Stay-at-Home, Stay Safe Nail Care
How to Create a Good Nail Care Routine
As we continue to recover from the effects of #COVID19 and being under #quarantine, we are constantly utilizing hand soaps, sanitizers, and #householdcleaners.
Although this has become our new reality, and as thankful as we are for these products; they can be extremely harsh on our skin and hands, removing natural oils and leaving our hands and cuticles feeling coarse, dry and abrasive.
So, if you’re leary about venturing out to the nail spa for that long, overdue spa manicure, no need to despair. With the right nail care routine, your hands can look salon ready while still staying squeaky clean.
The truth iѕ - mоѕt wоmеn can easily have a fresh manicure, without a trip to the salon, with the right materials & if they have a little time and patience.
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HDC STEP#1: Clean nails with nail polish remover. Start by using nail wipes or cotton balls saturated with lacquer remover to remove any older polish, oil, or debris. To get a great #manicure at home, do as the pros do by spending as much time prepping your nails as you do polishing them. That means starting with a good nail polish remover like Sally Hansen’s Nail Polish Strengthening Remover. It quickly takes off all polish (even glitter) and has essential nutrients to help strengthen your nails and moisturize your cuticles. Also, if you do not have polish on, you will still want to run a cotton ball of remover over each nail to get rid of any oils or dirt that could warp your polish. Don’t forget to wash your hands afterward.
HDC STEP #2: Clip & file nails. Clip nails first, if necessary. Then file gently, moving in one direction to get your tips square, round, or your preferred shape.
HDC STEP #3: Apply cuticle remover to hydrate & push back cuticles. Prep cuticles with cuticle remover, like Sally Hansen Problem Cuticle Remover—make sure it’s not an oil or a balm—to help dissolve dead skin and soften the area. Contrary to popular belief, cuticle oils and cuticle removers are not one and the same, nor can they be used interchangeably. Oils help moisturize, while removers act like an exfoliating treatment for your nail beds. Using a cuticle stick, gently push the cuticles back. Your cuticles protect your nails from bacteria and keep them soft, so avoid cutting them. Make sure to clean underneath nail tips, then wash your hands.
HDC STEP #4: Exfoliate hands. #Exfoliate your hands, wrists & forearms with a scrub that eliminates dead skin cells and replenishes moisture, SheaMoisture Lavender & Wild Orchid Hand & Body Scrub. Use your cuticle stick to gently clean any grime from under nails beds—Wash hands and dry them thoroughly.
HDC STEP #5: Moisturize hands & cuticles. Moisturize now to avoid smudging almost-dry nail polish later. A fantastic and light alternative to a hand cream that’s also made to hydrate the cuticles is Cuccio Revitalize Cuticle Oil. Apply a small amount and massage into cuticles and hands to hydrate and moisturize—massage cuticle oil on the cuticles and skin surrounding the nail bed. To cleans nails of oil and debris, wipe each nail with nail polish remover & nail wipes to get rid of residue.
HDC STEP #6: Shape & buff nails. Once dry, shape the nails using a nail file again to ensure you have your preferred shape. Using a nail buffer, lightly buff the nail bed, along with the tops and sides of your nails to create a smooth finish.
HDC STEP #7: Apply polish base coat. Apply a base coat to hydrate and protect nails and prevent chipping. Then chill for a few. Wait two-three minutes between each layer, starting with the base coat. Try Essie Here to Stay base coat to lock color on and keep it from staining your nails. Apply for a base coat that will both protect and nourish your nails.
HDC STEP #8: Apply the 1st coat of color. Once dry, Select your nail polish! My preferred polish is the Essie Nail Color because the polish is long-lasting, and they have a fantastic line of colors, including the Hay There (yellow) #1576. Apply your first coat of polish, being sure to get the brush all the way down to the cuticle and into the corners of your nail. Maximum coverage on the first coat makes the second coat a breeze. Just remember to keep the layer thin and strip your nail three times with each layer, once down the middle and on each side.
HDC STEP #9: Apply the 2nd coat of color. After 2-3 minutes, apply the second coat of nail polish. Sheer, metallic or pastel shades may require a third coat for full, seamless coverage. My preference is always 3 coats for a lasting effect. Just remember to keep it nice and thin.
HDC STEP #10: Finish with a topcoat. A topcoat protects your manicure from chipping and adds shine to nails—don’t skip it, or you’ll significantly shorten the lifespan of the paint job you just worked so hard on.
NOTE: Be careful when you put your top coat on
since a messy application can ruin your entire manicure.
Topcoats tighten as they dry, which is what can cause those little ridges if you don’t put it on properly, so to give your nails a flawless, salon look, follow up with a separate shine enhancer like OPI Nail Polish Fast Drying Top Coat.
HDC STEP #11: Clean up rough edges & let nails dry. Tidy up any mistakes or wobbly edges by wrapping a piece of cotton ball soaked in nail polish remover around the end of your cuticle stick and carefully trace around your nails. If you have nail polish remover pads, try folding one into a triangle for more precise application. To assist with drying your nails quickly, you can apply OPI Nail Polish and Nail Lacquer Drying Drops. Then let your nails dry an additional five minutes—it will be worth it when you show off your nails and amaze everyone by revealing your DIY manicure!
Manicure Rules: Protect Your Nails and Cuticles &
With these easy to follow salon-ready tips, you’ll be showing off those beautifully manicured nails without breaking the bank and staying safe.
Disclaimer: Please note the links in this post are affiliate links and if you make a purchase through them I may earn a commission. Keep in mind, the links I've recommended through these companies are based solely on my opinion, as well as the quality and competitive pricing of these products. The decision is yours, and whether you decide to make a purchase is completely up to you.
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