Get the perfect mani/pedi with these tips and tricks

by Kathleen Hager

PausePlayPlayPrev|Nextshow thumbshide thumbs

AC’s April issue (psst, you can subscribe here) is full of products that make at-home nail care a breeze, but we just can’t stop there. Check out our how-to’s for a quick and easy DIY mani/pedi, plus even more beauty loot to get you ready for sandal season.

Seven steps are all it takes!

1. First, you’ll want to get rid of the gross dead skin that’s been building up all winter (this mostly applies to your rough feet). Try The Body Shop Peppermint Cooling Pumice Foot Scrub and Cake Beauty Milk Made Smoothing Hand & Cuticle Buffer to gently exfoliate your skin. If your heels are extra rough and callused, smooth them out with the Sally Hansen JUST FEET Professional Heel Smoother.

2. After rinsing with warm water, immediately apply lotion to get your extremities silky-smooth. We love Hissyfit Handy Work hand cream and Burt’s Bees Thoroughly Therapeutic Honey & Bilberry Foot Crème.

3. Next, apply a cuticle lotion or oil like L’Occitane Shea Butter Nail & Cuticle Cream to soften cuticles, and lightly push them back with Tweezerman Manicure/Pedicure Sticks. The cuticle cream can then be used multiple times a day to keep nails looking healthy and fabulous.

4. Now it’s time to give your digits the perfect shape. Use the Tweezerman Shape and Shine Nail Tool to file and polish your nails. The blue/black/white side files, shapes and finishes your nail, while the white/pink/grey combo smooths, buffs and shines. The cardinal rule of filing is: Don’t see-saw your nail. File gently in one direction to prevent breakage and flaking. Style note: Round out square edges for a more sophisticated look.

5. Once you’re ready to apply a dazzling color, start with a basecoat like Orly “Bonder” Rubberized Polish Gripping Basecoat to help color last.

6. Spring has arrived, so say goodbye to the dark and dreary. Pick colors that will pop! Try sassy shades like Ya’ll Come Back Ya Hear? by OPI, Texas Collection, Boat House by Essie, Treasure Island by Sinful Colors and Sephora Collection Nail Lacquer in Curacao.

Optional: A new line of colors from China Glaze will take your nails from pretty to pretty awesome in minutes. If you want an extra punch to your nail look, try Crackle Glaze. Applied over another dry color, Crackle Glaze gives your nails an edgy, shattered look. Grunge is back, ladies! The line has six colors that can be easily mixed and matched with the colors in your makeup bag. Staff-tested, editor-approved.

7. After two coats of shimmering coral or vibrant lilac, apply a drop of Jessica Quick Dry 60-Second Drying to each nail to seal the color and prevent scratching, smudging and wrinkling. One drop of this special oil formula will spread over the entire surface of the nail. It’s so effective, plus a speedy choice when you don’t have much time.

BONUS TIP!
Want the ultimate mistake-proof nail polish application? Then grab a tube of Liquid Palisade by Kiesque, an innovative new product that will ensure perfect nails for even the clumsiest gal (like our beauty editor). Once applied, it provides a barrier around your nails to protect cuticles from unwanted splashes of color. You simply peel it off after painting, taking your slip-ups with it. Kiesque founder and LP creator Jacqueline Smith shares these application tips:

• Shake before use.
• Let Liquid Palisade dry before tweaking it or applying nail polish.
• Peel it off after your polish is halfway dry. TIP! Don’t wait until your nail polish is dry; it doesn’t work as well!
• If you don’t apply LP correctly the first time, just peel it off and start over. It’s that easy!
• Make sure you use extra LP on each side of the nail so you have a “tab” to pull when you’re done.
• Make sure your cuticles are as free from dry, flaky skin as possible. (Editor’s note: We like Revlon’s Cuticle Trimmer with cap)
• Practice makes perfect!

WIN IT! Be one of five readers to win a tube of Liquid Palisade. Just comment below with your fave nail color!

Be Sociable, Share!

•