April 19, 2020
Now that we can’t get my nails done (which for most of us is a real struggle) we are now forced to do our own nails and use our own polishes. This is a great way to practice your skills.
I have been doing my nails for many years now and have tired lots of different products and tools. I only ever use regular polish or gel/shellac. I have tried dip nails once but found that the removal was just too much of a pain to maintain (may try it again one day).
Pre-quarantine I would get my nails done (gel/shellac) maybe once a month both on my toes and hands. In order to minimize costs I would do the manicure part myself at home then only get gel colour at the salon (this would cost $15-$20) which is totally worth it especially if you know how to prep your nails yourself.
Here are 4 things you need to know to get the perfect salon-grade manicure:
1. Know your colour preference
Know what you like in terms of colours and not to waste your money buying colours that you may not enjoy. I have spent lots of money purchasing polish colours that I’ve seen look nice on other people which didn’t quite work
with my skin tone. I like lighter pinks and beige shades. They are more forgiving when they chip and/or grow out and are generally more flattering with my more tan skin.
2. PAY ATTENTION TO QUALITY
When it comes to regular polish, I think it is important to pay attention to quality. Some things I look for when I purchase polishes is opaque colour, a great quality and wide brush, and a long lasting formula. I really enjoy the Essie gel polishes, OPI polishes and the L’oreal oil-infused nail polishes which are also scented! I also think it’s important to get a good top coat, a shiny fast drying top coat is preferred. MY favourite right now is the Essie jet setter top coat. Another good one is Seche Vite although it does get clumpy quickly and smells awful.
3. Get the proper tools
Another critical element of a good at home manicure are proper tools. Make sure you have a nail file (of course). I never clip my nails with a clipper and only use a nail file to shorten my nails. Also, a buffer is important to prep the nail before you apply polish. Get yourself a good quality cuticle clipper and a metal cuticle pusher in a shape that you prefer. This is your preference, however I think a metal or steel cuticle pusher works the best because it allows you to properly disinfect it.
4. Care for your Cuticles
A cuticle remover is very important to cleaning up your cuticles especially if they usually get out of control like mine. That is the key to getting a clean and smooth canvas. Before I began clipping my cuticles my manicures were very messy-looking. I have used the Sally Hansen cuticle remover for years now. I have tried others and they just do not work as well.
5. Don’t forget about your hands
Maintaining your manicure is very important to making it last. I use a cuticle oil and hand cream regularly to make sure my cuticles don’t get dry and out of control. My favourite hand cream is the shea butter cream from L’Occitane and I will usually use a mango cuticle oil that I get at Sally Beauty Supply.
I hope these tips were helpful for you and that this lockdown has inspired you to take on some parts of your beauty routine that you never used to do! It also gives you a new appreciation for your nail tech and the work required to perfect the perfect manicure.
