With a new polish every week, my nails are screaming out for a break. A pampering is just what they need......Manicure Time!
1 Off with the old
Acetone nail
polish remover is much better at getting rid of nail polish, especially
stubborn colours, but keep in mind that it is harsher and more drying.
2 Trim/File
Keeping your
nails a comfortable length is a must. Mine tend to chip and break when they
reach a certain length.
Only use clippers on very long nails, otherwise file them down in one
direction, using a smooth sweeping motion to create your preferred shape, squoval
in my case.
If you’re not sure about what shape is you best for you, give each of them a try (your nails will grow back so don’t worry, just be careful not to file them down too short).
If you’re not sure about what shape is you best for you, give each of them a try (your nails will grow back so don’t worry, just be careful not to file them down too short).
3 Soak your hands
This step is optional,
but adds I would definately reccomend in these winter months as it helps to keep hands and nails well moisturised.
Add one teaspoon of olive oil and your favourite bath soap to a bowl of warm water and leave your hands to soak for 5 minutes.
If your nails are stained from your previous polish, instead, add a few drops of lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda to whiten them. This softens your cuticles for the next step.
Add one teaspoon of olive oil and your favourite bath soap to a bowl of warm water and leave your hands to soak for 5 minutes.
If your nails are stained from your previous polish, instead, add a few drops of lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda to whiten them. This softens your cuticles for the next step.
4 Cuticles
Also an optional
step if your cuticles aren’t out of control. Cuticles are the little pieces
of skin at the bottom of your nail beds which can sometimes get in the way of
your polish.
Start by massaging some cuticle balm/cream into each nail then
using an orange stick gently push them back.
Do not cut them as this can damage the skin and lead to infection and irritation.
5 Buff
Do not cut them as this can damage the skin and lead to infection and irritation.
Using a fine buffer, gently buff out the ridges to even out your nail surface and remove any of the cuticle that remains on the nail.
This will help to get that even glossy professional finish, but be careful not to buff them down too thin.
6 Wash &
Scrub
Use a soapy hand
wash and nail brush to remove any dirt or excess nail filings from underneath the nail. With a gentile scrub, or making a simple scrub with olive oil
and sugar, buff away any dead skin. I used Soap & Glory's Body Polish.
They’ll be left super soft and looking flawless.
I know it is very tempting but do not cream you hands till you have finished apply your polish. Nail Varnish doesn't adhere well to greasy nails and will leave them a it blotchy and uneven...so resist!
They’ll be left super soft and looking flawless.
I know it is very tempting but do not cream you hands till you have finished apply your polish. Nail Varnish doesn't adhere well to greasy nails and will leave them a it blotchy and uneven...so resist!
7 Good Base
A base coat is
essential to protect your nails and prevent staining from dark colours or
regular polish changes like me!
I usually start with Sally Hansen’s Nail Protex, followed by Star Nails Base Coat when applying colour.
Sally Hansen’s Nail Protex is fortified with vitamins to repair and protect damaged and weak nails. For the best results it should be applied every other day for 7 days, removed and then repeated. If you are applying colour, this would be used as a base and then applied on top of your polish during the week till removed.
I usually start with Sally Hansen’s Nail Protex, followed by Star Nails Base Coat when applying colour.
Sally Hansen’s Nail Protex is fortified with vitamins to repair and protect damaged and weak nails. For the best results it should be applied every other day for 7 days, removed and then repeated. If you are applying colour, this would be used as a base and then applied on top of your polish during the week till removed.
8 Colour Up
The fun bit.
There are so many choices when it comes polish and designs, just be sure to
choose a quality polish for the best chip resistant results.
For the best results
apply two, thin coats of polish using three swipes – one on the left, one on
the right and the last down the centre – wiping off any mistakes quickly before
they have a chance to dry.
As I'm giving my nails a break this week, I have just used two coats of Sally Hansens Nail Protex.
As I'm giving my nails a break this week, I have just used two coats of Sally Hansens Nail Protex.
Armed with a
good top coat, my favourite being Seche Vite, you’ll be left with a perfectly
glossy, long lasting manicure.
I recommend giving your nails a few minutes to dry before applying the top coat and even more time once you’ve finished. I'm sure your no stranger to the odd smudge.....even the tiniest knock or scratch can ruin your hard work in seconds!
10 Moisturise
I recommend giving your nails a few minutes to dry before applying the top coat and even more time once you’ve finished. I'm sure your no stranger to the odd smudge.....even the tiniest knock or scratch can ruin your hard work in seconds!
10 Moisturise
Finish with a drop of cuticle oil to keep them from drying out, and slather on your favourite lotion!
My favourites include Crabtree & Evelyn La Source Hand Therapy, Cocoa Butter and Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream.
Enjoy
Tan xx
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