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I’ve never been huge on getting manicures at the salon, I rarely ever come out happy. They cost at least $25 bucks, and the color ends up fading or chipping within a few days. So I’ve been experimenting (for a few years now) with different ways to do my nails at home to get them looking like a professional did it.  I always get compliments on my nails, both in person and online, so I think I am comfortable and confident enough to share with you guys how I do them.

People always think I have gel nails, which is awesome because gel nails are so cute! They look thick, last for a long time (so I’ve been told) and are super shiny. So that is what we will accomplish today here, girls. Let’s do it!

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Prepping your nails

Remove Old Nail Polish – I like to begin by removing any old nail polish I have on my nails. Even if you don’t have any old nail polish on, I recommend you still run some nail polish remover on your nails just quickly. This ensures that there are no oils and (I”ve heard) that your nails will also soak up the nail polish easier and smoother.

Cut your nails. – I love short nails, so I cut them pretty short. But I leave just a little bit of room to be able to file them down to the shape that I like. Which is the next step.

File and Shape your nails the way you prefer. I like to have them on the square-round-ish shape. I file the sides straight, then smooth and round the edgers a bit and go straight at the tops of the nails.

Cuticles on Point – I don’t always do this step, but if my cuticles are looking cray, I do this. I rub some baby oil on my cuticles and push them gently. Wash your hands. Then, gently, cut your cuticles with tiny scissors. Or don’t. You can just push them back and leave them as is.

Buff – Lastly, I buff my nails. The top, sides and don’t forget the tips/edges. 😉 Again, be gentle! Here is what they look like so far…

Lets Make Your Nails Pretty!

Okay so here is the thing. My secret. It is all about light layering and the top coat. But not just any top coat it has to be the one. Okay, I’m getting ahead of myself here…

Layer No. 1 – Begin by applying a light layer of nail polish. Any nail polish you want. It doesn’t have to be a fancy or expensive one. I promise! This works with the most inexpensive nail polishes you have. I have using L.A. Colors Color Craze in “HOTTIE” .

I love this color! It is an orange-y hot pink and it is so bright! It dries to a matte color.

Layer No. 2 – Then you will apply a second (light) layer, and let it dry. Which only takes about a minute with this nail polish.

Finally, this is the one…

Top Coat – You will apply a coat of the Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in 110 “Clearly Quick”. Just one coat. As thick or thin as you want. But guys, here is the thing. It has to be this top coat in order for you to get the gel-nail-look. This is the only nail polish, out of many that I’ve tried, that will give you the look. It is AMAZING! Plus, it dries super fast! No having to walk around all day with weird hands, or sleeping in weird positions so that your nails don’t touch anything at night. You know what I’m talking about 😉

That’s it. You’re all done! Here is the final look.

I cannot express enough how much I love Sally Hansen’s Insta-Dri in “Clearly Quick”. Its the bom dot com. Yes I said it. Let’s also bow down to Sally Hansen for giving us such an awesome product. 😀

I really hope this was helpful to you ladies. If you try it out and love it, please let me know! Tag me on Instagram of any pictures you take or let me know on my Facebook Page.

I will also be sharing with you guys my favorite nail colors for the summer-time. So keep an eye out for it in the next few weeks.

Love you all, until next time…

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