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The Perfect DIY Manicure
Oct 12

The Perfect DIY Manicure

My nails have always been a very important part of my appearance, but honestly, sometimes I just do not have the time (or the money for that matter) to actually make it to see my nail technician every two weeks. Now I know as women we should definitely make time for ourselves and there really isn’t anything better than a fresh mani/pedi to relax us. However, when you are a working mother of 4, you have to do what you have to do! With that being said, I recently started doing my own manicures at home and let me just say, they are salon worthy!!

Materials that you need:

  • Manicure Bowl
  • Nail Brush
  • Soap
  • Emory Board
  • Buffing Block
  • Cuticle Nipper
  • Cuticle Pusher
  • Cuticle Oil
  • Alcohol
  • Nail Bonder/Primer/Base Coat
  • Desired Color
  • Top Coat

Step 1 – Trim your nails to the desired length and shape them to your liking with the emory board.

Step 2 -The key to your polish lasting is to start off with a clean nail surface. I like to soak my nails in Dawn Ultra dish detergent because of the cleansing and antibacterial properties.  After soaking each hand for about 5-10 minutes each, use the brush to clean the cuticles and underneath the nail. If the hand that you are working with is dry simply dip it back into the water and start the brushing process.

Step 3 – With the cuticle nippers, nip away any excess thickened skin that surrounds the nail. Be very careful as to not nip down too far. It will most certainly damage your cuticle. If you are unsure of how much to nip off, only do the obvious cuticle that looks snagged.

Step 4 – Gently push the cuticle away from the nail with the cuticle pusher. Make sure that you do not push back too far! This will damage your nail bed and it hurts like crazy!!

Step 5 – Use the fine grit side of your buffing block to buff the nails. Just a few swipes should do. If you buff too much, you will definitely weaken the nail. After buffing, make sure to use a cotton ball with alcohol to clean the surface of the each nail.

Step 6 – Apply your base coat. I prefer the Orly Bonder Rubberized Basecoat because it allows for your nail color to stick to your nails longer, but any basecoat/primer combination will do. Make sure to follow the instructions when using these products.

Step 7 – Apply your color of choice! Start at the base of the nail an do 3 simple strokes. One to the right, then the left, then the center. Wait about 1 minute and then apply the second coat.

Step 8 – Apply one layer of top coat and let dry. My favorite top coat is Orly Polishield 3-In-One Topcoat. I find that my nails do not chip as they previously did with other top coats.

Step 9 – Once your nails have completely dried, apply cuticle oil and you are all set!!

Stay tuned for part 2 when I get all fancy with designs and nail jewels!!

xoxo,

Brandy#FrugalFashionista

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