Tips and tricks for the most beautiful nails.
Home manicures are the perfect way to primp without having to pay salon prices. Follow these simple steps to make your nails look their very best.
Start with the Essentials
To keep your nails looking beautiful, you’ll want to perform a touch-up every week or two. You’ll need nail-polish remover, a nail file, clippers, a cuticle pusher, and cotton swabs.
Prepare Your Hands
Before you begin, make sure your old polish is removed, your hands are clean, and your cuticles are supple. A good soak in sudsy warm water will soften hands and prep them for manicuring.
Care for Cuticles
Healthy cuticles are the key to strong nails, so you’ll want to care for them every one to two weeks. With a gentle, consistent motion, push cuticles back, making sure you’re not pushing too far into the nail bed. If cuticles lift up, they need to be trimmed carefully with scissors.
Determine Your Shape
Round nails have a softer, more natural look, while square nails offer a touch of sophistication. Softer nails tend to do better with a rounded shape because it allows them to grow stronger without splitting.
Perfecting Your Polish
Always use a base coat. It helps maintain the integrity of the nail and nourish it. Once the base coat has dried thoroughly, apply one to two top coats, moving in a consistent motion from the base of the nail to the tip. Always be sure to let polish dry between coats. Add a top coat for shine and longer-lasting wear. It also prevents chipping.