Easy, Do-It-Yourself Manicure
Putting makeup on or dressing up for a special occasion is very
easy, especially after the tips that we've been giving you
lately , but has it ever happened to you that when
you're all dressed up, some broken or badly manicured nails ruin
your image? Most likely this has happened to you--it's happened
to all of us. It's hard to get a manicure every week, and also
expensive. That's why in this article we're sending you the best
tips to do your own manicure at home and always have impeccable
hands.
1. START AT THE BEGINNING
Set a day of the week to dedicate a few minutes to your hands.
That way it will be easier to always keep them impeccable. For
me, for example, I know that Sundays are my day of "beauty at
home"; I take advantage of the day to take care of my hands,
apply a facial masque and then fix my hair. I set apart some
hours every week to dedicate them to me. It's great. Try it!
What's more, you deserve it.
2. WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO A MANICURE AT HOME?
To do your own manicure at home, you don't need much more than
the following tools:
* Orange stick: The orange stick removes the cuticle and the
dirt from your nails. They are very economical and are very
useful. I also use them to remove nail polish from around the
fingers when I accidentally paint outside my fingernail contour.
Just soak the orange stick in nail polish remover and quickly
remove the edges.
* Nail clipper: It's better to file your nails to shape them,
but sometimes it's necessary to cut them to equal lengths. Use a
nail clipper instead of scissors.
* File or emery board: Invest in a good, long-lasting file. The
best ones are made of cardboard. Choose a size that you like and
keep it. Also, there are some files that are stronger on one
side than on the other. These are the ideal kind because that
way you only have to buy one.
* Nail buffer and polisher: Usually files have one side to file
the nail and another to give it shine. If it's not the case with
yours, obtain a nail buffer and polisher. These smooth out your
nails if they're peeling.
* Transparent treatment nail polish: You need to choose
something that works well with you. If your nails are always
breaking, you need a nail hardener, of if they're dry, you need
a moisturizing treatment. Usually any pharmacy will have an
entire treatment range at very accessible prices. This nail
polish also serves as a transparent nail polish when you don't
feel like painting them.
* Cuticle oil: This is one of the best buys you can make to have
impeccable hands. These oils soften and moisturize the cuticle.
If you are not very good at cutting your cuticles, you can skip
this step by using this product.
* Colored nail polish: Choose the colors you like and that
coordinate with the image you want to project. For example, if
you have a special dinner, paint your nails a wine red. It looks
very nice, especially if your nails aren't too long. Or, for
example, if you have a business lunch, paint your fingernails a
porcelain tone; it's very elegant and discrete. If you feel like
adding a touch of color and fun, paint your nails a dark pink.
Why not?
* Protective/strengthening polish: This foundation will help
your colored nail polish to last longer and will also add a nice
shine to your polish.
* Exfoliating lotion: You can use a body exfoliating lotion or
else you can make a natural one with sugar and olive oil. Try
it--it's amazing! This is one of my most ancient tips. I don't
remember where I read it or from whom I learned it, but the
truth is that I use it every week and I love it! All you need
are two teaspoons of white sugar and four tablespoons of virgin
olive oil (if you prefer, you can use moisturizing body oil, but
olive oil has worked well for me. Mix together well and apply to
your hands, rubbing them gently. Don't forget the fingers and
the nails. You can also use this exfoliating lotion on your
forearms and elbows; then rinse yourself with lukewarm water.
Your hands will feel soft and like new!
* Moisturizing hand cream: Buy a good moisturizer for your
hands, one that adapts to your needs. For example, if your hands
crack easily or you have dark spots...buy what you need.
* Nail polish remover:
The ones that are especially good are those that don't contain
acetone, as this is very aggressive and many people are allergic
to it.
3. FOLLOW THESE STEPS
Follow these steps to take care of your hands easily and quickly.
1. Remove all nail polish from your nails. 2. Cut your nails to
an equal length.
3. File your nails and use the buffer to leave them smooth.
4. Use the orange stick to eliminate any leftover dirt and to
softly remove the cuticles (I don't recommend cutting the
cuticles at home, as I think this is very difficult and a job
best left to professionals. I know that some of you do this. If
you already do this and you're happy with the result, continue
doing so. If not, just try to soften them with cuticle oil.)
5. Exfoliate your hands. Follow the advice we gave you
previously. You'll see the result immediately.
6. Dry your hands well. This step is very important. If you've
exfoliated your hands with olive oil and you don't dry your
hands off well, especially the nails, the nail polish will not
last long. Remember to dry yourself carefully.
7. Paint your nails. Follow this order: treatment foundation,
colored nail polish, another coat of colored nail polish, and
protective/strengthening nail polish. I know, it's a lot of
coats, but remember that you want your nails to look perfect all
week long.
8. Moisturize your hands. Lastly and once at least an hour has
gone by (yes, one hour--if not, after all the effort, your nails
will be immediately ruined when you apply the moisturizer),
moisturize your hands carefully. You will feel like new!
PRACTICAL ADVICE
* Paint your fingernails while you watch TV or listen to music
or read a magazine. Take some time to relax, and take advantage
of it while the polish dries.
* You can follow the majority of these steps on your feet as
well. The exfoliating cream is great for your feet...
* Once a month, cover your hands in a moisturizing face masque
and put on some cotton gloves. Sleep in them, and the next day
your hands will feel like new.
* Do this manicure every two months. It's a pleasant luxury, and
that way your hands will need much less care, especially the
cuticles.
* Whenever a cuticle acts up, apply oil on it. You will see how
upon moisturizing it, it will immediately soften and won't
bother you.
* Remember: Our hands are an important part of our personal
image. Don't neglect them!