The Perfect Manicure
Our hands are what we literally reach out to the world with.
Make sure you keep them clean and well cared for.
After all, you only get one pair in this lifetime Here are my home manicure techniques: FILE AND SHAPE First file your nails to the shape you like.
When you file your nails make sure that you do not do the famous "sawing" motion.
This is very damaging.
Instead you will want to start at the edge of your fingernail and go towards and stop at the center, then move to the other side.
File the top of the nail so it does not become to pointed.
SOAK AND REPLENISH Grab a big kitchen bowl and fill it with warm soapy water, dish or hand soap is fine, add a few drops of olive oil and a few drops of lemon juice to the soapy water.
Soak your hands for a few minutes.
This soak cleans and soften your hands at the same time.
Dry your hands and clean under your nail with an orange stick (wood stick with a flat end and a pointed end) CUTICLE CARE Using the same orange stick, use the flat side to push back your cuticle, (side note: tip the orange stick with cotton to prevent damage to your cuticle) If you nails are very weak, now is the time to apply your nail strengthening polish.
Don't have any on hand, don't worry, use your hair conditioner, it has proteins that will strengthen your nails, just massage into your nails then wash and dry your hands thoroughly.
OPTIONAL: If you have super dry hands, warm up your favorite hand moisturizer in the microwave for about 10 seconds or until comfortable, rub on hands (good for feet too!), cover your hands with soft cotton gloves for about 15 min then rinse.
POLISH TIME Lay your hand flat and apply your base coat on your nails.
The base coat is to prevent staining from your colored polish.
It also adds strength to your hails and creates a smooth surface.
Allow to dry for a few minutes and apply your color.
One steady brush stroke in the middle then one on each side.
Wipe any of the excess off with a q-tip with polish remover on it.
Once dry, apply your clear top coat.
Your hands should be extremely soft and beautiful!
Make sure you keep them clean and well cared for.
After all, you only get one pair in this lifetime Here are my home manicure techniques: FILE AND SHAPE First file your nails to the shape you like.
When you file your nails make sure that you do not do the famous "sawing" motion.
This is very damaging.
Instead you will want to start at the edge of your fingernail and go towards and stop at the center, then move to the other side.
File the top of the nail so it does not become to pointed.
SOAK AND REPLENISH Grab a big kitchen bowl and fill it with warm soapy water, dish or hand soap is fine, add a few drops of olive oil and a few drops of lemon juice to the soapy water.
Soak your hands for a few minutes.
This soak cleans and soften your hands at the same time.
Dry your hands and clean under your nail with an orange stick (wood stick with a flat end and a pointed end) CUTICLE CARE Using the same orange stick, use the flat side to push back your cuticle, (side note: tip the orange stick with cotton to prevent damage to your cuticle) If you nails are very weak, now is the time to apply your nail strengthening polish.
Don't have any on hand, don't worry, use your hair conditioner, it has proteins that will strengthen your nails, just massage into your nails then wash and dry your hands thoroughly.
OPTIONAL: If you have super dry hands, warm up your favorite hand moisturizer in the microwave for about 10 seconds or until comfortable, rub on hands (good for feet too!), cover your hands with soft cotton gloves for about 15 min then rinse.
POLISH TIME Lay your hand flat and apply your base coat on your nails.
The base coat is to prevent staining from your colored polish.
It also adds strength to your hails and creates a smooth surface.
Allow to dry for a few minutes and apply your color.
One steady brush stroke in the middle then one on each side.
Wipe any of the excess off with a q-tip with polish remover on it.
Once dry, apply your clear top coat.
Your hands should be extremely soft and beautiful!