I have it on good authority (my nail technician) that certain products are invaluable if you’re going to do your nails at home. We all know how to clip and file nails; some of us have even mastered the art of polishing with our non-dominant hand (necessity is the mother of invention). But all too often, the home manicure lasts all of two days, compared to the solid week you can get from a professional job. At least part of the problem is in the products; invest in a few premium necessities, and it will show in the results. You might not get a full week of beautiful nails, but you’ll be amazed by the improvement!
[easy peasy]
Cutex One-Step Pads
This is, hands down, the easiest way to remove old polish. Each pad has enough moisture to do an entire hand, and then some. Unfortunately, it won’t completely do both hands, so you may as well do the second hand with a second pad. There are several types, some with acetone, others without.
drugstore.com, $4.19
[start with sticky]
Stickey Base Coat
This product by CND is aptly named. It creates a surface that helps your color adhere. Just apply one coat and allow to set a few minutes. Then move on to your favorite color.
Dominic Michael Salon, $8.50
[color me pretty]
O.P.I. Nail Lacquer
O.P.I. comes with a thicker brush, which makes application easier and less prone to streaking. As with any polish, it becomes tacky after a while in the bottle, from constant opening and exposure to the air. Use a little polish thinner to remedy this—and always remember to clean off the rim with nail polish remover just before you start the manicure process (you can’t do it afterward because your nails are wet!)
Sephora and other beauty stores, $10
[quick dry]
Seche Vite and Daby
Translating to ‘dry quick’ in French, Seche Vite is the recommended top coat. Put it on after the second coat of color (third for really light shades), and allow to dry thoroughly before doing anything with your fingers. After at least 20 minutes, apply a coat of Daby, a nail hardener that sets the manicure even more.
Dominic Michael Salon, Seche Vite, $7.50; Daby, $12.50
[no one’s perfect]
Cutex Corrector Pen
Ditch the Q-Tips and Kleenex; this handy gadget can erase your errors—within reason. And it has a refillable tip, so you can replace it with a fresh one when needed.
drugstore.com, $4.29
Photo by Bill Barrett