How to Give Yourself a Manicure

We moms are busy and it's tough to take time out for ourselves. Not to mention the fact that we also have better things to spend our money on. If you can't get out to the spa or salon for a manicure, you can give one to yourself. Here's how. Supplies You Need • Towel • Nail polish remover • Cotton balls or cotton pads • Cuticle remover: a commercial solution designed to dissolve cuticles • Orangewood stick: small wooden stick meant for nail and cuticle care • Exfoliating salt scrub or other favorite exfoliation product • Base coat: goes underneath the polish to protect the nail • Nail polish • Top coat: protects the color of the polish and some kinds speed up drying. • Moisturizing cream • Cuticle oil: an oil you can use daily to keep your cuticle moisturized and healthy Now that you have all your supplies together, let's get started...

#1 Remove any polish you have on your nails.

Moisten a cotton ball or cotton pad with polish remover and hold it on your you nails for a moment. Then wipe upward to remove the polish. Change your cotton frequently for best result.

#2 File your nails

Next file your nails. Move in one direction only or you risk splitting and peeling nails.

When you get your nails done at a salon, you may notice that it looks like the person is doing your nails is going back and forth, but avoid this. It’s not good for your nails.

#3 Remove Your Cuticles

Use the cuticle remover  according to the manufacturers instructions. The general practice is to apply it to the cuticles and wait a short period of time.

Do one hand at a time.

Once you have waited for the period of time stated in the manufacturer’s instructions, you can use the orangewood stick to push back your cuticles.

Never cut your cuticles! This is live skin, so just use the orangewood stick to gently push them back.

Wash your hands with warm soapy water when you’re done using the cuticle remover. Don’t leave this stuff on your hands.

#4 Exfoliate to Renew Your Skin

Use the exfoliating product you chose and use it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

We’re using salt scrub here and we rub into our hands for about 1 minute. Rinse your hands when you’re done.

#5 Moisturize

Apply your favorite moisturizer. Take your time and massage your thumbs into the palms of the other hands. It’s a mini massage.

Not quite the same as getting a professional one, but it’s NICE!

#6 Prepare Your Nails for Polish

After applying moisturizer, you probably have some moisturizer on your nails. You need to remove this before you apply polish.

You can clean your nails with a cotton ball or pad with a little bit of polish remover. Once you’ve done that and your hands are dry, you’re ready to start polish.

#7 Apply Base Coat

Once your hands are fully dried, you can start to apply your base coat. A base coat protects your nail and is applied before nail polish. Always use strokes from the bottom of the nail to the top. You should apply it in no more than 3 strokes – one up the center and then one on each side.

Wait 1 minute for it to dry.

#8 Apply Polish

Apply two coats of nail polish. Again, always use strokes from the bottom of the nail to the top. You should apply it in no more than 3 strokes – one up the center and then one on each side.

Wait 1 minute between each coat.

#9 Apply Top Coat

After you’ve waited a minute after applying your second coat of polish, apply the top coat. Once again, use strokes from the bottom of the nail to the top. You should apply it in no more than 3 strokes – one up the center and then one on each side.

#10 Apply Cuticle Oil

For healthy cuticles, massage a little cuticle oil into your cuticles after your nail polish has had a chance to start drying. Allow the cuticle oil to soak in for a moment or two and then wipe dry.

Use cuticle oil every day to keep your cuticles moisturized and healthy.