10-Minute Manicure

It’s wedding season and you have forgotten one important detail to your big day….your manicure appointment.  If you plan on having that traditional picture of your hand donning that new shiny ring, your fingernails can not be ragged.  Here, you will learn how to get that “fresh out of the salon” look with a natural nail. 

• The Supplies – nail clippers, emery board, cuticle pusher, yellow buffing block, cuticle oil, and a clear polish.                                                                                      

• Shape – Having all of your nails cut to one length looks more uniform.  If you have a couple awesomely long nails with a few short stubs, it just draws more attention to the stubby ones.  So, using your clippers, trim those nails to an equal length on all of your fingers.  Use your emery board to smooth them out to your desired shape.

• Cuticle Care - Cuticles are the most neglected part of the finger.  We use our hands for everything, and making sure we protect our precious nails is the last thing on our minds when we need to get those dishes done quickly.  For the fastest cuticle care, I use a cuticle pusher with an emery board type tip.  Lightly sweep the cuticle pusher along your cuticles while pushing them back.  If needed, you can go around and scrub the dry skin off that’s around the remainder of your nails.

• Buff – For women whose nails have ridges or even slight discoloration, the yellow buffing block is the best invention ever.  Lightly buff the ridges and discoloration away by sweeping that block across the entire nail.

• Cuticle Oil – Cuticle oil will give your cuticles the moisture they love.  Brush on the cuticle oil and follow by washing your hands with soap and water.

• Clear Polish – Once your hands are dry, brush on a coat or two of a clear polish.  If you desire something with a more natural look, my personal favorite is OPI’s “Nail Envy”.  It doesn’t have that super high gloss like a traditional clear topcoat offers.  It also gives nails super strength.  If you prefer a higher gloss, go for any clear topcoat that suggests it dries fast. 

Now that your nails are perfect, you can get your white gown on and feel more confident knowing your hands are ready for any form of attention they will get.