Nailing the 'At Home Manicure'

I love getting my nails done, there is something about having perfectly manicured and painted nails that makes you feel instantly 'put together'

I love going to a salon for a manicure, but there are so many times when its easier (and less expensive!) to do your nails at home. It did take me a little while to be able to get that salon finish myself. When it comes to nail painting, practice really does make perfect.

Taking care of your nails ensures that they look gorgeous, but it also helps prevent damage and dryness that may affect your nails, especially in the colder months!

The 'At Home' Manicure Kit: 

Nail Polish Remover
Cottons Pads
Nail Scissors
Nail File and buffer
Nail Balm/Moisturiser
Cuticle Clipper
Orange Stick
Clear Base/Top Coat - Using a combination product is easier and less expensive!
Optional- Quick Dry Top Coat
Nail Polish 

Step 1 

You are going to want to start with clean nails, free of any polish. 

I like to trim and file my nails first. Top tip when filing your nails- Never run the file back and forth on the nail. This causes friction and heat, both of which can cause damage and weaken the nail.  Move the file in one direction as you shape your nail. 

Go with the nail shape that you like the most, I personally opt for squoval or a rounded nail.

Just like your skin and hair, everyone has a specific 'nail type' Some nails are really strong, some are weak and hardly grow at all and some are brittle and break very easily. If you can very brittle nails or weaker types, keeping them shorter helps prevent them breaking. You can use healing polishes as a base coat, I love this NailGrowth Miracle from Sally Hanson. Or if you have seriously dry nails, try a keratin-based product to heal and repair the nail. I use this one from Rescue RXx you can paint over polished nails daily to help prevent damage!

Step 2 

Pop your hands into a small bowl of warm water, I like adding a moisturizing bath soak or a bath oil. The oil helps to soften the skin feels so luxurious! 

After about 5-10 minutes, when your hands have had a lovely soak, remove and dry.

I then use a nail balm, currently this one from Rose and Co Apothecary, and apply this generously, concentrating on my cuticles. Leave for a minute and then with an orange stick, start pushing your cuticles back. I use little circular motions, you want a clear nail so any polish you apply looks flawless. Pushing your cuticles back also helps encourage new nail growth.

If you have any excess that hasn't been removed I have found this little tool (pictured below) really helpful to tidy the base of the nail. You do have to be really careful using it. If you press too hard to it can strip the actual nail - which is not what we are going for. Use it very carefully to remove any excess skin. 

If you don't have one of these, you could use a 4-sided nail file- with the buffing side, and gently buff, over your cuticles.

nail balm, orange stick, cuticle tool and clipper

Step 3 

I always wipe my nails with a clean cotton pad to make sure they are clean, this just makes sure the polish lasts longer!
Start with a base coat, follow with 2-3 coats of polish and finish with a top coat. Sealing the edges of your nail helps to prevent it from chipping, with a tiny amount of polish run the brush along the top of the nail edge, do the same with the top coat.
I normally use a quick dry top coat to save time!

I hope this was helpful, I would love to know your manicure tips, let me know in the comments!

Olivia 

xoxo