How to paint your nails perfectly

To prepare your nails you should firstly shape your nails and lightly buff the surface of the nail to allow smooth application of the polish. Shape the nail how you feel comfortable & if you are new to shaping your nails try not to change the shape of your natural nail too drastically.

 

Nail file & buffer

 

Next step to preparing the nails is to push back the cuticles and remove any of the excess with a pair of cuticle pliers. Once you’ve completed these two steps wash your hands to remove any of the particles left after filing your nails and apply a moisturiser to your hands as if you accidently get some polish on the skin around your nail it is easier to remove.

Pushing back cuticles

Removing excess

Cuticle pliers & 2 cuticle pushers

 

Apply a clear base coat to protect your natural nails to avoid the colour dying your nails once removed (red is the worst colour for doing this). If your nails are weak then apply a clear nail strengthening polish at this point.
 

Nails with a base coat

Sally Hansen 'Hard as Nails' & Barry M
Base & Top Coat

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Add 2 to 3 layers of your chosen colour depending on the opacity of the polish. When applying the colour try to use as little brush strokes as possible – the best way to do this is by using the first brush stroke down the centre of the nail and then one smooth stroke down either side.

Nails with 2 coats of polish

Bourjour nail polish in the colour

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This step is optional but if you wish to add any extra details to your nails whether it be with a gem or a bead stuck on with a small amount of clear polish or using a nail pen or dotting tool and a contrasting colour of polish.

 

Beads & gem set & applicator

Dotting tool, Rimmel 60 Second Polish &
Barry M Nail Art Pen

 



 

 

 

 

 

 



Dots & lines added to the nail

Gem on the nail to decorate

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adding a top coat protects the colour and adds extra shine to the nails. Remember to leave 10-15 minutes between each coat allowing the layer of polish to dry thoroughly.

 

Finished!

 

Complete!

The next step is to clean away any small mistakes round the nail using a cotton bud dipped in nail polish remover.

Finally when the nails are completely dry massage cuticle oil around the nails and apply a hydrating hand cream to the hands to complete the manicure.

 

 

Cuticle Oil & Garnier Intensive Repair Hand Cream