Ask the Product Junkie.... Mani Tips

Jillian Inc. says: Totally agree with Mr. - that you could make a career. This isn't so much about a particular product but, in your opinion, what is the KEY to a good at home manicure? (base, top coat, etc?). How do you do yours? I really need to do mine myself but they always turn out looking like crap. Thanks!

Great question Jillian! I've been painting my nails since middle school, and through the years, I've found there ARE a few things that make a difference. I have a post here when I discuss the products I use and the order in I use them in. However, I think two of the steps are by far the most important so let's discuss them here.

1. Cuticle care. My mother was strangely incessant about pushing my cuticles back when I was growing up. Every morning she'd use a pencil eraser to ease them back. Although I hated doing it at the time, my mother was on to something: Taking care of your cuticles equals less problematic nails. Less splits, tears, and breaks.

Although I don't push my cuticles back with an eraser anymore, I do two things in particular to take care of my cuticles. First, a few times a week, before I apply fresh polish, I use a product like Sally Hansen Instant Cuticle Remover. This softens the cuticles and allows them to be pushed back off the nail very easily. Having your cuticles pushed back allows a better, longer lasting application of nail polish.

Second, I use a cuticle cream with AHA at least once a day to keep them moisturized and maintained. Poshe Cuticle Care and CND Cuticle Eraser are two good ones.

2. Top Coat. A quick dry top coat will change your life! My potion of choice is Seche Vite, but there are quite a few different ones you can try- from what I read, based on body chemistry, some people have better luck with other choices. Others to try are Poshe, Out the Door, Sally Hansen Insta-Dri..... there are quite a few out there- you'll just need to figure out what works best for you. Most quick dry top coats need to be applied immediately after the last coat of polish is applied.

I usually start my mani about 9 and am done by 9:30 and go to bed at 10 and have perfect nails when I wake up.

Hope these tips helps Jillian!