How To: At Home Manicure!

Hello! Since nail salons are closed, I thought I would share how to do an at-home manicure! I prefer to do my own nails, so this is what I do every week (sometimes twice a week) when I change my nail color.

What you need:

Nail clippers

Nail file
Cuticle tool
Nail buffer
Nail polish remover
Nail color
Top coat
Cuticle oil or cream

The first thing you want to do is clip and file your nails. You want to make sure they are all the same shape and length, and get rid of any jagged edges.

Next, you will use your cuticle tool (or orange stick) to gently push back your cuticles. I don’t trim my cuticles(ouch), I just push them back.

Then I use my buffing tool to gently buff them. I use the harshest side to smooth them out and get rid of any ridges or tears.

Ok, now it’s time to swipe the nails with remover. I use acetone because it works the best. I take a q-tip and quickly swipe over the nails. This dehydrates the nail and helps the nail polish to adhere better and avoid chipping.

Ready to paint!

I don’t typically use a base coat. I know, probably bad, but I just don’t feel like it makes that big of a difference.

I start with my left hand, and then so my right. I am using Essie Bikini So Teeny, a periwinkle blue with a subtle glitter. A summer classic. I usually do 2-3 coats on each nail, letting each coat dry in between for a few minutes.

After that is dry, I finish off with my top coat, and let dry for a solid hour. I usually do this at night after the girls go to bed, so I don’t have to touch anything (JJ is in charge of getting me snacks during this time, haha).

After they are very dry, I always apply a hand cream or lotion because the acetone dries out the skin around my nails.

And that’s it! It’s pretty easy, and with practice, you’ll be a pro!

Thanks for reading! xx