5 Essential Steps and Products for a Flawless At-Home Manicure

Let's face it.  Life gets busy and making it to the nail salon regularly can be difficult and costly.  For this reason, I have perfected the at-home manicure using a product that significantly reduces the dry time and helps to prevent messing up all of my hard work.

One day, I was browsing Nordstrom Rack, and conveniently at the register, they had a display with this OPI quick dry top coat.  I picked it up and gave it a try.  I couldn't believe how quickly it helped to dry my nails.  

No more waiting hours to be able to do anything.  This top coat set my nail polish to completely dry within an hour!  Since then, I've also been using this Dry Fast Top Coat by Seche.  It too works wonders.

Here are my 5 steps for the perfect at-home manicure:

Step 1:  Cut and File Nails

I like to keep my nails short, so I usually cut them and file them into the shape I prefer, which is square-ish with rounded edges.  I prefer to use this style of nail clippers (JAPONESQUE Cuticle Nipper Soft Touch), as I feel they give me more control.  

I also recently purchased this multi-purpose nail file, which helps to smooth the nail and make it shiny.  

Step 2:  Push back the cuticles

I use Sally Hansen Nail Treatment 45129 Instant Cuticle Remover 1 fl oz to remove my cuticles then use a cuticle pusher to clear my nail bed.  

After doing this step, I wash my hands.  Make sure NOT to apply moisturizer or it may prevent the polish from sticking to your nails.  

Step 3:  Apply base coat

Next, I apply a base coat.  This is an important step not to be missed.  The base coat will help the polish stick to your nails and prevent it from chipping.  

There are specialized formulas to choose from, such as for filling ridges or strengthening your nails.  

Step 4:  Apply nail polish

I enjoy wearing white, light pinks and shades of gray.  You can find more fun nail polish shades here as well.

Step 5:  Apply top coat

Here's the best part!  Apply your quick dry top coat from OPI RapiDry Quick-Dry Top Coat or Seche Dry Fast Top Coat, and wait for the magic to happen.  Within minutes, your polish will be dry to touch and within the hour, it will be set and you will be ready to resume normal life again!