Perfect nails, every time
YOU can give yourself a lovely manicure without stirring from your home, and it doesn’t cost a bomb either. Here are some ideas:
Quality counts
Good nail polish need not cost a bomb. Look for one that dries quickly so that you minimise risk of contact damage and aim for a nice thick brush that’s long enough for you to sweep the polish onto the nail in one go.
File, don’t cut
Clippers and scissors tend to leave sharp little edges whereas a nail file helps you shape nails so that they look neat and are all the same length. As a rule of thumb, oval nails are classic and easier to keep than square nails but the latter look very good if you plan a French manicure.
Base or top coat
A base or top coat prevents chipping. If you prefer a base coat, the easiest way is to give the tips of your nails a quick cover.
Then add a second layer over the whole nail. For the top coat, just brush the whole nail. Of course, you can do both but too much polish means drying time can become a factor.
Vaseline
If you tend to over-brush the polish onto cuticles and skin, you can create a little barrier with the help of some Vaseline. Just dip a cotton swab into the jelly and carefully edge your nails. Now if you over-brush, you can just wipe away the jelly and the misplaced polish will go with it.
Thin coats
A single thick coat takes ages to dry. By using two thin layers, the drying time is minimised and you get to “go over” spots that don’t look exactly right.