How to get the perfect manicure at home

Whether you’re trying to save money or you’re still head bent on going to the saloon, there’s never a bad time to master doing your own manicure at home. Not only is there a real satisfaction to painting your own nails (and saving a little cash), but it can also have therapeutic benefits.  Plus, the whole not-leaving-the-house thing is very appealing, without factoring in health and safety concerns. 

Although it can be hard to get the same results at home compared to what you’re used to at the salon. However, the following are the steps required to get your manicure perfectly done at home.

1. Clean your nails with polish remover.
2. clip, file and buff : This is when you’re going to want to bust out that manicure set. Clip nails first, if necessary. Then file gently, moving in one direction to get your tips square, round, or somewhere in between.
3. Push back your cuticles : Prep cuticles with cuticle remover—make sure it’s not an oil or a balm—to help dissolve dead skin and soften the area.
4. Exfoliate your hands
5. Moisturize your hands and cuticles 
6. Apply a base coat.
7. Apply your first coat of colour
8. Apply your second coat of colour : After a nice full two minutes (set your iPhone timer if you know you’re going to cheat), apply the second coat of nail polish. Sheer or pastel shades may require a third coat for full, seamless coverage. Just remember to keep it nice and thin.
9. Finish with a topcoat
10. Clean up rough edges and let your nails dry