They’re constantly on display. Your hands are an expression of your style and your attention to detail. The good news is that it doesn’t cost a lot to keep them looking great once you learn to do it yourself.
Avoid quick-drying polishes. They have a large amount of acetone, which dries out polish and causes cracks. Use regular polishes instead for a manicure that will last three times longer.
I Store polish in the refrigerator for a longer I life.
Prevent bubbles by prepping nails with witch hazel.
Always roll, never shake the bottle, or you’re sure to get bubbles. Just roll the bottle between your palms. That’s more than enough to thoroughly mix polish.
Dip nails in ice water for ten seconds to set color.
The very same shine serum that you use on your hair can make your nails look kept and your polish look brand-new. Place a couple of drops on a cotton ball and buff nails until shiny.
To keep polish from bleeding into the cracks, apply cuticle oil to the surrounding skin before you apply color. Then it’s easy to wipe off excess after polishing.
Always make sure that each polish coat is as thin as possible. Thicker coats don’t dry enough between coats to adhere to nail properly and so polish will peel off more easily.
Always use polish thinner, not polish remover, to extend the life of your old polish.
• Soak nails in white vinegar for ten minutes.
• Add two teaspoons of household bleach to one-half cup of warm water and soak nails for fifteen minutes.
IF NAILS ARE LONGER THAN ONE EIGHTH OF AN INCH, THEY SHOULD BE CLIPPED BEFORE FILING. OTHERWISE,
JUST FILE.
• Buff before polishing to smooth down the nail surface.
• Make sure your nails are totally dry before applying polish.
• Never soak nails before applying polish. The moisture will remain and causes the polish to lift.
•FREEBIE ;
One coat is all you need of light polish. Most darker colors require at least two coats.
DO-IT-YOURSELF FRENCH MANICURE
The French manicure is one of the most sought-after looks. It looks natural and fresh, and if done right, very classy. It also costs a lot to have it done professionally, and just as much for the upkeep. In just five easy steps, and in just minutes, you can give yourself a professional-looking French manicure. Don’t worry if you don’t get it perfect the first time. Just keep at it. You’ll soon become an expert.
1. Apply a basecoat over clean, buffed nails.
2. Follow with one or two coats of natural pink or nude color polish.
3. Holding the end of a nail file almost to the edge of your nail, sweep a line of white polish across the entire tip. Try to do it in one stroke.
4. Follow up with another coat of your first polish, covering the entire nail, including the white edge.
5. Finish with a topcoat to provide shine and protection.
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• Glue a charm to the nail when polish starts to set.
• Follow with clear polish to help it stick.