Five expert tips for a budget home manicure when you can’t afford the nail salon
IT’S the long month of watching your post-Christmas budget and praying for payday.
And it’s likely you’ve had to cut back on luxuries, such as getting your nails done.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t give yourself the perfect home manicure.
We spoke to Maisey Gray, from the Beauty Barn, Herts, and Tara Lalvani, founder of beauty tools brand Beautifect, for their top tips so you can save on trips to the salon . . .
CUTTING IT: Maisey says: “Try to cut your nails at an angle, or use a clipper that follows the curve of your nail. Straight edges are more likely to cause splits.”
BETTER SHAPE UP: When it comes to nail files, you’ll want to avoid anything that’s too coarse, the experts say. Glass nail files (also known as crystal files) are popular because they have a fine grain that is great for precision. They are also gentle on your nails and they last much longer than emery boards. Beautifect has one for £14.50.
PICK A POLISH: Maisey likes polishes from OPI and Sally Hansen, which she says are salon quality. Look Fantastic has some shades of Sally Hansen complete salon manicure 3.0 keratin strong nail polish (14.7ml) on sale for £3.20, down from £7.99. It also has the OPI nail polish DTLA collection nail polish gift set with four shades (3.74ml each) for £12.53, RRP £16.70.
SAVE: Up to £4.79
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BRUSH ’N’ GO: Maisey says: “Paint your dominant hand first as it’s the hardest because you have to use your weaker hand. If you leave it until last you’re more likely to run out of patience and slip up.” She adds: Make sure you use a top coat so that your polish lasts longer.”
DON’T PICK OR PEEL: Picking off your nail colour can be damaging to your nails. Tara says that products such as Shellac must be handled with care. She explains: “If not removed correctly it can strip away the top layer of your nail leaving you with brittle nails.”
Prices correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
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