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That said,theres a lot that can go wrongwith a DIY mani.
Grace Cary/Getty Images
From prepping your nails to choosing the right shade, theres plenty of room for error.
A little practice, some patience, and the right nail tools will take you far.
Turns out, its easier than we thought.
All it takes is 10 simple steps.
That means starting with a good nail polish remover likeSally Hansens.
Dont forget to wash your hands with soap and water after.
Zoya Remove+ Nail Polish Remover
Zoya
Step 2:Clip, file, and buff.
Now it’s time to prep your nails.
You might even want to invest in a manicure kit to simplify things.
If youre not sure which nail shape you prefer,check out our guide here.
This allows you to see exactly what youre doing and helps protect against overfiling, Lippman says.
Flowery Cuticle Sticks
Next, youll want to push back your cuticles, says Russell.
(Some people prefer using whats known as a nipper, but pros suggest simply pushing back.)
Oils help moisturize, while removers act like an exfoliating treatment for your nail beds.)
Then push back gently with a cuticle stick.
Your cuticles protect your nails from bacteria and keep them soft, so avoid cutting them.
Deborah Lippmann Exfoliating Cuticle Remover Nail Treatment
Deborah Lippmann
Step 4:Exfoliate your hands.
Grab your orange stick again to gently clean any grime from under nails.
Wash hands afterward and dry them thoroughly.
Mario Badescu Rose Hips Nourishing Oil
Ulta
Moisturize now to avoid smudging nail polish later.
To finish, swipe each nail with nail polish remover again to get rid of residue.
Apply a base coat to hydrate and protect nails and prevent chipping.
Then chill for a few.
TryEssie Here to Stayto lock color on and keep it from staining your nails.
Maximum coverage on the first coat makes the second coat a breeze.
Just keep the layer thin.
Many of us overload the brush and do too many strokes, Nails Inc. founder Thea Green says.
The key is to load just enough polish on the brush to cover the nail in one coat.
She recommends striping your nail three times: once down the middle, once on each side.
Another trick that helps?
Sheer or pastel shades may require a third coat for full, seamless coverage.
Just remember to keep it nice and thin.
Alternatively, try somepress-on nailsif you know you cant wait around.
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel
Sally Hansen
Step 9:Finish with a top coat.
Its especially crucial to lock in anycute nail designsyouve attempted.
I see this all the time, says manicuristMadeline Poole.
Women think, Its clearyou cant tell.
But really, you might, once it dries.
If you have nail polish remover pads, try folding one into a triangle for more precise tool.
Ulta Nail Polish Remover Pads
