Tips for the perfect home manicure

I once went to “fix” my nail job at a salon. The manicurist jokingly said: “How many layers do you have on here?” I looked away sheepishly. “Many,” I responded. So I decided to finally Google it with my unmanicured claws and find the right way to do it.

1. Remove the nasty bits
Try using a non-acetone-based nail polish remover to clean off any old nail polish. Then clip your nails if necessary and file them in a way that is half round and half square. Use a nail buff to file down the sides and tips. Apply a moisturising cuticle oil and push the cuticles back using the cuticle pusher. Don’t forget to lay down a piece of towel paper to protect the surface of the table you are working on.

2. Soak and relax
Using an exfoliating scrub, rub hands together and then soak in a warm bowl of water for two to three minutes. For something natural, mix a paste of sea salt and baby oil, or sugar and honey. Ensure you dry your hands properly after the soak, paying particular attention in between fingers and the cuticles. Apply a cuticle oil and hand lotion to your hands to prevent drying and wait for about five minutes before the next step.

Colour Show Nail Polish. Picture: Supplied

3. Protect those nails
Apply a base coat to protect your nails and help smooth over any bumps and lumps. Wait at least two minutes to give your base coat time to dry.

4. Choose your favourite colour and paint
Now this is the part where things can get tricky. Start by pushing the brush down towards the middle of the nail and then on the sides. I am right-handed and usually struggle using my left hand to paint my right hand. The idea is to find a comfortable way to hold the brush. Using the paper towel for practice, do a few strokes on it using your least dominant hand until you start to feel control and pressure. Apply at least two coats, giving each coat two to three minutes to dry.

Colour Show Nail Polish. Picture: Supplied

5. But is it art?
If you are feeling adventurous and would like to follow the nail art trend, use a French manicure sticker across your nail, leaving the tip exposed. Paint the tip colour above the sticker. It’s okay if you overlap the paint with the sticker a bit. Remove the sticker while the paint is still wet, so you don’t pull off chips of paint when you take it off. Allow the design to dry completely.

6. Finishing touches
Finish off your home mani with clear top coat. It will stop your nails from chipping and keep nails protected.

Picture: Supplied

What you will need

– Paper towel – to avoid stains on the coffee table and the couch
– Nail file, nail clippers and nail buffer
– Cuticle pusher and nippers
– Callous/cuticle remover
– Hand/nail moisturiser
– Base coat
– Nail polish
– Clear top coat
– A bowl of warm water to soak

Product of the week

Picture: Supplied

What is it?
Maybelline Colour Show Lipstick

What does it do?
The official make-up sponsor of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York, this heat-proof colour retains its colour in heat and humidity. It’s perfect for those hot summer days and warm nights. It retails for R69.95.