Your Complete Manicure Guide At Home

Just think about it, what’s worse than a deadline lurking in the corner and on the other corner an insurmountable mountain of utensils. Yes, you can say, it wasn’t the best week working from home for me. 

Have I been ignoring selfcare? Yes, I have. Unkempt hair, guilty of skipping a bath and to top it all- chipped nails! Therefore, knowhow to grow your nails faster at home.

Let’s admit there’s a bit of truth in Elizabeth Taylor’s famous quote, ‘Put on some lipstick and pull yourself together!’ Cause hey, when you look good, you feel good! So moral of the story: Do not ignore selfcare!

Where should we start? How about a manicure? Since you text, type, wash hands every 5 minutes (thanks to Covid!), your trusted palms have taken centre stage for a while now!

And if they are in the spotlight, why not make them shine. Clean nails, pretty pastels, glossy finish….awwww bliss!

Just looking at them will make you smile and those seasonal pastel shades can brighten a lull day. So common, let's do manis today! Grab your mummy, aunt, cousins, friends...even if it’s on zoom… or binge watch on a movie! 

Why? Because you deserve a wee bit of self care and a dose of joy! 

And think about it, is there any better time to master those manis? So let’s get going with the best tips, tricks and tools out there! And what’s better? It’s all at a fraction of the cost!

 Ba-bye pricey salons! But wait….

How to do a  DIY Manicure treatment? 

We got you covered, girl. Let me guide you through a few quick steps that will make the complex-looking task, oh-so-easy-peasy!

Step 1: Wipe. Rub. Repeat.

Start ALWAYS with a clean canvas, remove the existing nail varnish. Begin by adding a few drops of nail polish remover on the cotton swab and gently remove the varnish with soft strokes. Do not rub hard girl! The nail enamel may just get damaged. Avoid touching the side skin as the remover may make your skin as dry as the Sahara desert!

Step 2: File up in line!
 

Go grab onto your weapons (AKA your filer) and bring down your enemies (we mean the long nails!) And please don’t use the old see-saw tactic of moving back and forth to get the tips in shape. This can create havoc causing what is called “hang-nails.'' Always move in one direction for a smoother finish.

 (Btw, did I just sound like an army general...whoops!)

Step 3: Buff that Stuff!
 

Once shaped, it’s time to buff away the roughness. Glide on the buffer onto the top surface of the nail for a couple of minutes, till the surface becomes smooth and shiny! If you think this step can be skipped, think again! The buffing allows your nails to soak in better and also the smoothness makes your nail paint glide on like a dream with a seamless finish!

Step 4: Finally the Ah-mazing Soak!
 

Lo, and behold, the most awaited therapeutic part has come! The hot water soak. Bring on the spa-like experience with a dash of bath salts to add that extra oomph factor! Experts say that hot water is a must. It makes the nail softer faster and that dirt dislodges with ease. But just ensure it’s not too hot...yikes! 

Step 5: Cuticle Care!
 

Now here’s a ride or die moment...no pressure! Why? Because the cuticles act as a seal to prevent bacteria, fungus and other external aggressors from entering the body! To sum it up, cuticles protect you from an array of diseases. And by no means am I scaring you, but it’s good to be cautious. Just have a very steady hand while cutting the extras that might pop up!

Step 6: Brush, don't rush!
 

Mummy mode ON: Have you brushed your teeth nails yet? Every inch and corner must be covered with  toothpaste soap! No crevice must remain unclean. That’s how you’ll prevent cavity fungal infections....so, brush, brush, brush! Brushing helps to increase blood flow, and possibly even remove the yellow stains caused by nail polish!

Step 7: Slough away the roughness!
 

Rough hands or a rough week, there’s no denying that your arms require love too! Exfoliation gets rid of roughness and brings in a healthy blood flow! Banish the negativity, welcome a glow like never before!

Step 8: Get your Base-ics right!
 

Wait a second! Don’t take your favourite nail shade just yet! I know it’s tempting to swipe on a fresh shade but it’s first important to first protect! Apply a clear base coat, this will prevent any harsh chemicals from affecting your nails!

Step 9: Pretty Polish X2!
 

Here begins the fun part! Wohoooooo! 

But the most difficult part yet. Oh no..

Though it’s fun to apply nail paints especially when trying out a DIY nail art, keeping a steady hand, avoiding dents, chipping and what not can be a daunting task! Oh, and did we mention how hard it can be to paint the talons of your non-dominant hand? Ufff…..

Here’s an expert tip for your tips:

• First, remove the excess nail paint on the brush.
• Begin with a single stroke on one side.
• Avoid going too close to the cuticles, as the chances of you applying beyond the boundary may be higher!
• Move on the other side and apply a single stroke.
• Now blend it all in with a stroke at the middle portion.
• Let it dry and apply the second coat for a long-lasting varnish.

Remember, practice makes perfect!

Step 10: Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize.

And after all that soaking, brushing, exfoliation, your skin may be parched, yearning for hydration. So don’t reach out to just any lotion. Hand creams are formulated to have a richer consistency to penetrate deep into the skin for intense nourishment.

Now that you know the steps to a Manicure, it’s time to gather the supplies! Here’s what you’ll need..

NOT YOUR ORDINARY ACETONE!

#1 NY BAE NAIL LACQUER

Let’s take a moment to admire these cute pastels. And if the appearance hasn’t got you, the formulation surely will. Every pearl sourced, every colour created, every oil added reflects the spirit of NY City. Whichever nail trend you try and however stubborn the pigment may be, it will get rid of it in one swipe. So no vigorous rubbing is required. It also adds a dose of nourishment with Vitamin E so that your cuticles remain moisturized. And don’t worry, this Bottle if FREE- 

We mean acetone and cruelty-free!
 

#2 BLUE HEAVEN DIP & TWIST

Can all nail polish removers follow the footsteps of  “Dip & Twist’ please? If there is any manicure product that is super easy-peasy, it is the Blue Heaven nail polish remover.  Open the cap, dip your finger into the sponge and twist. Viola! Clean nails in a matter of seconds. So much comfort at such an affordable price. No wonder it has a 4.6 star rating!

TOP FILER & BUFFER

#1 PACO MILANO NAIL FILER

When it comes to Paco- they make only Professional Manicure kits. So be rest assured that you are using only top-notch and enduring material. Each side of the filer has a different capacity and distinctive use. So go on and file your nails to whatever shape you like. This is a tool that will not harm the nail in any way!

#2 4 WAY NAIL BUFFER

Girls, now you have a great solution to pamper your nails to professional treatment at the comfort of your home. This manicure product gives you the smoothest and shiniest nail surface. Each side has a different colour and caters to a specific purpose. Follow the steps of using each colour side one after the other to get the desired results.

BATH SALTS FOR THE SOAK

#1 SOUL FLOWER BATH SALT 

This mineral-rich sea salt is found at the bed of the Indian Ocean. It is known to detox the body by sucking away impurities that are not noticeable even to our naked eye. Enriched with lavender oil, it immensely soothes the senses, relaxes the mind and sore muscles if any. 

#2 NATURE’S TATTVA EPSOM SALT 

Drive away the tension and welcome a relaxed body and mind with the Epsom Salt Soak. This Bath Salt is a no-nonsense mix. No flavours, no aroma but gets the job done so effectively. This is how it works: the Magnesium ion breaks down and gets absorbed in the body. This enhances the production of ‘relaxing’ serotonin and reduces the effect of ‘stressful’ adrenaline. Sulphate contained in the mix provides a thorough detox to the body. Now that is what we call a ‘scientific explanation.’ Use half a cup of this product when soaking your hands to relieve itching, burning or pain.

 

UPDATE YOUR BODY EXFOLIATOR 

#1 MCAFFEINE NAKED AND RAW COFFEE BODY SCRUB

Pamper your skin with some Pure Arabica Coffee and Cold Press Coconut Oil for an overall energizing and invigorating experience! In everyday hustle our hardworking palms deal with all kinds of pollutants, dirt and external aggressors, making our skin rough and dull. The perfectly sized coffee grains slough away the roughness for an irresistibly soft palm. Go ahead, try this espresso treat!

#2 MAMAEARTH UBTAN BODY SCRUB

Start your day with a tradition passed down from generations! This body scrub is enriched with 3 powerful natural ingredients: Turmeric, Saffron, and Walnut. Turmeric is a natural antioxidant that fades dark spots and reverses sun damage. Saffron visibly brightens skin and gives it the most coveted glow! The Walnut scrubs gently exfoliate the skin leaving it babBASE COATS 

#1 FACES CANADA ULTIME PRO UV

Uff! Can we praise this enough...This Super Stay Gel delivers an impeccable shine and prevents chipping with a proven record of 6 days! The brush is specially designed with a round cut and fan edge for an effortless end to end finish! Oh! And just in case you think you have to wait endless hours blowing air onto your fingers, think again. This stuff gets dry in a flash! Also, did anyone notice the 10/10 packaging?

#2 MSHING 99 TOP COAT AND BASE COAT

Have you heard of gel polish? Yes, the one that is done professionally in salons for millions of bucks. Well, Mshing as a brand encourages Do it Yourself by providing professional quality gel polish right at your home! It applies like nail polish, dries off like a gel, in a matter of minutes. No filing, no grinding, nothing. It even fills up your dents, cuts or nail imperfections. Oh! Did we mention this is our ALL TIME Bestseller?

NOT YOUR GOOEY NAIL POLISH

#1 NY BAE BLOSSOMIN RANGE 

Bloom & Blossom with style, girl! The NY Bae range gives perfect poppin’ nails  that last longer than all your parties combined! It glides on like a dream and is chip-resistant. A nail statement that will make heads turn….twice! . So much at just ₹47. 

#2 FACES CANADA SPLASH NAIL ENAMEL

Remember not all the best things come KING SIZE. Some of them come in mini-packaging. And we’re talking about Faces Canada Splash. Yup! It’s a mini colour bomb with an unbeatable colour pay-off ! There are 41 drool-worthy shades, so that in every kind of mood and occasion, you look simply stunning!

HAND CREAMS 

#1 GOOD VIBES DAMASK ROSE HAND CREAM

Here’s a helping hand, quite literally. The Good Vibes Damask Rose Hand Cream gives an instant hydration boost with the help of Olive Oil extracts. Roses are not just oh-so-aromatic but are filled with antioxidants and vitamins that deeply penetrate your skin to tackle dryness. Does this cream do its job well? No, not well but supremely well!

#2 SWISS BEAUTY CHERRY BLOSSOM HAND CREAM

All’s well that ends well, and what better way to end a manicure than on a romantic note! Cover every inch of your skin with a lush dose of nourishment and a lush aroma of cherries!

OR JUST BUY THE KIT!

#1 VLCC PEDICURE AND MANICURE KIT 

This is the ALL-IN-ONE no stress kit. This kit contains a Pediglow Cleanser, a Walnut Exfoliator, a Cocoa Butter Cream, a Cuticle Oil and an Anti-tan Orange Pack. Look no further, it has everything you need!

#2 ALPS GOODNESS MANICURE PEDICURE KIT

Inspired by the refreshing feelings of the Alps Mountain your tip is in for a treat! This kit contains a 5 step routine. A soak, a cuticle cream, a scrub, a massage cream and a mud mask! With a mix of ingredients like Lavender Oil, Mint Oil and Strawberry extracts welcome rejuvenated soft palms!

​Do check out nail trends you can follow in 2022

You’ve reached this far...Kudos to you! Don’t just read and browse, bring these manicure goodies home, so you can show off those manis everywhere!