Today I’m going to tell you…

This weekend was busy with manicures! So I thought I’d take pictures and share this approach with you. I learned this technique in college from a friend who learned it from an asian friend. It certainly beat the tape/band-aid method I was using before! I began using my talent to make extra spending money during school. Now I just paint my own nails… and now… you can too!

It’s all about the supplies. Here’s what I use.

1. Sally Hansen Instant Cuticle Remover
2. Sally Hansen Hard as Nails “White Tip”
3. Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure No. 130 “Sheer Me Now”
4. Rock Top Coat
5. A lip brush- Not a paint brush! Not an eyeshadow brush! It’s got to be a lip brush! (Trust me. I’ve tried everything out there.) I got my lip brush at Walgreens.
6. Tweezerman “Pushy” Cuticle Pusher
7. Pure Acetone- No, you can’t just use normal nail polish remover. Any brand of pure acetone is fine.

Ok. First thing’s first. Take care of those cuticles! Use a cuticle remover and a pusher to tame ‘em down.

Cut your nails to a suitable length and file them into your desired shape. I like mine squoval (Yes, it’s a word. Google it if you don’t believe me!).

Remove any nail polish from your nails and thoroughly wash your nails with soap and water. Nail polish lasts longer on clean nails.

Now for the painting. With white nail polish, paint the tips of your nails slightly thicker than you want your tips to be. If it looks thin and streaky, you’ll need two coats. Let them dry.

This is the magical part. Unscrew the acetone and pour it into the cap. Dip the lip brush into the acetone. Now “erase” part of the white polish by using a back-and-forth motion. This will create a smooth line. Try to make the line parallel to the curve of your nail. Continue this step on each nail making sure to keep the width of the tips consistent. (Sometimes if you get too much acetone on your brush, it will collect in the bottom corners of your nail. Dab your brush on a towel and place it in those pools. It will soak it up.)

Examine your nails from different angles to make sure they’re all the same width and that your lines are straight.

Paint one coat Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure No. 130 over the entire nail. Don’t skip this step. This is what makes it look like a salon manicure (No wonder- it’s the name of the polish!)

While the last coat is still wet, apply Rock Top Coat. If possible let your nails dry in the sun. This will make your top coat even harder.

Remove any polish you may have gotten on your skin using the lip brush and acetone.

Voila!

(Just in case you think your eyes are playing tricks on you, there not. This “after” picture is a different person than the one pictured in the steps!)

Even after your nails feel dry to touch, be careful! They may feel dry, but treat them like they are wet for about an hour. Trust me. You will ruin them.

You are going to be amazed with yourself and your masterpiece! I just know people are going to say, “Oh! You got your nails done!”

Let me know how it goes! What’s your beauty secret?