How to do an at-home manicure

Want to pamper your nails or give them a new look without leaving the house? No problem! Here are some tips to make your nails look like they were done in a salon.

How to do an at-home manicure

Clean and shape your nails

Start by removing any nail polish you have on. Personnelle nail polish remover is perfect for the job! It’s important to remove all traces of nail polish, as well as any oily residue.

If you’re wearing gel polish, you can also use a steamer like the one from Nail Création to remove the polish more easily.

Afterwards, wash and dry your hands well. Now it’s time to cut and file your nails to the desired shape and length. Grab a Revlon nail file and remember to file in one direction only. Avoid using a back-and-forth motion across the tip of your nails, as this can damage them.

Doing your nails includes taking care of your cuticles. Don’t leave out this key step in your at-home manicure! Soak your nails in a bowl of warm water or use a hydrating treatment to soften them and then gently push them back. If you want, you can also trim them, but do so carefully.

Finally, you can use a buffer to smooth your nails and prepare them for the polish. Make sure to clean your nails thoroughly afterwards.

 

Apply the nail polish, one thin layer at a time

Now that your nails are ready, it’s time to make them look beautiful! Start by applying a base coat to protect your nails and make your manicure last longer. Always apply thin coats, letting each one dry before painting the next one.

If you like, you can use a lamp to dry your nails between coats, like Looky’s LED/UV lamp.

After the base coat, it’s time for the fun part: colour! Choose a colour you love. To add a luminous shine to your look, we suggest Pinky Clay from Good. Kind. Pure. by Sally Hansen, a plant-based 100% vegan nail polish. We recommend applying two to three coats depending on the colour. To make your nails look like they were professionally done, leave a thin strip colour-free at the base and on either side of each nail. Doing so will also make the application more precise.

Here’s an alternative two-step option: 1) Choose one of the 45 shades of Sally Hansen Miracle Gel polish and 2) add a clear, protective layer of Sally Hansen Miracle Gel matte top coat activator for a long-lasting, stunning manicure! This two-step gel manicure can be done without a lamp.

Finally, if one-step solutions are more your speed, consider a three-in-one product like Looky Gel, which doesn’t require a base or top coat.

 

Other tips and tricks for a beautiful at-home manicure

Things to remember:

  • Place your hand on a flat surface when applying nail polish.
  • Choose a good-quality nail file so you don’t damage your nails.
  • Moisturize your hands and cuticles daily.
  • Store your nail polish in a cool, dark place.
  • Tidy up any mistakes with a cotton swab or a fine brush soaked in nail polish remover.

What’s the secret to a perfect at-home manicure? Use the right tools, take your time with each step, and most importantly, pick a colour you love!

Get advice from our cosmeticians

Visit one of our stores to speak with a cosmetician and get personalized advice that will help make your at-home manicure a success!

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How to do an at-home manicure

Want to pamper your nails or give them a new look without leaving the house? No problem! Here are some tips to make your nails look like they were done in a salon.
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