DIY: Manicure

Do you want to give yourself a fabulous manicure at home but don't know what to do or what kind of tools you need to buy/use?

Are you having a hard time finding the one nail technician who can give you the polished look that exceeds your standards? I know that not everyone is particular but some people don't mind having those little bubbles or missed spots after the technician finished their nails but what the heck, you should get what you paid for.

Every single girl, sometimes even men know how to paint their own nails, but not everyone knows how to do it the right way or should i say the nail salon way :) Yes, i will guide you through the whole process.

Follow these easy simple steps:

1. Start with clean nails.

2. Clip or file your nails to desired length at preferred style (rounded or square) then buff.

3. Apply cuticle softener/remover and gently push your cuticles backwards using a cuticle pusher or manicure stick.

4. Take out the cuticles with a nipper. Please take note that this one needs practice. If you are not comfortable, just don't remove your cuticles. You don't want to end up cutting yourself. Some people prefer keeping it anyway.

5. Wash your hands one more time, moisturize and dry.

6. Apply the base coat or primer to help set your nail polish. This will prevent from chipping and peeling.

7. Put on your favorite nail polish color with 2-3 coats each nail. TIP: Apply first coat to all of your nails first to give it enough time to dry a little bit then top it off with the second coat. Do the same for the third coat if you want.

8. The last step is to apply a dry fast top coat which is just a clear polish to seal off the nails and make it more glossy and prolong the life of your manicure.

9. This part is optional but i always like to use a nail dryer nail conditioner spray (instructions on bottle). Not only it helps eliminate the long wait of drying your wet nails but it also moisturizes and conditions.

Helpful TIP: You can do steps 1~5 every two-three weeks depending on what you like. Steps 6~9 can be done as often as you change polish color. For example, i change polish color once or twice a week :)

There you go. You did it! Now show me your pretty nails.

P.S. Nail products are available at any beauty supply or cosmetic stores near you.

Check out my DIY: Pedicure tutorial!!