Mani Prep

How I Do Manicures

 I tend to use what works for me and my family, meaning that if you like to do your nails a different way, please do it that way.  I taught myself how to do this without any special instruction. In reality, I am probably doing it all wrong, but who isn't?

What I use just about every time I do my fingernails are: a nail file, cuticle remover (I got this at Sally Beauty, so you should be able to find it at any sort of beauty store like that),  and a metal stick I got Target (use what you like--I use a metal cuticle pusher (I'm just pretending to know what it's name), but you can also use a wooden one. It's up to you). You can see these in the picture below.

 First, start removing any nail polish. I just use a basic remover that you can get most anywhere. Once all the polish is removed, I apply a little bit of cuticle remover to each nail base and GENTLY push back the cuticle. DO NOT HURT YOURSELF! Cuticle remover is to loosen the cuticle (dead skin mostly) that is there. So push lightly. It works better the softer and slower you go. If you push back too hard, you can hurt yourself and end up with a scar (like me the first time :) ). I do have a cuticle cutter but only use it to remove hang nails nothing else (I find it hurts when used for anything else).

 I also use a nail buffer (which is a box like thing that makes your nails smooth) maybe once a month or before a nice event I am looking forward to. If you use the buffer every time you do your nails, it will make your nails small and VERY thin.  After that, I wash my hands and apply a base coat. Then I move on to painting my nails however I like, and I finish with a top coat. After I'm finished, I put lotion on my hands.

Base Coats and Top Coats

Base and top coats are the key to making your nail polish look as smooth as possible. Base coats go underneath the nail polish, and top coats go on top of the polish--kind of like a sandwich. Most base coats work great. I use just a basic one most of the time. I will use the Essie base coats for hardening and healing the nails. My biggest issue has been top coats. I have used ones from Sally Hansen, Essie, and OPI and none of them really worked out well for me. I find faster-drying top coats work great for me. I use the Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat. It dries fast and leaves my nails looking great. I can use my hands very soon after applying without ruining the polish. But if you are like my sister, wait at least five minutes before you go crazy with anything and still be careful! 

Remember to do what you like! If you just want to paint your nails without all the fancy stuff, go right ahead. Have fun. Nails are nails, so do what you want with them. You don't need anything special to do your nails. You don't have to go to a spa all the time and pay $20 for one coat of polish. I do my nails without any previous instruction. Figuring out how to do them was hard and most of the nail art I did at the beginning were horrible so don't give up! Just go slowly and HAVE FUN WITH IT!