Let’s face it ladies, there are times when going to a manicurist is more of a headache than a pampering session. If you aren’t fortunate enough to have a nail salon on every block like we do in Manhattan, getting in the car, finding parking, waiting for an empty chair and finally getting a 30 minute manicure is just not practical every week. With winter looming, going out will be even more of a pain. Learning how to give yourself a quick manicure to keep your nails clean and healthy is a must learn.
An at-home manicure is a cinch if you have the right products. In just a few steps, you’ll get fabulous nails that are salon worthy.
Items Needed:
- A tough nail file (I love CND emery boards)
- Cuticle Oil (I use Butter London Handbag Holiday Cuticle Oil)
- Nail strengthener (I use Butter London Horse Power Nail Fertilizer)
- Orange Stick
- Lotion (I use Eucerin Original Healing Soothing Repair Creme)
You can find all these items at the drugstore shelf.
Start your manicure by filing down your nails and shaping them. Make sure to file in one direction. Trust me, filing in one direction truly saves your finger nails from peeling and damage. Tip: don’t file nails after washing hands because they are weakened in water.
Apply cuticle oil to your nails and let it sit for at least two minutes. To let the oils soak into cuticles even more, apply a warm towel to the nails. This is the time to relax and enjoy the downtime. I sometimes extend this warm towel time to 5 minutes just to indulge. Wash your hands with warm water and soap when your time is up.
Apply a rich lotion like the Eucerin Original Healing Soothing Repair Creme to clean hands and massage into the skin. Make sure to massage around the nails to circulate blood flow. Allow the lotion to sink into the skin.
Prep your nails for the nail polish by swiping the nail bed with a nail polished soaked remover. Brush one clear coat of the nail hardener to your nails and allow to dry. After this step you can continue to your nail color of choice. If you like a clear nail, apply a second coat of the nail hardener.
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