My Nail Care Routine

Hey Dolls!  

One of my most frequently asked questions on social media is: "How do I care for my nails?"  So I decided to make a post on my nail care routine, how I file them, what products I use and tips on how I keep them strong and healthy!

OPI Funny Bunny

First things first, you get to see my naked nails!  I have some yellowing from my constant polish wearing, which I obviously dislike, but I feel like it comes with the territory of being a nail blogger!  I have just started to double up my base coat before I polish and I feel like that is starting to help them not be as stained.  I'm sure I could buff some of the staining off, buuuut I don't ever buff my nails.  I feel like my nails are stronger when I don't buff them.  That little white spot on my pinkie finger is because I dropped something heavy on it, ouch.

One of my biggest tips for cuticles is to MOISTURIZE!  Like do it all day ery'day.  Jk, just do it a few times a day and your cuticles will eventually look fab.  Every morning when I get out the shower and my cuticles are soft and pliable, I gently push them back.  Once a week I use a cuticle softener to remove any dry skin around my cuticles.  I never ever, ever, ever cut my cuticles.  I know that it's tempting but PLEASE don't do it.  They will grow back thicker and uglier if you cut them, so just moisturize, gently push them back and use a remover once a week or so.   I use Super Nail Cuticle Softener and Remover, (you can find it at Sally's) but really, any softener will work.

Now on to FILING.  I don't use nail clippers on my nails, I only file.  And I only use a glass nail file.  I am currently reviewing two glass file companies (Aveniro and Germanikure) and am loving them so I would recommend those.  I file about once a week and make sure that I file them as straight as I can.  I get a lot of questions about how I get the square shape, so when I file, I press my nail against a table and hold the glass file as straight against my nail as I can.  I file from left to right first, and then from right to left to even it out.  I also file the corners a teeny bit just take off the sharp edge.

Next I put two layers of base coat on.  Currently, I am using Essie Millionails, any good quality base coat will do the job.  I am right handed so I have a few problem nails on my right hand.  My thumb, pointer and index finger sometimes break or peel a little bit in the corners, so for that I use Nailtiques nail protein in formula 2.  It really helps strengthen those nails that really take a beating!

After that, I apply my polish and then my fave topcoat ever which is:  NYC Shine in a Minute in Grand Central Station.  Another question I get all the time is what topcoat I use.  I feel like you just can't beat this topcoat, it dries quickly, gives awesome shine and wear time and it is $1.50.  For reals!  You gotta buy one and give it a try.  You won't regret it.

I think that I have covered everything but if you have any questions, please ask in the comments.

Hope you found this helpful.

Love Anne xo