My At-Home Manicure Routine

Today I thought I would put together a step by step guide on how I give myself a manicure at home. Before I begin I'd just like to mention that I am in no way a professional and have only had a salon manicure a couple of times in my life. With that in mind, here's my typical routine for a one colour manicure. 

Here's what you will need:

Nail Polish Remover 

Cotton Pads

Nail File

Cuticle Cream

Cuticle Nipper

Cuticle Pusher

Hand/Nail Cream

Base Coat

Nail Colour 

Top Coat 

1. Remove Polish

Firstly, take some nail polish remover on a cotton top and wipe over all your nails. This step is important to make sure you have completely removed the remnants of your previous manicure.

2. File & Shape

With a nail file, smooth away the edge of your nail, and model them to your favourite shape. Move your nail file in one direction and avoid filing in a 'back and forth' sawing motion. 

3. Soften Cuticle

Apply and massage a cuticle cream or oil onto the cuticle to soften them. An optional step is to soak your nails in warm water for a few minutes. 

4. Push Back & Remove Cuticle
Using an orange stick or cuticle pusher gently push back the cuticle and then using cuticle nippers remove any access cuticle. 

5. Apply Hand Cream
Before beginning the painting apply a small amount of hand cream onto your hands and take some time to massage it in. This will add a boost of moisture and will keep your hands feeling and looking younger, softer and smoother. 

6. Prep your Nails

Next up, apply nail varnish remover onto a cotton pad and swipe over each nail to remove any oils which may prevent the polish from applying as well. 

7.Apply Base Coat
Then take your favorite base coat and apply a thin layer to the nail. This step is important to ensure that the polish you apply after doesn't stain the nail and it acts as a barrier to protect the nails from any damage that the polish may create. 

7. Apply Nail Colour 

Now for the best part, Applying your nail colour. This step obviously depends on personal choice as to what shade you want to apply. For this manicure I used Essie 'Ballet Slippers' however I tend to mix it up all the time. 

8. Apply Top Coat 

For the final layer apply a top coat,this acts as a protective barrier to  prevent the nail polish from fading or chipping and will give it a long lasting shine. 

That concludes my at home manicure routine, tell me about yours in the comments below.