Treat Yourself to the Perfect Manicureby Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger 16 Dec 2006 10:41 AM A professional manicure is great... until that first chip. And with the busy lives we lead, it's next to impossible to avoid chips and scrapes! For lovely nails, use these tips for a perfect home manicure.
- Start with nail polish remover. Whether your nails have polish on them or not, swipe your nails down with a gentle, acetone-free nail polish remover. The nail polish remover helps remove oils from the surface of your nails and will make the new nail polish stick better. Non-acetone nail polish remover works a little more slowly at taking off old nail polish, but in the long run, it's healthier for your nails.
- Build a solid foundation. Try to pick a base coat that is formaldehyde free -- formaldehyde can actually dehydrate and weaken your nails. And it might make your manicure smudgy. Brush on a thin, even coat to help your manicure last longer. A base coat can protect your nails from being stained by dark nail polishes.
- Pick your color. Try to choose a nail polish that is phthalate free -- many of the big names in cosmetics make phthalate free nail polish. Sweep on a thin coat from base to tip in one fluid motion. Make sure your first coat is dry before adding a second coat! Need a color that works for day and night, work and parties? Pick a pale shade of pink.
- Protect your manicure. A clear top coat is your last step for a lasting manicure. Experts say that the longevity of your manicure is linked to applying separate base, color, and top coats and giving each one ample time to dry. Without a top coat, your manicure will chip and dull more quickly.
Doing your nails at home saves you the cost of the trip to the salon and gives you a chance to take some time to do something nice for yourself. Waiting for your nail polish to dry gives you a few minutes to put your feet up and take a quick rest break, too! More nail care tips from Families.com!
fingernails, manicure, nail care, pedicure, toenails
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