How to give yourself a manicure

This is for those who want to give themself a manicure for a fraction of what it would cost at a nail salon.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bowl with warm, sudsy water
• Cuticle cream
• Nail clippers
• Emery board
• Sapphire File
• 3-way buffer
• Base coat polish
• Favorite nail color
• Top coat polish

1. Soften nails and cuticles by soaking in warm, sudsy water for about 10 minutes.

2. Gently push cuticles back with orange stick or cuticle pusher.

3. Trim finger nails with clippers starting from one side of the nail, clip away small pieces of the nail, shaping as you go.

4. Use emery board and sapphire file to smooth and finish nail edges. Hold at 45 degree angle just under the nail edge. File from one side to the other in light strokes, then file the other side in the same manner.

5. Use the 4-way buffer to even, smooth, buff, and shine the nail. the board itself should have the steps on the file.

6. Put the base coat on the nails, let it dry for 5 minutes. Then put on your favorite color, allow to dry for 10 minutes. And finally, the top coat, and let sit for 5 minutes.

Tips & Warnings

• For best results, use cuticle cream to soften the nails.
• Apply a moisturizing hand lotion at night of soften and moisturize skin and cuticles.
• Do not trim the cuticles yourself, for it can invite infections inside your nail bed. Instead, have a professional do this.