I have made it pretty obvious around these parts that I have a bit of a nail polish obsession. At this point I need an intervention or a nail salon.
It is a rare occurrence that my nails are naked. But it wasn't always that way, you see there was a time when having my nails done by someone else was the only way I would have them painted. When I tried to paint them myself it was a mani/pedi massacre! But over the years I have gotten better at it and painting my nails is actually fun. A fellow blogger asked for a nail painting tutorial and your wish is my command!
I actually did a tutorial a couple of years ago. In said tutorial I suggested the tip painting method-this has always worked well for me but I do know that it can turn out horribly chunky with some polishes. Therefore, I must redeem myself, chunky nails no more!!
Ok let's get started, shall we?
You Will Need:
It is helpful to have a file, cuticle tools, nail clippers, nail polish remover, cotton pads, and q-tips. The cuticle tools are not necessary but they help make the nail bed look purdy. If you use the cuticle tools make sure to soak your nails in warm water first to soften the skin around your nails.
Trim your nails to a comfortable length (I like my nails nice and short-the better to type with my dear), file the edges so they are nice and smooth. Now this next part is important-wipe your nails down with nail polish remover, even if your nails did not previously have polish on them. Wiping your naked nails down with polish remover will take off the oils that will make your nail polish chip.
Ok it looks like we are ready to go!
Speaking of ready to go, do yourself a favor and visit the bathroom.
You weren't expecting that as the next step were you? I find this step important because I cannot tell you the number of times I have put a coat of polish on my nails and then had the distinct feeling of I GOTTA GO NOW! Also, try unbuttoning your pants with wet nails, its load of fun. Not.Alrighty, we are ready for some color! I am using "Dutch Tulips" by OPI today. The biggest mistake you can make when painting your nails is having too much paint on your brush. Having too much paint on the brush can lead to it running straight off your nail and onto the skin around your nail AND too much polish doesn't dry very evenly which leads to premature cracking. So listen up and get off that extra polish.
Now for the painting! I like to brace the hand being painted on a table. Start with a singular swipe down the middle of your nail instead of the sides. This way if there is extra polish on the brush it will run onto naked nail instead of your skin. Now use the other side of the brush and polish the rest of the nail.
Repeat this with all ten nails. This first coat of paint will be thin and you will be tempted to put more paint on rightaway! But stop it, that would be a bad idea. Take at least 5-10 minutes to watch tv or something sedentary like that.
Now repeat this process two more times and after each coat let it dry completely. I cannot stress this enough. By waiting just ten minutes after each coat you are adding days onto your manicure. Now is a good time to dip that q-tip into the nail polish remover and get rid of any stray polish on your skin-don't beat yourself up. Nobody is perfect. Now let's say you made it through all three coats but all of a sudden you need to head out of the house, really need to pick your nose or you didn't listen to my forewarning and you have to use the potty like no other-I can help you out. Go into your kitchen and get your cooking spray, yes really. Now give your nails a light spritz . This will dry your nails to the touch so you can get on with your life.
I don't recommend smoking in general as a rule, but definitely don't smoke after spraying your nails with cooking spray. Instead rinse your nails with cold water to get the spray off of your hands (it will also help set the polish) and the wash your hands as normal.
Like I said, nobody is perfect-painting your nails takes practice. The more you do it the easier, faster and less messy it gets. So keep at it! Painting your nails is a fun way to dress up your outfits, makes you feel a bit sassier and fancier. Look how much fun it is!
Ok, what time should I show up for my intervention?
6 comments:
I am def. going to take your tips....my nails always turn out horrible when I try to paint my nails myself.
um, is it strange that i may or may not have taken notes? lol..
I'm still trying to control my breathing after seeing that nail polish so close to your macbook! If I did that I'd have to bring my malfunctioning computer to one of those pro guys, hoping that he wasn't offended by the color dripping down through the keys.
It's the remover that I'm the most dangerous with. I remember when I was about 15 I tried to take off some nail polish too energetically, and ended up flinging drops of nail polish remover into my eyes. Twas scary.
With all that said, I'm going to give this a go this weekend. I stopped getting my nails done after my son was born. For the first two years of life I had to stick my fingers in his mouth a lot, and didn't want him pooping "I'm Not Really a Waitress." I'm going to start again though, try it on my own. I'll have to let you know how it turns out :)
Thanks so much for posting this!
Okay, I remember reading that post from a few years ago! It seriously works. Loved this. Now gimme all your polish.
From time to time I search google to see what people are saying about how to do a manicure. As a Cosmetologist for those who don't know I am Licensed to do nails,hair and skin. I just want to leave a few tips.
From the article there are a few pros and cons,1st thing I agree on is using the bathroom I can not tell you how many times my clients have to go before during and after. After you file your nails you do want to wipe off any access dust,polish anything at all. You want to keep the nail as dry and clean as possible.
The next step that was not listed is to use a base coat one that will leave the nail a little tacky. Using a base coat will allow the polish to stick to your nail as well as protecting it from any staining that polish may leave. I would let that dry 5-7 minutes
I do agree to wiping off extra polish to much and its all over the place, I would not wait 10 minutes in between coats the polish is made to dry as 1 not 3 the only time I would say to do a third coat is if the polish is really light or streaky. The first coat should be thin the second coat will make it look more solid). Instead of using a q-tip I would use a small flat makeup or art brush even a orange wood stick dipped in polish remover to get any messes you have made . Once that has dried for at least 8-10 minutes.
Apply a top coat this is going to prevent the nails from chipping as well as making them stay shiny.
instead of using cooking oil (too messy) try using baby oil. I would recommend that you put a clear top coat on every 3-4 days to make it last. now keep in mind this is regular polish and it doesn't last for 2 weeks but there are things you can do to help it stay on longer for example: DON"T go tanning your skin becomes raw and helps create age spots on your hands as well as the lighting fades the polish. Wear gloves if your going to work in the yard. wash dishes or clean the house. Going swimming is also a downer the chlorine eats at the polish.
So, I know this is an old post, but like I said on Twitter I'm becoming polish obsessed!! I'm thinkin we should host a polish swap!!! ;)
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