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SheIn -Your Online Fashion Vintage Dress




6 Tips & Tricks for an @ Home Manicure


I rarely pay for manicures.  I'm picky and often am not happy with the way they file my nails.  Not to mention paying for something that I'm not happy with.  So for me?  I DIY manicures.  Below are my must have tools, tips & tricks I take for my @ home manicures.

at home manicure, OPI, CND, nail polish, Seche Vite, nail files, cuticle cutters, nail polish tips & tricks
My must have tools:
  • CND cuticle eraser
  • OPI's bond aid
  • CND "sticky" base coat
  • Your favorite nail lacquer (I love OPI's Kiss on the Chic)
  • Seche Vite Top Coat
  • CND Solar Oil
  • file block
  • cuticle cutter
  • cuticle push tool
  • nail file (s)
  • bowl for soaking fingertips
  • a few tissues
Step 1: 
Soak fingertips for a few minutes, then apply CND cuticle eraser to the base of your nails (see below).  Gently rub the lotion into the cuticle.   The cuticle eraser helps soften the cuticles and I actually sometimes apply it between manicures to keep them soft (I have very dry hands)


at home manicure, OPI, CND, nail polish, Seche Vite, nail files, cuticle cutters, nail polish tips & tricks
Step 2: Push back your cuticles & use the cuticle cutters to carefully remove access.  Many people say you shouldn't cut your cuticles.  However if you want a professional look, you absolutely need to do this.  Just be careful!

at home manicure, OPI, CND, nail polish, Seche Vite, nail files, cuticle cutters, nail polish tips & tricks

Step 3: File and buff your nails.  File how you'd like to shape your nails.  Mine are flat on the top, but gently curved so as not to have "points".  I also like my nails short so I don't accidentally scratch my kids.  I do once a week manicures because my nails grow so quickly.

Step 4: Apply your base.  I love OPI bond aid.  It cleans the nail so that when you begin applying any polish there is nothing that would interfere with it gripping to your nail.  Trick - you can also use nail polish remover.  
The other base is of course your base polish.  CND "sticky" base coat is excellent.  It helps to prevent streaking and chipping.

at home manicure, OPI, CND, nail polish, Seche Vite, nail files, cuticle cutters, nail polish tips & tricks

Step 5: Use your favorite nail polish and apply color.  I typically use either OPI or essie brands.  Start from the cuticle up with one motion.  Paint one side, the other side and finish with a swipe in the middle.  Using one motion from the cuticle to the tip will help prevent chipping.  Also slightly paint the "free edge" (end of your nail).  Paint 2 coats.  I often paint my nails a light pink so that if and when it chips, it's not that noticeable .

at home manicure, OPI, CND, nail polish, Seche Vite, nail files, cuticle cutters, nail polish tips & tricks

Step 6: Paint a top coat.  I love Seche Vite and I haven't found a top coat that beats it.  It's on the thicker side and man it keeps it's shine for days!  Again, paint one side, the other side and then the center using one stroke from cuticle to tip.  Finish off by painting the free edge.

at home manicure, OPI, CND, nail polish, Seche Vite, nail files, cuticle cutters, nail polish tips & tricks

Step 7 (optional): apply CND Solar Oil to cuticle and use your fingers to "swipe" the oil over your nail.  Not only is this a great way to keep your cuticles soft, but it actually helps in the drying time and prevents smudging.  After I apply the solar oil I also use a good hand cream.  Using hand cream often also keeps your nails moist and prevents chipping.

at home manicure, OPI, CND, nail polish, Seche Vite, nail files, cuticle cutters, nail polish tips & tricks

Finished look!


Some of you may be thinking, "Lulu, how long does this take you?  When do you find time?"  The most time is the prepping.  Erasing the cuticles and filing.  I usually take off my old polish and prep the nails at night (about an hour because I'm very particular) and then paint them the next day (about 45 minutes).  I usually sit on my sofa by the fireplace and watch a little TV!


So @ home manicure, is it worth a try?  Absolutely!  Good luck!
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Lulu Soler
12 Comments
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12 comments:

  1. I love opi products :)

    http://semjeitonenhum.blogspot.pt

    ReplyDelete
  2. This is awesome!

    Sheree
    thehartungs.blogspot.ca

    ReplyDelete
  3. usefull post dear!!! thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving your lovely comment. now following and looking forward to your future posts! maybe we can also stay tuned via fb/bloglovin? let me know :)

    http://glamourdrama.blogspot.it

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh I've been doing my own manicure since I was a child. It's cheap and easy! :D

    xx Daphne of http://daphnebenosa.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thanks for sharing your tips! Your mani looks every bit as good as one I'd get in a salon. And I could save a lot of money and time if I did my own. What a great color too!

    ReplyDelete
  6. You amaze me. I have tried the DIY mani MANY times and it never turns out this beautiful :p

    ReplyDelete
  7. Nice job lulu! My nails grow so stinkin fast too! I have been a licensed manicurist, seems like for forever! When trimming those cuticles just make sure to only trim the dead skin:) I have a few tips also on my blog for a good top coat and base coat..Hope you have a great weekend!

    onprairiehill.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. Lulu I am with you when it comes to manicure salons, they are absolutely overprized, you pay like 70$ here in Germany and then its not how you wanted it.Those are some great tips, I am kinda weak when it comes to making my own nails. Thank you so much and have a great weekend :-)

    Ani
    www.fleurani.blogspot.de

    ReplyDelete
  9. i love this post & your blog!! thanks for stopping by my site & leaving a comment.

    new follower :)

    www.thebechtholts.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. I need to do my nails as you suggest for sure, I am so lazy when it comes to manicures. I just slap on some polish and call it good.
    xoAmy
    www.dreamingincashmere.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. Oh oh ohhh! I'm bookmarking this post! =)

    theeliteebony.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much for all your comments. I love to read them and visit fellow blogger sites! XO

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