Polish Perfection: [At- Home]Manicure

I had a really late night last night and fully plan to stay in tonight. Maybe order some steamed Chicken&Broccoli ::Yumm:: and prep my nails for Saturday's festivities...So, here are my tips that will lead you to the cutest manicure- while saving that ~OutOnTheTown~ moolah.

**The Perfect  Manicure **

Things you will need:
- Two paper towels incase of any spills!
-Cotton Balls or Pads
- Non-Acetone Polish Remover/ Strengthening
- E.L.F Cuticle Oil Pen ( $1.00 at ANY and ALL KMart Stores)
- Basic Emery Board/Nail File
- Cuticle Pusher
- Sugar Scrub
- Moisturizing Hand Lotion
- Clean/ Dry Hand Towel
- Your choice shade of polish =] ( I Used Sally Hansen Chrome Nail Makeup [not sure they even make this anymore].)

IMPORTANT rule: If you do not have experience cutting your cuticles- then DO NOT do it. This can lead to infections and hang nails. Neither of which are a good time! Get a nice Cuticle Pusher tool that allows you to clean under the nail and push back your cuticles rather then cutting.

Also- AVOID WOOD SURFACES- even non-acetone polish remover will strip the staining on any wood furniture. Believe me.... I've seen it happen.lol

Step 1:
Lay your two paper towels on the counter top or table.
Remove any previous nail polish on nails using a cotton ball/pad doused in the Non-Acetone polish remover. Be sure to hold your hand over the paper towels.

Step 2:
Wash and thoroughly dry hands and nails.Then~ File your nails to the desired shape and length. I like mine to be slightly rounded so that the squared edges do not snag.


Step 3:
Apply your E.L.F Cuticle Treatment to all nails. The chizzled tip will actually act as a Cuticle Pusher if you do not have one available


Step 4:
Using your sugar or apricot exfoliating scrub, gently rub the scrub and warm water in your hands for one to two minutes(max).

Soak your hands in warm water- I usually just fill up my sink with warm water and soak for two to three minutes.

At this point you can choose to use the Cuticle Trimmer if needed. It is definitely useful to remove any of the dead skin around the nails..


Step 5:
Wash and dry your hands and nails thoroughly. Massage your moisturizing hand lotion between all fingers and over all nails.
Step 6:
Using a cotton ball or pad and a little bit of polish remover, go over each nail to remover any remaining lotion, soap or oils from your nails.

Step 7:
Apply base coat and let dry!!

without flash

With Flash

With Crackle

Step 8: Apply color coat (See-above)**
Step 9:Apply Super Shine or Speed Dry Top Coat.(I used Revlon Top Speed Dry Top Coat)


Usually, once my polish is dry, I will use my E.L.F Cuticle Treatment pen to go over my cuticle one more time for added moisture.

What is your favorite At-Home-::Spa Activity:: & How do you do it on a budget?