DIY Manicure!

Hello everyone and welcome to my blog! I am pretty excited about today's post because it has been a pretty important part of my weekly routine for a little over a month now. What is this madness you are talking about Kayla? A manicure! At HOME! Yes, so don't freak out here or anything but i have been pretty good about having a perfect nail this time of year! And it has pretty simple and fairly easy to do. Even better? ALL of these products are available at your local drugstore!

Hopefully i can keep this simple, short, and sweet... fingers crossed. Before i get into this post though i wanted to let you know that next week i will be doing a Q & A post and i would LOVE to answer you guy's questions so shoot me an email or leave a comment below and i WILL answer it for sure!

On with the manicure? On with the manicure!

Step One: Remove any and all nail polish! I typically use a store-brand nail polish remover and a cotton ball. It's just nail polish remover... don't put too much thought into it this early on!

Step Two: Push your cuticles back! I have a little wooden stick that came in a set that i use and i just gently push back the cuticle. This reveals more of your nail and makes them look so much longer.

Step Three: PLEASE clean underneath those tips! The wooden stick i was just talking about has a pointy side that i use to clean under neath the nail and it works like a dream!

Step Four: Shape the nail. I use a glass file to basically file my nails into a square. It really keeps them looking very put together. 

Step Five: Use a 4-way buffing block to achieve the PERFECT basic nail! I use one by the brand Ms. Manicure and it's super simple and idiot-proof! The steps for it are labeled directly on each side. 1. File Away 2. Tidy Those Tips 3. Smooth It Down 4. Polish Me Perfect. I really, really, really love this little gadget... it makes doing your nails effortless. 

Step Six: After all that it is finally time to get down to business! Apply a base coat that fits to your nails needs. Lately my choice has been Nutra Nail Bullet-Proof Strength Formula Base Coat. My nails are definitely much less bendable :O! Let dry about 20 minutes.

Step Seven: Next apply one coat of your favorite nail polish! Mine has been E.L.F. Nail Polish in Red-y or Not. Let dry about 20 minutes.

source

Step Eight: Apply a second coat or add a glitter coat. Let dry anywhere between 20 minutes to 2 hours. 

Step Nine: Finally apply a top coat that fits to your nails needs. Honestly for me... i seriously need an all-in-one top coat but apparently they don't make one that is quick-drying, high shine, AND chip resistant... so i settle for Nutra Nail High Gloss Top Coat. 

And that is how i get my PERFECT manicure at home rather than paying $25 to get them done at the salon! :) i hope you enjoyed!