How to do an at home manicure!

For the summer, it's nice to have your nails looking great! I found a website that gave me some great advice on how to get your fingernails looking like you just left the salon. I hope you enjoy the tips!

(I got this directly from: http://just-for-mom.kaboose.com/your-gorgeous-manicure.html)

Remove. Take off old color with acetone polish remover on a cotton ball. (Note: Don’t use a tissue, it will fall apart and doesn’t absorb the remover well.)

Trim. Cut and file nails to your length of choice. As for shape, there are two main options: square or rounded. And neither form will chip more than the other.

Soak. Rest hands in a bowl of warm water for five minutes, but make sure the water’s not too hot or it will dry out your hands and nails.

Soften. Apply cuticle oil or lotion on dry hands to nourish and soften rough spots.

Push. Use a cuticle or Popsicle stick to press cuticles back so they don’t get in the way of the polish.

Scrub. Exfoliate hands with a body scrub or homemade mixture of olive oil and kosher salt or raw sugar. Scrub for two to three minutes, then wash thoroughly.

Moisturize. Dry hands and apply a rich moisturizer.

Polish. Apply a base coat first, then apply two thin coats of polish. Finish with a top coat if you haven’t used one yet.

Helpful Hints:

• If you don’t have time to paint your nails, just take off the polish and moisturize. It will look much better than chipped paint.
• No file on hand? Use the rough edge of a match book.
• If you don’t have cuticle oil, olive oil works just as well.
• Light polish is easier to maintain than dark polish – chips and cracks aren’t as noticeable.
• Keep polish in a cool, dry place, like the fridge. It’ll last longer.