I’ve never been one to regularly splurge on salon visits. I get my hair done, yes. But I often find myself getting it done months overdue!
My nails are a whole different story. I recently started getting them done for my JAI Jewelry airings, but prior to that it had been a couple years since I had them pampered in a salon.
Now, just because I don’t regularly schedule an appointment doesn’t mean I don’t like them all pretty and polished. I just choose to do them at home instead!
Related: My Top Drugstore Beauty Favs
It doesn’t take me a whole lot of time to give myself a home manicure, and it sure saves a lot of money as well. I have a few favorite nail items and tricks to make them look top-notch — even without the help of a professional!
Since a lot of people are still doing their nails at home, I thought I’d put together my secret to a perfect home manicure so you can give yourself a little pampering this week. Here you go!
*post includes affiliate links
Helpful Tricks For Your Home Manicure
Extend your manicure with these helpful tips I use at home!
Use a Topcoat
I’m sure it’s pretty obvious, but did you know that short nails last longer? When you don’t have long nails getting banged up (and you’re not using them to take off stickers or cut tape…) they’re likely to last.
But to all you long-nail gals, there’s hope! One of the most essential things you can do is invest in a good topcoat.
I love this one from Seche Vite and I have a few friends that swear by it as well. At $10, it’s pretty affordable and when used correctly it will definitely fight against chips!
Oh, and when you apply the topcoat, make sure to seal the edge by brushing the polish over the front of your nail.
Prioritize Your Nail Health
There’s this common misconception that since your nails are “dead” (kind of like your hair) that they don’t require nutrients or attention. But they do!
You can always take Biotin to help with nail and hair growth. Typically, it comes in little capsules that are easy to swallow and even easier to add to your morning routine.
You can also find a good ridge filler or nail strengthener to use when you’re trying to give your nails a “break” from the colored polish.
While I haven’t used this Nail Tek kit, it was recommended to me by a friend. Trust me, her nails look gorgeous!
Are You Filing Wrong?
They’re a little more expensive, but glass files are the best way to go according to top celebrity stylists. It’s more gentle on the nail and it will last for years!
I found this one [multiple options for this link and attached to the picture above] with over 11,700 Amazon reviews and it looks like a great option. It even comes with a carrying case!
You should also always file your nails from the corner to the middle. Think of your nail as two sections and sweep the file from the outside to the inside.
Oh, and don’t saw! It will just create unwanted breakage.
Avoid Messy Lines
If you have trouble “staying in the lines” when working with your opposite hand, you can avoid a messy clean-up with Vaseline. Just dip a Q-tip in the jelly and outline your nails. When you mess up, wait until the paint dries and brush it right off!
You can also line your nails with some classic Scotch tape, but I think it the Vaseline is much easier to apply.
Opt For Quality Nail Polish for Your Home Manicure
I get it. Those $2 nail polishes at the store are super tempting and some of the colors are gorgeous! But often, with a cheap product comes a dull polish that will chip.
One of my favorite brands is Essie because they have a variety of stunning colors and my home manicure lasts just as long as the salon version.
Check out this Mademoiselle color. It’s a feminine favorite and it’s a summer must. I’ve been using it for over 12 years and it still makes me smile every time I put it on!
The brand also has a quick-dry version for the girl on the go. Sometimes, it’s just too hard to sit still!
This color is called Millennium Momentum [product not available for this link and for the picture above]—the nude is beyond timeless.
Use Shellac Polish for a Home Manicure
Getting a Shellac manicure is more expensive, but it typically lasts longer than regular polish.
First, a base coat is brushed on, then a color coat followed by a topcoat. But in between each layer, the nail is “cured” under UV light to harden the polish.
It’s a bit of a process, but you can actually do this at home with your own UV light and polish!
This lamp is super compact which makes it easy to store. It also guides you through the process so that you’ll end up with a perfect home manicure every time.
I like to use this Satin Pajamas color. It’s still pink (like my favorite Essie shade) but it definitely embodies more of a mauve look.
There’s also this color called Field Fox which is one I typically wear during the transition from summer to fall.
Revive Your Old Nail Polish
Is it just me, or do you use a polish twice before it gets clumpy? Or maybe you’re the one who just wants to use up that last drop… every bit counts!
If you feel like your polish is getting dry, you can add a couple of drops of acetone to the bottle. When you put the lid on and shake it up, it will be much smoother.
Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize!
I said it three times so you know it’s important… but moisturizing your hands is one of the best ways to extend your home manicure!
When your cuticles and nails are moisturized, they’re more pliable. And when they’re more pliable, there is less of a chance of them chipping!
No matter the time or place, I always reach for my PEAK 10 Save My Sole Foot Cream. Obviously this is more for a pedicure, but it leaves my skin so nourished, I couldn’t help but to share!
Upgrade Your Home Manicure With an Oil
Another way to keep your cuticles and nails moisturized is with manicure oil.
I swear by this one from CND… it’s been my TV-ready trick for nice-looking nails for over 25 years!
So if you’re in the mood to give yourself a much-needed home spa day, you can turn to these tips for all your manicure needs.
From my home to yours,
Jill
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