How to master a faff-free DIY manicure at home, revealed by celeb beauty pros
STEPPING out of the salon with a professional manicure is hard to beat, but we’re less fond of the bill.
If saving your pennies for Christmas means skipping the nail appointments for now, then it’s time to look towards a bit of nail DIY.
The chances are, you probably associate doing your own nails with dodgy painting and chipped designs.
But whether you’re a serial nail painter or just getting started, flawless nails don’t have to mean faff.
So, we’ve called upon the advice of celebrity manicurist Michelle Humphrey and OPI nails education manager Belinda Price.
Here’s everything you need to get started.
Essie Nail Care Apricot Oil Cuticle Treatment
£9.99, Boots – Buy Now
Before you begin your manicure, it’s important that your nails are healthy, strong and beautifully shaped.
Ensuring your nails are healthy and hydrated is the easiest way to avoid breakages (meaning your mani lasts longer.)
“Apply cuticle oil daily to keep the nails and the surrounding skin nourished, and always apply hand cream after hand washing or sanitising as they can be dehydrating, which causes damage”, says Michelle.
OPI Cuticle Exfoliating Cream
£13.90, OPI – Buy Now
Once you’ve tidied and filed your nails, you’re halfway to a beautiful manicure.
A professional nail tech often begins this process by trimming your cuticles, but DIY-ing this bit can be dangerous and lead to infection.
“Instead of trimming, massage a small amount of OPI Cuticle Exfoliating Cream into your nails and wash off using a nail brush after five minutes,” says Belinda.
This will make cuticles softer and easier to deal with, meaning you can gently tease them into place with a cuticle stick.
Leighton Denny Small Crystal Nail File & Case
£13, Marks & Spencer – Buy Now
The way you file your nails can often dictate how long your mani will last.
“First, use nail clippers to reduce any excess length, then file into your desired shape – I love using a crystal nail file as they’re so gentle on the nail,” says Michelle.
While there are many nail shapes to choose from, they’re not all born equal in terms of longevity.
Filing your nails into round, oval or “squoval” shapes (square with rounded edges) will make for a longer-lasting mani as their rounded edges are less likely to catch.
Revlon HD Snap! Nail Polish in Think Pink
£6.39, Boots – Buy Now
When it comes to painting, there are many different options for all budgets.
While it won’t last forever, standard nail varnish can be quick, easy and impactful – and the price tag can’t be sniffed at.
“Apply your varnish with three strokes, then seal the free edge of your nail by running the brush along the end of your nail, as it helps keep the polish on for longer,” says Belinda.
For long-lasting results, reach for a pink or nude polish, as any chips will be less noticeable and easier to touch up.
Mavala Fixator Top Coat
£6.40, John Lewis & Partners – Buy Now
After you’ve applied your polish, ensure you follow up with a top coat.
” A top coat protects your polish and gives added shine – always ensure you always seal the tip of your nail too to get longer wear,” says Belinda.
Applying a thin layer of Mavala Top Coat over your colour varnish will lock in colour, and ensure your mani stays put.
The formula is fast-drying and leaves nails with a gel-like shine.
14 Day Mani Signature Gel Polish Starter Kit
£170.50, 14 Day Manicure – Buy Now
Fear not die-hard gel fans, it’s easy to get your hands on the beloved formulas that our nail techs use.
Whilst it’s an initial investment, using LED lamps with curable nail polishes is a great way to ensure your DIY mani lasts a couple of weeks.
The polishes can be applied in the same way as standard polish, beginning with a base coat, colour coat, and a top coat, curing with the lamp after each step.
The 14 Mani Kit is a great way to get started – and makes a fantastic Christmas Gift.
Glaize So Fetch Stick On Gels
£13, Glaize – Buy Now
If all the above still sounds like too much faff, adhesive nails can be a great option.
Glaize creates stick-on gel nails that are tailor-made to fit your nail shape.
All you have to do is stick them on, file to shape, and enjoy salon-quality nails for weeks.
They don’t require curing, so are less damaging than regular gels and easier to remove – plus, shade So Fetch is stunning.
Ciate London The Cheat Sheets
£16, Ciate London – Buy Now
At this time of year, no manicure is complete without a bit of sparkle – but attempting nail art is no mean feat.
“To create an easy floral design, dip a bobby pin into nail polish, then stamp five dots onto the nail to create outside petals, then finish with a single dot in the middle in a contrasting shade,” says Michelle.
Nail gems and stickers are also a great option, and whilst they won’t stay put for long, they can make the perfect finishing touch before heading out.
As the name suggests, the Ciate Cheat Sheets are the best way to imitate professional nail art – simply stick them on top of painted nails, and you’re good to go.