Luckily, you don’t need to haul yourself to the salon to get a great manicure.
Always use a non-acetone polish remover, which is less drying than regular formulas.
Overly abrasive files, including metal ones, will promotenail peeling, so always choose a fine-grade emery board.
Corbis Images.
The best technique: Choose a direction and stick with it using smooth strokes.
Don’t file back and forth, as this is a surefire way to break the nail.
After a 10-minute soak, dry off and apply cuticle cream or lotion.
Gently ease cuticles back by making tiny circles against the cuticle with acuticle pusher.
Once your nails are dry and lotion-free, it’s time to apply a base coat.
If you usually skip this step, you’re not the only one but it’s important.
(Want a multitasker?
you’ve got the option to get a nail-strengthening base coat or anail ridge filler base coat.)
Go up the center of the nail, then hit each side.
Step 7: Don’t Skip the Top Coat
Finish with atop coat.
Wearing a top coat can keep your nails healthy by preventing water loss, so nails break less.
The best top coats offer a harder, longer-lasting protective shell than the fast-drying ones can provide.
To prolong the life of your polish, apply a quick-dry top coat every other day.
Or, to help prevent nicks, try a silicone-based spray or drying oil.
Use a cotton swab and polish remover, or try a pen made for this specific purpose.
If you have a smudge, gently rub it out with a dab of polish remover.
When dry, polish only the affected area, then cover the entire nail with a top coat.
