2: HYDRATE AND PUSH
Cuticles shouldn't be cut, they are there for a reason. Snipping them will make your hands vulnerable to dirt and bacteria. So instead of cutting them out, go for the pushing technique. Soften the cuticles with a drop of nourishing cuticle oil and gently push them using a wooden or plastic orange stick.
STEP 3: WIPE AND CLEAN
Wipe away all the dirt, oil, and old nail polish residue with a cotton ball soaked in nail polish remover or alcohol.
STEP 4: THE FIRST BASE
Apply a base coat to lengthen the life of your manicure. It also prevents stains and yellowing caused by dark and intensly pigmented nail lacquers.
STEP 5: THE MIDDLE STRIPE
Once the base coat dries up, apply your first layer of polish on the middle of the nail. Start from the base of the nail then go up to the tips. Always paint in thin layers. Thick layered manicures are more difficult to dry and more prone to chipping.
STEP 6: SIDE TRACKS
Here's a cool trick for you: slightly tilt your finger for a clearer view of the sides of your nail. Start from the corner and then slowly brush upwards. Repeat on the other side.
STEP 7: TIPS
Allow the polish to dry for two full minutes. Apply a second coat following the same steps above. Let it dry and seal the tips with a thin coat of polish for added defense against chipping.
STEP 8: CLEAN UP
Clean up your mistakes by faintly sweeping the sides and cuticles with a synthetic brush dipped in nail polish remover.
Secure your hardwork with a thin layer of topcoat. Thick layers will just ruin your manicure. Also, never blow on your nails and don't sit near a fan to avoid bubbles and uneven nail jobs.
There you have it! Salon-perfect nails done all by yourself!
Click on the gallery to shop for the latest nail lacquers and tools in the market now.
Photography by: Mike Dee
Model: Carizza Chua
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