When it comes to getting pampered there is nothing like a manicure!! If you are looking to create a polished, well groomed appearance a  mani is the way to go.  But as good as this might sound there are many of us that feel this is something to be had at a nail salon or Spa.  Unfortunately traveling to a salon, getting a manicure and then waiting for it to dry can take a couple of hours.  And this days not everyone has the time for such luxuries..

Fortunately there is always an option: do it at home.  Now some of you might get overwhelmed at the thought of giving yourself a manicure, and you might think: “there is so many steps involved, so many tools.. and cosmetic products! where do i start?”  It might seem difficult, but trust me..as a do-it-myself kind of gal I am I assure you, there is nothing more pleasant and relaxing than having my nails done at home.  Here are a few things you are going to need to assemble your tool-kit for the perfect manicure:

  • Nail polish remover and cotton balls
  • Nile file (preferably a fine-grained nail file, as this is gentler to your nails)
  • Hand lotion
  • Cuticle oil
  • Birchwood or Orange stick
  • Nailbrush
  • Bowl or warm, soapy water
  • Base coat, Nail color and top coat

Find a time on your day when you won’t be interrupted for at least an hour.  Set up a mood, but playing your favorite music for example and sit comfortably by a table.  Begin by removing any old nail polish with a cotton ball soaked in nail polish remover.  Apply a small amount of cuticle oil to each cuticle to begin to soften them, then clip you nails if necessary and file them to the desired length and shape.  Soak your hands in the soapy water for about 3 minutes. Using the Orange stick gently clean any remaining dirt and push back overgrown cuticles.  Dry you hand with a towel a proceed to apply the base coat, this is a glue like product that will help the polish adhere better to your nails.  Apply the color the same way, let dry for 3 minutes and apply a second coat.  Then clean any excess nail color with an orange stick wrapped in cotton and dipped in nail polish remover, and after your color had dried apply a protective top coat. Massage your hand with your favorite lotion and…you are done!!