Professional manicures are expensive. Nothing can beat the feeling you get after getting a really great manicure and it’s really tough to get the same long-lasting results. For years, we’ve been told that the only way to maintain healthy and strong nails is to get them professionally done, and unfortunately, the manicure products readily available don’t do much to combat this notion. We’ve all heard the common tips like “buy good quality nail polish” or “use a base and a top coat” but now, it’s time for us girls to get creative and achieve salon quality results at home (with products you’re sure to find in your home)!
Here are some cool and surprising tips I’ve found to achieve a fantastic manicure.
1. Use ice water to dry nails in three minutes!
Sounds counter intuitive doesn’t it? However, as long as you let your nails air dry for a few minutes so that the water doesn’t wash it away, you can totally speed up the process by dunking your nails into a bowl of ice water for a few minutes. Also, sitting near a fan or waving your hands will not speed up the drying process, in fact, it can actually cause your manicure to bubble or run!
2. Soak nails in water in white vinegar before applying polish!
This will help remove any leftover nail polish remover or oils, causing your nail polish to adhere better and prolonging the life of your manicure.
3. Correct smudges with…saliva?!
Apparently, something in your saliva reacts with your nail polish to blend and smooth imperfections. Just lick your finger (make sure your hands are clean first!) and use it to smooth out the blemish.
4. Get rid of dark nail polish stains!
If you love darker shades of nail polish like I do, you know that it is a pain in the tushie to remove completely! It gets everywhere and leaves your nails stained. You can remove these stains with a solution of hot water, hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda! Just dip your nails in and let them soak for about a minute. (You can also try scrubbing them with some whitening toothpaste.)
5. Use oil cooking spray to set your manicure!
If you’re in a hurry after you apply nail polish, try spraying your nails with cooking spray and letting it sit for a few minutes. The oils in it will help set your manicure and prevent it from smudging.
These were my favorites, but if you’re hungry for more you can find them here!
Lovelies, have any cool tips or tricks for a DIY professional manicure?
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I don’t have any cool tricks or tips, but having patience and practicing helps me! Also, I am a fan of Seche Vite top coat, that helps dry the manicure faster and leaves a shiny finish. I would suggest applying the polish in 2 or 3 thin coats rather than painting on thick globs of polish. I make sure my hands and nails are completely dry before beginning the painting process.
peony / 1 posts
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Seche Vite always causes shrinkage at my tips. I hate that stuff. Surprisingly a huge fan of Palladio’s quick dry topcoat though. I guess it depends on your particular chemistry. For instance, Zoya polish chips within 24 hours on me, always. Other people find it wears like iron. Go figure..
The cooking spray tip sounds wonderful, but you have to be very careful not to spray too much or it kind of streaks the polish.
I really want to try that soak for the stained nails. I always wear dark colors, and when I remove them, no matter how careful I am, the cuticles and surrounding skin get stained. Hopefully it will work.