The perfect girly manicure

What you'll need

• Nonacetone polish remover
• Q-Tips
• Cotton pads (don't use cotton balls, which have too much lint.)
• Orangewood stick
• Emery board
• Warm water in a bowl (you can add scented oils or salt.)
• Base coat
• Color enamel polish
• Top coat (you can also use the base coat)

How to manicure your nails

Saturate a wad with non-acetone polish remover and gently press it against each nail. Stroke from base to tip, keeping the liquid off the cuticle as much as possible. Dip a cotton-wrapped orange stick (or a Q-Tip) in the remover and wipe off any remaining traces of enamel. This is a strong chemical, so wash your hands thoroughly and dry them. Be sure to dry them well. Don't soak them, because you don't want soft nails which tear easily.

File with an emery board. Hold the board flat against the edge of your nail. File towards the tip. File only in one direction. Don't saw back and forth. The nails will tear if you saw backwards. Don't file too deeply at the sides.

Your best guide for the nail shape is your cuticle, which is the rim at the base of the nail. That's where the lanula (the moon) is. The cuticle is oval and that's the ideal shape for your nails. Square tips look okay if your fingers are slim. Pointed tips break easily. You can also try round shapes. 

 Tip: To get a perfectly shaped nail, check it from the palm side. The shape of the nail should look even from front and back.

Apply cuticle serum or cream to each nail. I don't recommend cuticle removers, because they are strong chemicals that damage the fragile cuticle, which is where the healthy nail grows.

Soak your fingertips in a mix of warm sudsy water that contains a few drops of olive oil for ten minutes. This softens the cuticle, loosens any dirt under the nails, and removes any filing dust on your nails.

 Tip: Add a few drops of aromatic essential oil to the soak.Lavender is calming, Tea tree is anti bacterial.

Use a soft, flat nailbrush to scrub your nails, as well as the skin on the top of your hands. Do this gently and any dried skin will fall away.

Now use a pumice stone to soften rough edges around your nails. This also removes any stains on your fingers. Dry your hands and gently push back the cuticles with a nubby washcloth.

Gently push back the cuticle with a cotton-wrapped orange stick or a professional cuticle tool like the one pictured.

Clip only hangnails. Don't touch the delicate rim at the base of the nail. That's where the new nail grows.
Clean under your nails with a cotton-wrapped orange stick.

Tip: For stubborn stains, dip the wrapped orange stick  in hydrogen peroxide. Always remember to Rinse off.

Buffing can improve your nails' appearance and circulation. Buff only in one direction to prevent the nails from getting too hot and or breaking.

1.  Select your base coat, enamel color, and sealer before you start applying them, so you won't smudge your nails. Start with a base coat, which is essential if you're going to use a color. For me I used Sally Hansen Tough as Wraps for my base coat. 

Why use a base coat?

Base coats are necessary for promoting healthier nails, and ensuring easier application.

What is a base coat?
A base coat is a clear coat that can double as a top coat, which is applied on top of the color. In most cases it is a basic clear nail polish, though some brands offer base coats with protein, aloe vera, vitamin E, and/or calcium. These featured ingredients add strength to the nail.
How should you use a base coat?
The base coat is applied before any nail polish. Three strokes are used to apply base and polish to your nail: one stroke from the base of the nail to the tip, following along the center of the nail, and then around the base and up each side. Always make sure to let it dry before applying any other coats of polish, otherwise it will chip easily.
Tips:
 1. Before you apply the enamel, roll the bottle between your palms for a few seconds, to warm the enamel, so it'll be easier to apply. Then shake the bottle vigorously. 

2.  Store your enamel in the refrigerator. It'll last longer. If it's too thick, use polish thinner (but not polish remover!) If the cap is sticking, use a bit of Vaseline around the neck of the bottle.

3. Matchbook covers (or matches) are a handy way to clean up any polish on the sides of your fingers. Use the hard edges of the matches to remove any small smears. This means you won't have to use nail polish remover on your skin. And of course, don't light any matches while your nails are still drying!

Apply two coats of enamel. Let your nails dry thoroughly between coats. Pale pink polish often requires three coats to prevent streaks. Finish with a top coat, which can often be the same as your base coat. Don't forget to cover the tip of the free edge for maximum protection. Let your nails dry as long as you can.

Tip: A good way to test if the polish is dry is to lightly touch your tongue to you nails. If you don't taste the polish, your nails are dry.

The entire process takes about 20 minutes. Enjoy!