How I paint my nails.

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I have been asked a few times how I paint my nails so today I am sharing that.  I am very flattered that anyone would ask ME that.  Thank you!  😉

It is near impossible for me to record me actually painting my nails so I found a video.  This is not the one I originally watched and what I based my ‘technique’ on but I haven’t been able to find that exact one.  I found this one a while ago and it is exactly the same technique and I have actually saved this one now.  The above image is basically the picture version of it but the video also explains it well.  So here it is:

So that is how I paint my nails BUT I don’t think that is the most important part about doing your nails.  I want to add a few things that I think are also important and a few things I do.

• One big exception to this video that I do differently is the order I paint in.  I start with my pinky and work towards my thumb.  It just makes it easier to reach without bumping wet polished nails.  I do everything else the same.
• Base and top coat is essential.  You will not believe the difference a good base and top coat can make.  Both serve different functions so make sure to check and choose accordingly.
• I almost always will use two coats of polish.  The only exception is if I need to add more because of sheer polish or VNL (visible nail line).  I don’t like wearing too many layers so I weight that up with how sheer the polish is and how bad the VNL is.  Sometimes I will rather have that than 248 layers of polish (especially if you add the base and top coat)
• I wrap my tips with the polish (on the first coat) as shown in the video but I also wrap my tips with top coat.  This really extends the life of my polish.
• Here is my ‘routine’:  I start off with one hand and apply base coat from pinky to thumb and then move on to the other hand.  As soon as that is done I start with the first coat of polish and move from pinky to thumb and then on to the other hand.  By the time that is done I immediately move to the second coat of polish. I then wait a few minutes after doing both hands and apply top coat. There are some people that say that you should wait for each layer/coat to be completely dry before applying the next and some that say it is better NOT to let each layer dry completely before.  This is how I do it and it seems to be working well.  I am of the opinion that the theory of polish layers ‘ gripping’ better while it is still wet makes sense and like I said, it works for me.
• I never ever ever shake my bottle of polish.  If need be I will roll it between my palms but I will still wait a few minutes to half an hour before using it.  The quickest way to make sure your polish bubbles is to shake it.
• I never ever ever wave my hands around or blow on my nails while they are drying.
• Sometimes I need a little help to speed up the drying process.  I mostly use a quick dry top coat but even with that I will most times use my Essence express dry drops.  They are fantastic and really help to speed up the drying time.  I especially like using it if I polish at night because it definitely prevents linen print or any other bumps and scrapes.  Magic stuff.
• I always always always clean up my cuticles after polishing.  To me, it makes all the difference!

Clean up:

There are many ways you can clean up.  Some people use ear buds (or Q-tips as they are known in some parts of the world).  If you are going to use these I would recommend the cosmetic ones which has a sharp pointy side and a larger, flat rounded side.  The flat round side is perfect for removing polish from the skin and the pointy side is great for the cuticles and edges.  Some people use brushes.  Some people use cotton wool. I use a gel eyeliner brush.  Specifically, the Essence Gel Eyeliner brush.

 

The brush is angled yet still thin and flat.  This makes it really easy to just rub around your cuticle area without taking too much polish off.  It is very convenient and easy to use and the brush is really comfortable to use as well.  I can even do it with my non-dominant hand with ease.

 

 

This is a brand new brush.  I use acetone for clean up because it is stronger than regular remover so requires less ‘brushing’ but acetone can take it out of your brush.  If you are going to use a brush of any kind make sure to clean it well after use.  I have a spray bottle of water on my desk at all times.  When I am done I will make sure to clean out all the polish from the brush with the acetone.  I do this by dipping in acetone and rubbing on a paper towel.  Don’t push down on the bristles as this will most likely just damage them more.  Wipe in the direction of the bristles.  When I am sure al the polish is off the brush I will spray it the water and rub it off on the paper towel.  I do this a few times.  Then I spray the brush and take a mini bar of solid soap and rub the wet brush on the soap a few times.  I then spray the brush again and wipe to get some of the soap off.  I then spray the brush one last time and rub it over the soap once or twice and with my fingers I will rub over the bristles and get it in the original shape.  I then leave my brush like that (with the soap) until I use it again.  Before I use it, I will spray it and wipe off the soap.  Leaving the soap in will give it some extra protection.

I know this sounds like a long and tedious process but it really isn’t.  It’s quite quick. You also don’t have to do it this way, you could just wash them under a tap with soap and water.  I would suggest rubbing it on soap at the end because it does help to prolong the life of the bristles.  I do also have quite a few spare brushes so when it gets too bushy and gross I just swop it out for a new one.

You can find these specific brushes at any Essence stands at Clicks or Dischem for R19.95.

I hope I am not forgetting anything but if I did I will be sure to come back here and update.  If you have any questions though please feel free to ask away.

Thanks for reading!