Do you have a Hygge routine, Dumplings? One of my favorite cool-weather indoor activities is doing my nails (big surprise for our long-term readers!). If you want to level-up your manicure and nail care routine so it looks like you just had a visit to salon (for a fraction of the cost)–and enjoy the strongest, healthiest nails of your life–check out these genius, budget-friendly nail tips from celeb nail techs who work on the hands an feet of Olivia Wilde, Heidi Klum, Oprah, and more!
Get creative and try an on-trend nail look.
“If you’re looking for a vibrant and playful manicure, try creating a marble nail design,” Kimmie Kyees suggests. “Simply drop different colors of nail polish on the nail using the nail polish brush. When all the colors are applied, swirl them together using a q-tip…to create the marble effect. The more nail polish applied, the bolder the look. Everyone will love it.” If you make a mess on your cuticles and surrounding skin, check out the following tip.
For a neat, polished look, employ this savvy hack.
“I have an insider tip on how to clean up around cuticles after polishing,” Michelle Saunders says. “Use a small, thin, square paint brush dipped in nail polish remover to clean up any nail polish that has oozed into the cuticle or onto the skin instead of an orangewood stick. It works like a charm!”
Don’t forget to moisturize between manicures.
“Skipping lotion after washing your hands is like skipping conditioner after you shampoo your hair,” Saunders adds. “Skin gets dehydrated faster in the winter, so moisturize more frequently.” She suggests keeping a cuticle oil handy, too.
100% Pure French Lavender Hand Buttercream
NCLA So Rich Cuticle Oil, a luxe vitamin E-infused treatment for your cuticles. (Alternatively, DIY your own moisturizing cuticle oil!)
Gloria Williams, pedicurist to the one and only Oprah, echoes Saunders. When it comes to keeping your pedi from chipping, don’t skip regular moisturizing: “Apply cuticle oil to your toenails 24-hours after your fresh pedicure. This way your polish won’t become brittle and chip.
Make your feet (or hands) extra soft with a simple DIY soak and scrub.
Williams uses this recipe on her clients. “Combine a 1/2 cup of fine sea salt, a sprinkle of black pepper, and 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Do not apply the scrub in the shower; only use while soaking your feet in a foot basin.” Massage feet thoroughly, gently rinse and pat dry, and following with a moisturizing cream. If you’re planning to paint your toenails, give them a quick wipe with nail polish remover to remove any remaining oil that may interfere with the adherence of your polish.
Weak nails? Try this spicy trick.
Lucy Tucker, nail technician to both Olivia Wilde and Kimberly Walsh, suggests adding a teaspoon of minced garlic to your base coat and applying it three times a week, explaining that it’s way cheaper than commercial nail strengtheners—and probably more effective!
Zoya Naked Manicure Naked Base Coat, a breathable formula fortified with amino acids.
Having trouble deciding on the right color? When in doubt, go for a classic.
Tom Bachik, manicurist to Heidi Klum, says, “I always go back to red; it looks good on everyone.” He’s a fan of both deep, vampy red and classic bright red. Not a fan of red at all? Consult our list of vegan and cruelty-free nail polishes perfect for the fall season.
Do you love doing your nails when it’s cold outside? Have you tried any of these hacks from celeb manicurists?
Related: Celebrity Estheticians Share 10 Ingenious Skin Care Tips You Can Do At Home
Rosie Huntington-Whitely’s Makeup Artist Shares 5-Minute Look Anyone Can Do
How to Do K-Beauty In 3 Basic Ways, Per Alicia Yoon (Peach And Lily Founder)
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Photo: Respective Brands, DESIGNECOLOGIST on Unsplash, Brigitte Tohm on Unsplash
