Solutions to common manicure woes

I RECENTLY discovered the perfect blue-black shade (Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in 23 Blazing Blue) that is neither too sparkly nor overly severe.

But in my excitement to test-drive the rich gleaming lacquer, I skipped the important base coat and my nails simply turned a deathly shade of purple upon polish removal.

This got me thinking about common manicure dilemmas, and how to address them.

1. “My nails are stained from using dark polish.”

SOLUTION: If acetone won’t work, try “transitioning” to your natural hue with the help of a gradient color strategy involving the application of various nail varnish shades decreasing in color intensity.

For example, after removing the blue-black, apply a bright fuchsia. Remove, then paint on a rosy mauve, pale pink for example, until you reach your favorite ballet-slipper shade.

You can do this in a span of a day or a week, depending on how much time you have (say, if you have a job interview ahead).

2. “I chipped a nail and I don’t want to trim the rest.”

SOLUTION: If the chip is still attached to the rest of the nail, use a drop of a strong-bond glue to bridge the gap. Once glue dries, file the surface until smooth and apply a base coat to seal. This helps buy you time until the nail grows.

If it’s too late for D.I.Y. bonding, your only option (other than trimming the rest of your nails to size) is to drop by a salon that does acrylic or full-cover tips.

3. “My nails are yellow from all the polish.”

SOLUTION: It’s time to give your nails a break and go lacquer-free for a few weeks. Use a slice of lemon or calamansi to massage the nailbed and naturally lift stains. If you can’t afford to go bare for a special occasion, apply a purple or mauve-based hue. It neutralizes the sallow tinge.

Polishing tips

Store bottles in the refrigerator; it helps keep the varnish fresh.
To dry newly-coated nails faster, dip them in icy water.
Keep lacquer away from heat and direct light; the bottles can burst.
Preserve and refresh a professional manicure by applying a shiny top coat.

Always start with a base coat especially when using dark nail polish.

Mariel Chua is the former beauty editor of Cosmopolitan, Seventeen, and Ok! Magazine Philippines. Visit her blog at http://NyMinuteNow.com.

(Original article link here.)