- Remove old polish with a cotton wool ball and acetone polish remover.
- File nails into the shape of your choice. Go for a modern shortish nail by filing straight across the top and rounding the edges. Don’t file nails in a see-saw motion – this weakens them and might cause them to split. Start at one side and move across the top in one motion.
- Soak hands in a bowl of lukewarm water (if the water is too hot it will dry out your hands). Add liquid soap to the water. This helps to soften nails and cuticles.
- Treat your cuticles by rubbing cuticle oil into them. Leave for a minute so the oil can be absorbed.
- Push cuticles back gently so you open up the nail bed for the polish. Don’t cut cuticles off at home. It can cause infection.
- Exfoliate hands by rubbing a scrub over them for two to three minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water. Use a rich exfoliator that leaves hands moisturised. Wipe excess water and product off the nail beds.
- Apply a clear base coat followed by two coats of the nail colour of your choice. Wait at least a minute between applications for polish to dry. Finish with a top coat to help nails stay chip-free for longer.
TIPS
- Don’t shake the nail polish bottle. Rather roll it between your palms. This mixes the polish without causing bubbles.
- If you don’t have cuticle oil use olive oil – it works just as well.
-YOU archives
