Editor's Pick: The Perfect DIY Manicure

Once upon a time, I was the most boring person EVER when it came to my nails. I€™d go in for a manicure and breeze past the polish selection opting for the same hues every time- anything white, or maybe, if I was feeling particularly adventurous, a soft pink. When the black nail polish craze hit, I couldn€™t resist temptation, gave it a try, and loved it so much I was soon hooked on all shades in the ultra-dark family. Emboldened by my newfound ability to take risks with nail-color, I gradually began experimenting with every conceivable color. Regular trips to the manicurist became a major strain on my wallet, so I had to improvise and learn some DIY techniques.

Clean the Canvas
Creating a perfect canvas for your nails is about more than just maintaining your polish. Skyy Hadley, celebrity manicurist and the owner of the As €œU€� Wish Nail Spa, suggests that you €œuse creams on hands to stay moisturized and remember to exfoliate hands to remove head and dry skin.€� The key to a lasting Mani is to start off with a clean surface, so following a hand massage, use nail polish remover to make sure there are no emollients left and the nail-bed is clean and oil-free.

Carol's Daughter Lemon Ginger Mint Manicure in a Jar, $11.50

Boscia Daily Hand Revival Therapy, $16.00

The Cuticle Dilema
To cut or not to cut? According to Neri Ortega, nail expert at Butterfly Studio Salon, NOT TO CUT. Always push cuticles back rather than cutting, a tip that will help a manicure last longer. To keep nail polish looking shiny and new, and cuticles from looking dull and ashy, Neri recommends using a good cuticle moisturizer, like Solar Oil, which will also keep your manicure intact for a few extra days.

Creative Nail Design Solar Oil, $7.00

The First Layer
Start with a protein based base coat, Neri recommends a strengthening treatment like OPI's Nail Envy, to keep nails strong, and prevent polish from chipping.

OPI Nail Envy, $15.99
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Picking a Color
According to Skyy Hadley, €œThis summer, jeweled true-green hues are going to be the trend on fingers, and it€™s all about confidence when wearing it. If you feel that this is too dramatic for you try a neutral metallic or light lilac shade instead.€� To pick the best metallic shade, make sure to match it up against your skin tone, according to Skyy, "These should compliment, not compete with one another.€� And always allow the nails to dry for 1-2 minutes between coats.


Butter LONDON Nail Lacquer, $12.00
Laura Mercier Nail Lacquer, $15
OPI- Do You Lilac It?, $7.00

Finish It Off
Following the application of polish, a good basic top coat is needed. Neri recommends Essie, and prefers classic top coats over "quick dry" which tend to peel faster.

Essie Super Duper Top Coat, $8.00