How to give yourself a manicure (in GIFS!)

You know the feeling of needing to cut your nails, but you cannot seem to find the time for a proper manicure? That’s exactly what I am feeling now. My nails have grown beyond an acceptable length and I have started to peel and pick at the dry skin around it, resulting in a big red swollen spot at the side of my finger — ugh.

It does not help that we’re getting so close to the party season. How am I supposed to shake hands with strangers and hold champagne glasses elegantly with these claws?

So if you are like me, embarrassed at how your fingernails look, maybe it is time to give yourself a quick manicure at home.

The tools you will need: A cuticle pusher, a nail file, a nail buffer, a nail clipper and a nail trimmer. 

STEP 1: CLEAN YOUR NAILS WITH NAIL POLISH REMOVER

Take off your nail polish thoroughly. Do not skip this step even if you do not have nail polish on. The nail polish remover will help to remove any dust or dirt that is clinging onto your nails. Don’t forget the undersides of your nails too!

STEP 2: SHAPE AND BUFF YOUR NAILS

Cut your nails if you find them a little too long, or you can go straight to filing them. I like to file my nails in a square shape and round off the edges. You can also go with a round shape. Remember to file the underside of the edge of your nail. This will help to take away any feathery bits. Finish off by buffing your nails.

STEP 3: SOAK YOUR NAILS

Apply a hand cream or cuticle oil, then soak your nails for five minutes in a bowl of warm water. You can also add a moisturising soap to the water or a few drops of oil. This will help to soften your cuticles. Do this while you watch tv! It’s really relaxing when you use a fragrant oil.

STEP 4: PUSH YOUR CUTICLES BACK

Take a cuticle pusher and gently push back your cuticles. You don’t want to be too rough or your cuticles will end up red and sore. I don’t recommend trimming your cuticles because it can cause an infection, only trim the hangnails.

STEP 5: PREP YOUR NAILS FOR COLOUR

For this step, a manicurist will spray a mixture of rubbing alcohol and water to your nails to soak up any excess oils, so that the polish will adhere better to your nails. Since most of us do not have rubbing alcohol at home, just put some nail polish remover onto a cotton ball or pad and tap it onto your nails.

STEP 6: APPLY A BASE COAT

Never forget base coat whenever you paint your nails. I did and look how yellow my nails are now. Try to get one that treats your nails. My favourites are OPI’s Nail Envy for strengthening, and Chanel’s Protective Base Coat for prevention of yellow nails. If you have an uneven nail texture, try Chanel’s Base Coat, which will help to fill the ridges in your nails for a smoother surface.

STEP 7: APPLY TWO COATS OF POLISH

If you want that smooth surface of colour you get at a salon, here’s a tip: Apply the nail polish as thinly as possible. You can do this by removing the excess nail polish from the brush at the sides of the bottle and scoop up a small amount at the tip of the brush. Start from the center of the nail and work towards the sides for an even application.

STEP 8: TOP COAT AND CUTICLE OIL

Finish with a top coat! For quick drying purposes, use the Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat. I like the Dior Gel Coat for extra shine and a gel nail look, but when I want a thinner formula, I’ll go with the Chanel Extreme Shine Nail Lacquer. Apply cuticle oil and you’re done! Your nails will look like they have just gone through an hour of pampering at a salon!