I’ve always been a huge fan for painting my own nails. There is something very therapeutic about it.
For nail polish brands, I lean towards Essie. 80% of the nail polish I own is Essie. They have a very stylish and fun selection of colors [for all seasons!], and most importantly, the ‘no chipping’ window is a day or two longer than other brands I’ve tired out in the past. Oh, and bonus points, and they’re totally affordable at $8.50 per bottle.
All too often, I get asked where I get my nails done, and it always amazes me by the reaction I receive when it’s found I do them myself. It’s pretty simple, and like everything, it takes practice to get a good groove going. Any manicurist will tell you, prepping your nails is key to a quality (and lasting) manicure.
Not to say that I don’t occasionally treat myself to a gel manicure (mainly when I go on vacation and won’t have time to do the upkeep throughout the week(end)), but I’m a DIY gal when it comes to nails.
Since today is Peonies and Bee’s very first #manimonday I thought I would walk you through the process, and get the basics locked in.
You will need;
- Buffer Block
- Cuticle Pusher
- File
- Polish Remover
- Cotton Balls
- Top Coat
- Color of your choice!
1. Filing.
After you’ve removed all nail polish, begin filing your nails. Whatever works best for you, length wise, but it is recommend to shape nails in a way which mirrors the natural curve in the nail bed [“My nail beds suck,” Mean Girls]. This keeps nails healthy and strong, they will be less prone to breaking.
2. Buffing.
I’m a slave to the buffing block, clearly, mine has seen better days. You buy a new one here. Even my on-the-go manicures (yes, this means I occasionally do my nails from the passenger seat of Alex’s car) include a buffing block session. Use the 4 sided nail buffer to smooth out and exfoliate the nail. This removes any dead skin, and will make all the difference!
3. Pushing.
Using a cuticle pusher will lengthen the appearance of your nails. Gently apply the cuticle pusher, press and glide your cuticles back around the nail. My pusher has a cutter on the other side, you can cut your cuticles, if you’d like, though it’s not really recommended.
4. Cleaning.
Using a fresh cotton ball and nail polish remover, clean your nails once more. This is your final prep-step, and will strip any oils that are currently left on your nails, which will then allow the polish to stick better. I use this time to scrape any dirt or grim underneath my fingernails (gross, I know).
5. Coloring.
Ideally, color should be applied in three strokes. Beginning with the middle, followed by two strokes, one down each side. A rule of thumb, two thin coats is better than one thick coat.
6. Topping. Top coat is a great way to smooth out any uneven and/or visible brush strokes. Another perk, it prolongs your manicure.
7. Drying. This is the hardest part, not smudging them! Allow 15-20 minutes to air dry, and even then, tread lightly, using only the pads of your fingers, if you must.
Today’s color choice is Essie’s Girls Night Out. Can’t wait to see everyone’s #manimonday posts!