5 Steps for the Perfect at Home Manicure

STEP ONE:  Remove any excess nail polish that may still be on your nails. I have had a subscription to Julep for a while now and swear by this acetone-free polish remover. My nails are ultra sensitive so I'm picky when it comes to polish removers and this conditioning one is wonderful. 

STEP TWO: Use a cuticle pusher and cuticle remover to exfoliate and loosen your cuticles to remove the dry and dead skin around your cuticles. This is such an important step that many people skip! It makes a huge difference once you begin to apply your first coat of polish. 

STEP THREE: File away the edges of your nails as well as any remaining pieces from your cuticles. I also file the tops of my nails. This nail file is great because it is a 4 way file with a buffer to help shape, contour and smooth out your nails..and each side is numbered to easily know which step is next! After I finish filing, I will apply a small amount of lotion to my cuticles and hands. Right now I am loving Philosophy's Falling In Love fragrance, it's a perfect light and fruity scent. 

STEP FOUR: Apply your base coat. I LOVE this one. I have been using it for the past couple years as a base and top coat and it works wonders! It drys in absolutely no time, which is super important for me since I always seem to paint my nails right before I'm leaving the house or heading to bed. 

STEP FIVE: Apply 2 coats of your favorite polish. Essie's Winter Collection was recently released and I am loving this light pink color. After I've applied the 2 coats I put a final top coat of Seche Vite, wait for that to dry (it usually takes about a minute or so) and you're all done! 

Such a quick and easy way to get the perfect at home manicure! Let me know if y'all have any other tips and tricks I may not have mentioned and shop the products I use below: