Moanful Manicure

Tools:
cotton - either balls or square
cuticle nipper
cuticle pusher
hand lotion
orange sticks
nail polish
nail polish remover
nail clipper
nail buffer
nail file
nail brush


Whether you prefer your nails to be long or short, they can still look stunning with a little know-how.

1. Wash and dry your hands.

2. Using a double-sided emery board, file nails using a gentle stroke. Avoid corners of your nails as this can weaken them.

3. Begin to shape your nails. The most popular shape to use is oval, but choose what is most suited to your hand and finger shape.

4. Check to see how well you have done. Run your nails over an old pair of pantyhose. Your nails should not snag the hose.

5. Apply a softener to your cuticles. Allow to sit for a minute or so.

6.Transfer hands to a bowl of warm water and soak for an additional few minutes.

7. Gently push back the cuticles. This should not be painful. If hangnails are present, carefully clip them.

8. Apply hand lotion and begin to massage the palm of your hand with the thumb of your other hand. This will help to circulate the blood. Work your way over the remainder of the hand and then repeat giving equal time to the other hand.

9. Before color is applied to nails, they must be cleaned and the easiest way to do this is with an orange stick that has been wrapped with cotton. Dip into nail polish remover and then rub over the surface of the nail. Check the nail for any creamy residue. When none remains, your nails will be ready for polishing.

10. Time for color. Pick up a small amount of polish on your brush and paint one stroke down the center of your nail. Your brush should hold just enough color to accomplish this. Stroke the sides of the nail and you are done. The nail should be completely colored in three strokes. Allow to set for a minute or so before applying the second coat.

11. Wait until polish is set (dry to the touch) and then apply the top coat. Don't skip this step as it not only adds life to your manicure, it will protect your nails as well.

12. Sanitize all of your equipment with alcohol and when they are dry, store them away until the next time.

Tips:

Nail polish can be stored in the fridge.

Apply nail polish remover before doing your nails even if don’t need to remove any old polish, it prepares the nails by removing any grease so that your polish will last longer.

If you’re having trouble achieving the perfect French Manicure try using a white nail pencil underneath the nail tip instead of white polish you’ll find it’s much easier.

Give your nail polish plenty of time for each layer to dry to ensure a lasting finish.

Always wipe the top of the nail varnish bottle with a cotton bud to get rid of any excess polish, this will prevent the bottle from becoming glued shut.

Try not to remove and reapply polish more than once or twice a week, as it will dry out your nails. Choosing a remover with built in moisturisers will help limit the damage.

A hand massage will boost your circulation and encourage nail growth and is the perfect way to pamper yourself.