Happy Hands
March 20, 2012 in Beauty
I’ve had gel nails for years. Acrylics for years before that. I don’t think I’ve seen my natural nails for a good 10 years.
Recently, I made the decision to have my gels removed for a couple of reasons – to save money and to give my nails a bit of a break – and so I’ve had to learn the ropes of DIY manicures. I’ve quickly discovered some favourite OPI products that I use each and every time I do my nails.
Here’s my basic at-home manicure…
Step 1: OPI ChipSkip
OPI ChipSkip acts as a primer for your natural nail surface to increase the bond with your nail lacquer and to help prevent chipping.
Step 2: OPI Nail Envy
As I’ve had gels and acrylics for so long, my natural nails are quite weak. OPI Nail Envy contains protein and calcium for harder, longer, stronger, natural nails.
Step 3: Your Favourite Nail Colour
Now’s the time to have some fun. I’ve been experimenting with lots of different nail colours, including glitter nail polishes. A great way to try out numerous different colours without spending a lot of money is to purchase an OPI collection ‘mini’ pack. They contain 4 x 3.75ml bottles of lacquer and you will get quite a few wears out of each bottle despite its tiny size. It then allows you to work out which colours are your favourite and worth purchasing in full size.
One OPI mini collection I have my eye on is the ‘Dutch Treats’ from the Holland range.
OPI Dutch Treats, Salon Style, $22.45
Step 4: OPI RapiDry Top Coat
Once your lacquer is dry, apply the OPI RapiDry Top Coat for a tough, high-shine finish to protect your hard work.
Handy Hint
I discovered a fantastic little manicure tip on The Beauty Department website that I’ll be using myself this week…have a small flat paintbrush, a cap full of nail polish remover and a paper towel on hand to tidy up any mistakes. Dip the brush in the nail polish remover, clean up any stray nail polish, wipe the brush on the paper towel to remove the polish so you’re not spreading it around, and repeat the process until you have flawless fingers. Genius!!
My Tiny Treat
To help ease myself into the world of DIY manicures, I bought myself this OPI Tiny Treats pack which contains mini versions of the products I mentioned in Steps 1, 2 and 4 as well as nail wipes and nail polish remover all in a cute little travel case. A great investment.
OPI Tiny Treats, Salon Style, $19.76
What are your secrets to a successful at-home manicure?
Stay Chic,
Sonia
xx
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OPI Chip Skip changed my life! For reals. x