You may not be able to visit the salon for your regular appointments right now, but don’t let that get in the way of looking and feeling fabulous. From tanning to manicures, here’s everything you need to know to become an at-home beauty pro, ready to face the outside world again.
If your nails are usually covered in glossy gel, it might feel like a downgrade going back to basics, but playful colours and taking your time with application will make your DIY manicure look salon approved.
Start by making sure your nails are clear of any old polish. Trim down to your desired length - cutting straight across to give a square finish. This is much simpler than trying to create a rounded or pointier shape. Then use a file to buff the freshly cut edges. Move the file in the same direction with each stroke, rather than back and forth, as this can weaken the nail and cause breakages. Next up, apply a strengthening base coat before sweeping on your colour. It’s always best to apply two thin coats of polish rather than one thicker layer, and apply with a stroke down the middle of the nail first, before filling each side. Once your paint job is complete, finish with a gel-effect, clear, top coat. This will create a plumped up and super shiny salon-style finish while helping your varnish last. Wait a few minutes, and once your nails are totally dry, dot a little nourishing cuticle oil on to each finger and massage in - this will hydrate and protect to make your manicure last longer.
Whether you like a fluffed-up natural shape, or neat and defined arches, tackling your brows at home can be daunting. The best way to start is by mapping out the shape. This involves holding your brow pencil vertically alongside the edge of your nose - the start of your brows should line up with the tip. Next, hold the pencil at your nostril and line it up to the outer corner of your eye - the end of your brows shouldn’t go any further past this point. If you like to have a higher arch shape in the middle, find this by lining the pencil from your nostril across the centre of your eye - the spot where your pencil meets your brow is where your arch should be. Draw a dot at each point and use it as a guide to fill and colour. Only tweeze outside of this area, and always pluck sparingly to avoid any gaps. Use a very fine pencil to draw individual strokes in the same direction as your natural hair growth to fill any sparse patches, and a clear gel will tame any strays while boosting shine.
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