Makeup Monday

Photo credit: Cafe Mom

This isn't actually a makeup post. It's a Mani post. Given the fact that spring is upon us, I thought it would be neat to post about how to give yourself the perfect manicure. I used to be the girl who always had the perfect French manicure. How in the world could I ever have anything else on my nails? I was "traumatized" when stylist claimed that the French manicure would become a thing of the past - 25 years ago! Mind you, that was quite a while ago and I have learned there are quite a few more important things to be "traumatized" over. Anyway, my wearing of  only the French manicure has ceased - for a little while anyway. I discovered I liked  colored polish on my nails.Maybe it stems from the fact that my three year old niece and I have a wonderful bonding time when she comes over and I paint her fingernails and toenails. Her little nails look so cute with the bright pink she loves - OPI no less. My current faves are both by Chanel, but I've seen some Essie ones I'd like to try as well. Having artificial nails requires every two weeks (or less depending on nail growth) nail maintenance. I honestly used to love having this done.  Doing my nails at home, I can change the polish anytime I want. Anytime as long as I have an hour to spare. I still suggest going at least once a month to have a good manicure done - cuticles, buffing,etc.  But for those in between times, I suggest DIY.
OPI  has the neatest tool. You can actually try the polish out on a hand - on line. You adjust nail length and skin tone. PERFECT!
I typically do a polish change while I am writing blog posts or surfing the net. However, I found this perfect little How-to guide from Fashion Allure's website:
12 easy steps to the perfect manicure:

1. Schedule at least one hour for the whole process and another hour for drying.
2. Prepare necessary tools: a few washable pads, a nail polish remover, a wooden stick, a nail olive, a nail file, a nail polisher, a nail conditioner and a fancy lacquer.
3. Remove the old nail polish remains with an acetone-free remover.
4. Apply some nail olive (olive oil) onto your cuticles. Leave it for a while until they get soft and get rid of the unwanted cuticles with a wooden stick. Be gentle.
5. Get the right nail shape with a nail file (have you tried a glass one?). Short rounded nails are on-trend now.
6. Use a nail polisher but remember not to do it more than once in a week.
7. Remove nail olive (olive oil) with a remover, wash your hands with a soap and make sure your hands are dry.
8. Apply a thin coat of nail conditioner. Wait until dry.
9. Apply a first (thin) coat of a nail polish, remember to do it thoroughly. Wait.
10. Apply a second one, this time using some more nail polish.
11. Use a nail dryer while on a rush or a cold cold water.
12. Now relax on a couch, watch a telly or do anything you like as long as it doesn’t involve your hands

Remember to wear rubber gloves when doing household chores involving water or chemicals and garden gloves for yard work. This will save your manicure.