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One of my most asked questions in real life is “how do you paint your nails?” I’ve been painting my nails since I was a teenager (duh), but I really got serious about painting my nails about 4 years ago. Ever since then I have been painting my nails one to two times a week and my toes once every other week. Getting my nails painted is something I just can’t justify spending money on, I prefer doing it myself because I know exactly how I like it.
I have quite the arsenal in my nail kit and have perfected my routine over the years. Below is a list of everything you will need. It seems extensive, but once you get it down it takes about 15 minutes.
- Nail Clippers
- Nail File
- Cuticle Clippers
- Buffer (I recommend this one)
- Base Coat (I recommend this one)
- Color (Essie is my favorite brand – I especially love their gel line)
- Top Coat (I recommend this one)
- Drying Drops (I recommend this one)
I first start by clipping my nails. I like them EXTREMELY short, this is one reason why I don’t like salons. They never seem to get them short enough. I then begin to shape them with the file. From there, I cut my cuticles back and buff my nails. I find buffing them gives them a little more grit and allows the polish to adhere to something.
The next few steps are pretty straightforward. One coat of base coat. Two coats of color. One top coat. After the top coat comes in my secret weapon…drying drops. Drying drops are an oil-like substance that lets your nails drying in double triple the time. I can paint my nails and 15 minutes later go to bed with no sheet marks or jump in the shower and be completely fine!
When it comes to my toes I keep everything the same, but honestly not as meticulous because who cares! Because of all my years of dancing I have some pretty gross feet. I feel like a lot of people have gross feet but no one talks about how to help them. So here ya go! The Amope is seriously a life-saver. I have really bad dry cracked feet (and so does my mom) I picked up some silicone socks a few weeks ago at Ulta because my heels were so cracked it hurt to walk. They did nothing! (Don’t waster your money!) After I tried the Amope once I was hooked! This is an electric foot file that allows you to safely remove dry cracked skin. Even Jared is addicted! (Check out their deal they are running here!)
By following this routine, I can generally make my nails last 5-7 days with no chips! That’s honestly better than the salon way cheaper. I also enjoy the alone time it gives me during the week.
5-7ndats is amazing! I’ll have to use your technique the next time I do my nails. And I agree, the Essie gel line is great! I’m always amazed at how much longer the polish lasts.
Happy Monday,
xAllie
http://www.theallthatglittersblog.com