How to Master the Perfect Manicure at Home

With nail salons closed because of the coronavirus, I have been pulling out some of my favorite products from the days when I used to do my own nails. Today, I’m sharing home manicure essentials to achieve Insta-Worthy nails. I forgot how therapeutic I find painting my own nails, but if you’re not one of those people, I’m sharing another option for you as well! Keep reading to check out all of my home manicure essentials.

Home Manicure Essentials and Tips

Prep your nails

Whether you’ve got polish on your nails already or not, I like to swipe my nails with polish remover to help clean them before getting started. Next, trim nails, file them down, and buff them. I’m a big fan of glass nail files for maintaining strong nails.

Prep your cuticles

After you’ve prepared your nails, it’s time to prep your cuticles. I like using a cuticle cream to dissolve my cuticles and manicure stick to push my cuticles back. I leave any cuticle trimming to Kham, my go-to at Nail Yeah!, so this treatment process will work until I get back to the salon.

Exfoliate

Exfoliate using a gentle exfoliate, like Herbivore Coco Rose, which is made with coconut oil for smooth hands. I like to do this on my wrists and forearms, too. You can use your manicure stick to clean under your nails, then wash with warm water, and dry your hands well.

Don’t skip your Base Coat

Use Bondaid prior to applying your base coat. Bondaid really helps your polish have staying power. And don’t skip your base coat. It protects your nails, hydrates your nails, and helps your color last. I like Smith & Cult Basis for Everything for a base coat. Let your coat dry for 2 minutes.

Apply Two Coats of Color

Depending on your color choice, apply two coats of your color, allowing each coat to sit for two minutes. If you’re doing a lighter color, you’ll likely need a third coat. Try to have only enough polish on your brush to cover your whole nail. Here are my favorite colors for spring and summer. I also have been loving my Smith & Cult colors for spring.

Finish with a Top Coat

After letting your last coat of color dry for two minutes, finish with a top coat. Don’t skip this step either. It helps maintain your manicure and the shine is an added bonus. I like Smith & Cult Above it All Topcoat and have been using that one for my manicures, but my very favorite is the Out the Door fast drying top coat. I’ll definitely be ordering that once I run out of Smith & Cult.

Moisturize

Let your top coat sit for a little bit before moving on to something else. I recommend reading a chapter from your book or watch an episode of Little Fires Everywhere while letting your manicure set. Moisturize your cuticles and hands after your manicure is dry. You can repeat this as part of your bedtime routine, as well.

If you’re looking for an option that might last a little longer, I’ve been alternating between my at-home manicures and press on nails. I just recently purchased this glue and this set of nails. So, I still use Bondaid for a base, then swipe the glue and press the nails. I let them sit for 10 minutes before moving on to the moisturizing step.

What are your home manicure essentials?  Let me know in a comment below!

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