MASTER YOUR MANI
While nail salons are back open again post-lockdown, you can still DIY!
Steppin tepping out with freshly done nails has to be one of the th best feelings in the world. But if you don’t want to spend the money to have your nails professionally done, an at-home manicure can be just as good and satisfying. satis We spoke to Mavala national trainer Tracey Winder Win to get all her best stepby-step tips on achieving a p professional look from the comfort of your y very own couch.
Step 1 Prepare Prep
You know that old adage “Fail to prepare e and prepare pr to fail”? When it comes to nails, that tha couldn’t be more accurate.
“A manicure is only as good as the time and effort that goes into the preparation and protection,” says Tracey.
“Remove any excess nail polish and check the state of your cuticles. If they’re dry or ragged, apply an intensive cuticle cream or oil to nourish and soften the area. For overgrown cuticles, apply a cuticle remover and gently push [them] back with a hoof stick to create a neat nail contour.”
Tracey also suggests using a specialised nail scrub like Mavala’s Lightening Scrub Mask to “exfoliate impurities and dead skin... smooth the nail plate and soften cuticles”.
You’ll also want to give your hands some TLC with an all-over scrub before slathering on a moisturiser. 1 Mavala Lightening Nail Scrub
Mask $26.95
Step 2 Buff & shape
When shaping nails, Tracey advises sweeping a high-quality emery board in long curves from side to centre.
“Never file back and forth in a sawing motion as this will heat the nail, fray edges and encourage flaking,” she explains.
“When buffing the nails, use light delicate movements in one direction on the nail plate only. Nail polish holds better on a smooth surface. Buffing also activates blood circulation on the nail bed, stimulating growth and aiding the penetration of treatment products.”
2 Revlon Shape’n’buff $10.99
Step 3 Paint
Next up, it’s time to grab your polishes – beginning first with a nail treatment.
“The paint job is only as good as the foundation you lay, so a treatment product and base coat are mandatory for a long-lasting manicure,” says Tracey. “Apply a quality, natural nail hardener to protect nails from peeling and breaking. Mavala’s Scientifique K+ is a penetrating nail hardener that binds the nail plates together and contains crystal resin tears... to support the natural keratinisation process
(or formation) of the nails.
“After this, it’s essential to use a barrier or base coat to provide a screen between the polish and the nail plate to make your manicure last longer.”
3 Mavala Scientifique K+ $30.95
4 Sally Hansen Insta-dri x Mentos Collection Polish in Cutie Fruitie $16.95
5 Revlon Ultra HD Snap Nail Polish in Berry Blissed, She’s On Fire and Keep Cool $11.95
Step 4 Finish
For an ultra-glossy look with longevity, finish with a high-shine topcoat. Tracey also suggests using a quickdrying spray to help avoid smudging your handiwork.
“Wait at least two or three minutes between each coat,” she says. “Another tip is to reapply the topcoat every second day to stretch out the manicure lasting power.”
6 Sally Hansen Good
Kind Pure Top Coat $16.95
7 O.P.I Rapidry Spray $17.95