by Annie Vischer
I love an at-home mani. It’s the way to go. Not that I don’t appreciate a visit to a good beauty salon, sitting there for a relaxing while and walking out with a sparkling set of nails. It’s just that, quite apart from the cost factor, fitting all those visits that would be required to keep nails looking gorgeous all the time into a busy work schedule is nigh on impossible. So perfecting a top notch DIY manicure is essential. Here are the five products I simply can’t be without for mine.
Even if you choose the most relaxed and unhurried of times to sit down and indulge in that manicure, there’s always going to be something that needs to be done afterwards. If you sneak in a nail painting session at work, there’s going to be an email that needs typing up, if you do so just before bed, there are pillows that need snuggling into. So to avoid any tear jerking smears and smudges at the last minute, apply Bourjois Instant Dry Nail Drops (£5.99). Easy to apply with a little dropper, they’re like some sort of magic potion worthy of Harry Potter. You almost expect a plume of smoke to swirl up as they hit your nail. Well I do any way.
I keep being told time and time again by nail therapists, that crystal files are essential. To the point that if your manicurist doesn’t choose to use one, your should brandish your own and request they use that instead. The abrasive surface of the file is fine enough to file nails without risking any shock or damage to their structure, and decrease the likelihood of weakening them. Often regular files can be do rough. Try the OPI Crystal Nail File (£14.50) and you won’t look back.
I’m very boring when it comes to my nail colour choices. As in, I tend to stick to one, and it’s the Pink Petal shade of Dior Diorlisse Ridge Filler (£18.50). It goes with me everywhere. Though the pretty and subtle colour of this polish is not its primary selling point. The varnish acts as a ridge filler, evening out the surface of the nail as a base coat. It’s a particular essential for those of us who are still reeling from the damaging effects of the recent removal of acrylic nails or a gel manicure. Think of it as a BB cream for nails. I opt to wear mine on its own, but used as a primer, it readies the nail surface for a flawless application of whichever shade you choose.
If there’s one piece of advice from nail professionals that is often forgotten, it is to apply a nail oil. Religiously. Morning, and evening, and throughout the day if you have time. It strengthens nails and softens cuticles quite remarkably. Make sure to finish off your manicure with a dash of it across each cuticle. The Nails Inc Vitamin E Cuticle Oil Pen (£14.00) ensures no risk of any oil being overused or spilt. It’s the perfect handbag addition. Oh and it smells quite blissfully of lavender oil, so the urge to swipe across your nail will never be far away.
There are so many nail varnish removers to choose from, it’s a little unbelievable. The old school purple liquid in a bottle, the twist and go sponge-filled pots (these are fine for a while, but one use of a red nail varnish in them and they’ll stain your fingers pink for ever after), and even some that pretend to be scented. For me, you can’t get any more convenient than nail varnish remover pads. They’re always to hand, require no further tool or material to use, never leak, travel well, and are always fresh and clean. Try Halo Nail Varnish Remover Pads (£1.99).