Perfectly Manicured Nails

Many new brides can't wait for the day trip with their maids/matrons of honor and the bridesmaids and do the whole beauty salon scene - hair, nails, feet, facials. But depending on where you live, that may cost a fortune.

And unless you get your nails done with an acrylic or gel overlay on a consistent basis and you're used to long or even active length nails, you may want to skip the expense of the nail tips at the salon and invite your ladies over for an afternoon of home manicures.

Here's your basic manicure kit to get those perfectly manicured nails. These items can be found at just about any department store or beauty supply store like Sally's Beauty Supply, if you don't already have them at home.

• Non-acetone polish remover


• Cotton balls or Gauze pads (I actually prefer the gauze squares to cotton balls)


• Cuticle oil with vitamin E


• Cuticle sticks/pushers (which can also be used to remove polish from the skin)


• Emery board/nail shaper


• Nail Buffer Block


• Clear base/top coat


• Nail polish/lacquer in your choice of colors





• Nail polish dryer fan ~ hold your fingers under the dryer for 60 seconds between each coat and you'll be sure not to smudge the polish.

Now on with the manicure!

• If you already have nail polish on, use a non-acetone polish remover and either cotton balls or gauze pads to remove the polish.
• Wash your hands in lukewarm water with a mild soap then dry completely with a soft towel.
• Massage cuticles with cuticle oil to soften and moisturize.
• Use a wooden cuticle stick and gently push cuticles back - do not cut the cuticles but simply push them back away from the nail bed. Wipe excess cuticle oil off your nails.
• Wash your hands again with warm soapy water to remove the oils, and dry thoroughly.
• Use the emery board to trim and shape your nails, then buff smooth with the buffer.
• For the perfect manicured nail look, apply a base coat first. Let dry for at least 60 seconds before applying the first color coat of polish.
• Apply two coats of color polish, drying for at least 60 seconds between each coat.
• Use a clear topcoat to prevent chipping and wear to the color.
• Finish your perfectly manicured nails with either a finishing spray or OPI Drip Dry oil to speed up the drying process followed by at least a final 60 to 90 seconds under the dryer or longer.

Quick fixes: Keep your perfectly manicured nails while fixing any mistakes to your manicure, like polish on the skin around your nail, by dipping a wooden cuticle stick in nail polish remover then gently rubbing the skin until the polish is removed.

You can even do this carefully as you polish, provided you don't miss and swipe the cuticle stick across the polished nail!

You can also buy purchase a nail polish corrector pen which uses the same process of gently rubbing the skin until the polish is removed.

I would advise against using any type of cotton swab on a fresh manicure as you might end up with cotton pieces stuck to your skin or fresh nail polish.

Suggestions:
Perfectly manicured nails look best with nail lacquers. The best nail lacquers I've found on the market are OPI and China Glaze, available at most beauty supply stores like Sally's and also on eBay, where I've actually gotten my best deals.



Resources:
OPI "Fairytale Bride SoftShades": www.opi.com

China Glaze "Romantique": www.chinaglaze.com

Sally's Beauty Supply (order online or at a local store near you): www.sallybeauty.com








More Accessories:
The Emergency Bridal Kit - Every Bride's Must-Have

Bridal Jewelry
Compliment your wedding gown with beautiful bridal jewelry at stunningly low prices!

Bridal Purses
Whatever you choose to use them for, make sure your bridal purses accessorize and compliment your gown, veil and headpiece.

Bridal Shoes
How to find the right shoes for a wedding gown so you're coordinated with your entire wedding ensemble.

Bridal Slippers and Sneakers
Brides, keep your feet comfortable all day with the comfortable slippers and sneakers.

Pamper Your Feet
After running your errands, take time to pamper your feet the night before your wedding. You're going to be on them the whole next day so make sure they're ready for it!

Wedding Garter Set
Buy a wedding garter set-wear one garter for your groom to remove and toss and one for a keepsake for your wedding album.

Perfect Manicures
Show off your gorgeous wedding ring with perfectly manicured nails.



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