1 ~ Remove Old Polish
Start by removing your previous nail polish using an acetone nail polish remover. I like using Onyx Professional. This is very drying on your skin, but it is the easiest way to remove polish, especially glitter.
Cuti-Groom by Orly
2 ~ Moisturize Cuticles and Hands
Use a cuticle oil to moisturize cuticles and nail beds. I prefer Cuti-Groom by Orly (not on eBay) or Essie's Apricot Cuticle Oil. Place the oil on each finger and rub into cuticle, nail, and surrounding skin. I also like to take a hand cream and massage it into my skin, nails, and cuticles for some extra moisture!
L to R: Rubber Cuticle Pusher, Cuticle Cutter
3 ~ Trim Cuticles
Use a rubber pusher to push back cuticle. Occasionally I will cut them with a cuticle cutter after pushing them back. You can soak your hands in warm water to soften the cuticles before cutting them, but if you do this, you must wait enough time before painting your nails (see tip below). I don’t cut my cuticles all of the time because if there isn’t much to cut you risk cutting good skin which can lead to an infection. A good option for this step is to use the Sally Hansen Push-n-Trim which includes a rubber pusher and a cuticle trimmer all in one!
4 ~ Remove Oil
After you let the oil sit for however long you'd like, you can either wash your hands with soap and water, or just skip to the next step.
L to R: Nail File, Multi-Sided Nail Buffer
5 ~ Clipping, Filing, Buffing, Smoothing
If necessary, clip your nails to your desired length using nail clippers.
Take a multi-sided buffer, and file, buff, and smooth your nails with each side in the order specified. Make sure you focus on the part of your nail that has grown out since the last time you did this. You don’t want to go near the tip of your nail, nor do you want to repeat this process on the part of your nail you covered during your last manicure because this will weaken the nail. Basically, you are getting rid of ridges and creating texture on your nail that will help the polish adhere.
Then, take a regular nail file and shape the tips of your nails. I prefer square nails based on the look, however, rounded nails are stronger and less prone to breaking. Also, make sure you file in one direction; going back and forth makes your nails more likely to break.
6 ~ Wash Hands
The next thing you should do is wash your hands with soap and water to make sure you remove all of the dust from filing.
Isopropyl (Rubbing) Alcohol
7 ~ Remove Oil and Bacteria
This step is optional, but I like to use a cotton ball to rub some isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) on each nail. This gets rid of any oils and bacteria and helps your polish last longer by preventing chipping.
L to R: Sally Hansen Hard as Nails, Sally Hansen Hard as Wraps
8 ~ Base Coat
It is important to start with a base coat. It prolongs your manicure and prevents the polish from staining your nails when you use darker colors. My favorite base coat is Sally Hansen’s Hard As Nails, and if I am looking for an even stronger nail I will use Sally Hansen’s Hard as Nails followed by Sally Hansen’s Hard as Wraps. I don’t like using Hard as Wraps directly on my nail because I experienced some peeling.
Quick-Dry Drops by Orly
9 ~ Drying
Make sure your base coat dries completely before proceeding. To hasten the process you can use Orly’s Quick-Dry Drops (not on eBay) or a spray. I like Onyx Professional's 3-2-1 Dry! Salon Nail Dryer!
L to R: Essie, Orly, Wet 'n Wild Megalast Salon Nail Polish, L'Oreal, Rimmel Lasting Finish Pro, OPI, CoverGirl Glosstini
10 ~ Color
If you were active or waited an extended period of time and were busy with your hands after applying the base coat, I would recommend using isopropyl alcohol to again remove any oil or bacteria so you have a fresh, clan surface on which to proceed.
After your base coat, you need to select your favorite polish. Some of my favorites are Rimmel's Lasting Finish Pro, (I love the unique brush shape, the staying power, and colors), Essie, OPI, Orly, CoverGirl Glosstini’s, L'Oreal, and Wet 'n Wild Megalast Salon Nail Polish. I recommend doing 2-3 coats, and make sure you not only cover your nail, but you go across the tip with the brush to help prevent chipping! Waiting for the coats to dry in between helps to prevent smudging, so again you can use Orly’s Quick-Dry Drops or the Onyx spray.
11 ~ Designs
At this point you can do a design using Sally Hansen Nail Art Pens, nail art brushes, dotting pens, gems (there is a huge variety to choose from including studs, rhinestones, and more), stamping, etc. BE CREATIVE!
Avon Nailwear Pro
12 ~ Top Coat
After your color coats or the design, if desired, have dried you must seal your manicure with a base coat. My favorite is Avon Nailwear Pro, but another good option is Sally Hansen’s No Chip Acrylic Top Coat. You can even use a matte base coat such as OPI Matte Top Coat for a matte finish!
Remember to use isopropyl alcohol if you were busy and need to clean your nails before applying the top coat.
To help your manicure last longer here are a few tips:
*Do not soak hands before applying polish because your nail expands when the water is absorbed and if you polish at this time you are at risk for chipping when your nail contracts to its natural shape
*Avoid washing your hands with hot water for the first 12 hours because although your polish may feel hard it has not fully set yet
*Apply a clear coat every other day
*For added shine, and to spruce up your manicure, massage hand cream into your hands and nails
*Oil your nails and cuticles daily because when your nail bed dries out you get chipping and peeling
*Avoid hand sanitizer as this dries out the nail bed
*Use gloves when washing dishes
*If you get some chips but don't have time for a complete manicure, fill in the chips with the colored polish (you may have to go over it more than once), and then apply a coat of glitter over the whole nail to hide the fix
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