Shape Your Nails
The first step is to shape your nails properly. Clip, file, and buffer your nails uniformly from nail to nail. Start in the corners and move one direction, taking care not to file back and forth to prevent damage.
Base Coat
The base coat allows you to get a thick, even coating of the color you want, much like using primer on your face before you apply makeup. The base coat keeps your polish safer from breakage, splitting, or peeling away from the nails.
Nail Polish Remover on the Cuticles
Add nail polish remover on the cuticles, creating a polish-proof barrier. This keeps your nails polished nicely without coloring the skin, allowing for a quicker cleanup process. After polishing, add lotion to the cuticles to remoisturize them.
Apply the Nail Polish
To begin, first remove excess polish from the brush, using the rim to scrape it off. Start polishing with one fluid movement from the cuticle of each nail toward the tips, first in the center, then on the left, and on the right. Repeat this process for two or three coats per nail, letting the nails dry between coats.
Apply the Top Coat
Finally, add the top coat. The top coat will be applied the same way as polish but will help your nails look more put together. It adds a protective layer to keep the color intact and adds extra shine to keep your nails polished. Don’t skip this step if you want that salon-finished look!