Nailing it Friday!

Today let's get started with the Basics...

Here are a few things you should have in your Bag of Tricks when it comes to do it yourself manicures:

Acetone... you can spend $ on those fancy nail polish removers that smell good, truth is they all do the same thing and if you aren't soaking your nails in it then it's cheap and effective especially if you like the Glitter Polish. 

Files: Natural Nails you should be using a fine grit, 240/1200 or a 240/240 I like Creative Nail Designs Kola Buffer & Kanga file for natural nails. Unless you have rock hard nails you want a smooth as possible when it comes to the grit on you files. And don't use the metal ones or those old fashion Tan colored ones that look like straight up sand paper sticks! 

* When you file your nails only do it in one direction, you don't want to go in a back & Forth motion.

Orangewood Sticks... You can find them in a Sally's or an Ulta and some drugstores have them. You can use them to clean up your edges.. push back your cuticles and so much more. 

* Only push your cuticles back when they are soft from soaking. Never when they are dry. 

Cuticle Nippers: DO NOT!! I repeat DO NOT cut off your cuticles with these or cut your cuticles ever!! These are good for hang nails, you can clip that loose piece of skin off right to the base and not worry about and infection from it getting irritated. 

* Don't cut your cuticles off or let someone else do it, they should only be pushed back. The cuticle is there to protect the matrix from contaminants and infection. 

Cotton Rounds or Lint Free Pads: These are great for removing your polish, I don't like cotton balls because I get a lot of little pieces left over and there are fuzzies in my polish.

Cuticle Cream: This is good to apply after you are all done with your manicure and you've painted your nails.. Some good ones are Burt's Bees 

Lush's Lemony Flutter... Love this stuff! 

For your Nails you will need a Base Coat: based on your Nail type if you have any problems you'll want one based on your needs. Creative Nail design's Sticky base Coat is a good one. 

Top Coat: Fast Drying or Regular.. Choice if up to you. 

Do you know the proper way to paint your nails?  You only need 3 strokes and you want to keep away from your cuticle . This works, do it this way and you will have little or no clean up. Here is a look:

Great photo instruction by Michele from Lacquerized!

So there are some basics to get your started.. Have questions feel free to leave me a comment and I'll start a list of topics to go over. 

Last week someone asked is there a difference between polish brands and yes there is. Everyone has a different formula so some are smoother to work with then others. Some last longer on Natural Nails without Chipping. Odors are different & Color Pigments. Price of course is a big factor, I have polish from $3-$24 a bottle.