GIVE YOUR HANDS A TREAT AT HOME
Follow our tips and tricks for salon-perfect nails
shape and prepare
Firstly, soak clean fingertips in warm water for five minutes to soften the skin around your nails.
This will help to push back the cuticles and remove dry skin from the nail bed. Follow the soak by cutting, filing and shaping nails with scissors and a nail file. Buff the nail plate to remove any oils – this will help the varnish bind better. Swipe cuticles with oil, and gently massage in.
Play with Patterns
Nail art has boomed in lockdown, and what better time to try out new designs than now? Scotch tape is a great way to cheat linear looks, or a French mani – simply cut, place and stick. Nail stickers are a quicker alternative for a fancy finish. Layer over dried polish and always seal with topcoat. Fancy trying out art of your own? Invest in a set of nail brushes.
Make it Last
So many polishes are now formulated to last longer than a standard varnish, like Essie’s Treat Love Color range. Before applying colour, use a nail varnish remover to help dehydrate the nail – the colour will bond more effectively. Always paint on thin layers, starting from the centre of the nail, and don’t forget to cap nail edges with polish to prevent chips. Pop fingers in a bowl of ice water for two minutes to help speed up the drying process. Finish with a topcoat and a dash of cuticle oil to seal your mani.
Hydrate & condition
The key to prolonging a chip-resistant manicure is to apply moisturising products to your hands and nails daily. Always apply cuticle oil to dry polish and rub in – this keeps the nail coating conditioned and hydrated, especially after using excess hand sanitiser. Apply hand cream (look for shea butter or oil-rich ingredients) before bed, then put on cotton gloves to give hands an indulgent soak – your mani will thank you in the morning.