Doing the Perfect at Home Mani

I don't know about you but I am someone who always has to have my nails done. It makes me feel more put together when my nails are done! Getting your nails done can take a lot of time, energy, and money so it doesn't hurt to know how to give yourself a killer at home mani! I personally like doing my own nails better than going to a salon and if you know what you're doing sometimes doing your own nails looks better! I am not a professional, but I have some tips for you to be able to do the perfect self manicure!

Step 1: Prep Your Nails

This is one of the most important parts of any manicure- at home or at a salon. You need fresh, clean, ready to go nails before you can even think about adding any kind of polish. I always starts off by using nail polish remover to take off any old nail polish and clean my nails for a fresh coat of paint. After removing all the old polish, cut and file your nails to the desired length and shape! This allows you to be in control of the shape and length of your nails before you even begin with the actual painting process! Once you have polish free and filed nails, you are ready for the next step in the perfect mani.

Step 2: Base Coat

I highly recommend always using a base coat because it not only protects your nails from the nail polish, but it allows the polish to stay on longer and go on smoother. There is nothing worse than having perfect looking nails that only last for one day then begin to chip because you don't have a base coat on! A solid base coat is key for a smooth looking manicure too. This base coat is prepping your nail for any color you put on. Also, base coats prevent your nails from staining from darker nail polish colors!

Step 3: Paint Away!

Now that your nails are completely prepped- cut, filed, and base coat- you are ready for the main step- painting your color on! Pick a color that makes you happy and then you are ready to go. When I paint my own nails I always start with wiping the color on the sides of the bottle so it isn't too much on one nail. Then I start in the middle of the nail and do one stripe then spread it to the left and right. Starting in the middle is the best way to minimize the amount of nail polish you get on your skin (but lets be honest if you do get it on your skin it'll wash off in the shower)! Go as slow as you need to, and repeat this on every finger! I usually paint both hands, wait a few minutes, then do it again for a second coat.

Step 4: Top Coat

Once you have your nails painted (practice makes perfect) you can add nail art if you are feeling spicy! If not, wait 5-10 minutes after painting on the color. This allows the polish to dry a little before applying a top coat. Top coat is so important because this is what will help your nails be smooth, shiny, and stay looking perfect! I wait 5-10 minutes before applying a top coat so that I don't ruin the nail polish, and this also ensures the color won't get onto the brush then into the clear top coat. I apply the top coat the same as the color- one brush down the middle then one of the left and one on the right. Easy peasy!

Step 5: Relax!

This is the step that most people don't follow and that is to sit patiently for about an hour or two before really doing anything. A lot of people do their nails then don't wait long enough and smudge or smush the manicure they just did! I like to give myself enough time that the nails are dry and hard. This means if you touch your nail it doesn't feel wet and it doesn't feel like you could smush it and leave a fingerprint. Allowing this time to dry will make sure your nails come out looking salon fresh! After painting my nails I usually watch Netflix, or do work on my computer without bumping my nails on the keys.

Have fun and good luck with your next perfect at home mani!!