It’s great that everything’s starting to open up again but there’s one downside to consider: Salons are getting more crowded, making it harder to get an appointment. Luckily, it’s easier than ever to give yourself an at-home manicure and pedicure with salon-grade products. I personally love inviting a friend over and dedicating an entire night to self-care, face masks, Netflix binge, and a glass of wine included—even more so than visiting the salon. Ahead, here’s everything you’ll need to do your nails at home the right way.
Step One: Start With Hand & Foot Care
Calluses are meant to protect our feet, but sometimes, they’re just the result of walking too long in uncomfortable shoes. Still, it's impossible to moisturize them away: skin around the foot that’s hardened is often composed of dead skin cells, so it needs to be physically buffed off. A Crystal Foot File is ace at sloughing off any remaining dead skin or rough spots. Try to make a note to use it once per week before you get in the shower on your heels and soles.
Step Two: Prep Your Nails
Now that your skin’s ready to go, it’s time to prep your nails. I like to start with the Nail Detox Kit, which is a potent, all-natural duo: One bottle purifies and strengthens nail beds and the other conditions cuticles. (I like to use the latter every day to keep nails looking bright and healthy.) Once you’re done applying both to hands and feet, push your cuticles back using the Crystal Cuticle Stick, then buff your nails gently using the Flash Shiner, which shapes and shines nails without the use of chemical varnish. Start with the grey side to shape nails and work out any ridges, then follow with the green and white sides to shine them.
Step Three: Go To Town
Pick a nail polish, and go for it! We’re partial to Deborah Lippmann polishes because they’re free of formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, formaldehyde resin, camphor, ethyl tosylamide, and xylene. Our team’s favourite color, isn’t really a color at all: "Genie in a Bottle", is an illuminating sheer nail enhancer. It’s super easy to apply, and makes your nail plates glow (like a highlighter for your nails). In between manicures, keep your nails clean with this Nail Brush—I like to keep mine in the shower to give each hand a quick pass after I shampoo.
Now all that’s left to do is find something new to watch on Netflix! Happy self-care day :)
Xx LC
