An Easy Home Manicure for Perfect Nails in Under 20 Minutes

What feels better than a fresh, clean, perfect manicure?  It's one of those little things that can make an enormous difference in your confidence and overall feeling of well being.  Too bad most of us don't have the time or the money to run to the spa every week, right?

While it's always a nice treat to go and have a spa manicure, sometimes it becomes a hassle.  After all, it does require remembering to book your appointment, fitting in the time to go during their business hours, and, of course, don't forget money.  I still love to go and have a professional spa manicure and try to do so at least every 4-6 weeks.  But I believe that going for a spa manicure should be a treat and not a chore ... so do it by choice when you have the time, are in the mood, and will ENJOY it.  For all those other times, whether it's time, money or both that you'd like to save, here are some simple tricks and fabulous products which will allow you to produce a fresh, clean, polished and professional looking manicure at home and in under 20 minutes!  You can do this any time, and will never again have to worry about 'fitting in' getting your nails done.  The products described here are the most important part of the manicure.  They are honestly what I consider MIRACLE products that yield incredible results that will truly amaze you.  They are not the most expensive products on the market, and they're not all the same brand - but they are the handfull of products out of the thousands that I have tried over the years that are simply worth their weight in gold.

Step 1:  FILE.  Never cut your fingernails, which makes them more prone to breaks and splits.  You will need one coarse and one soft/fine nail file.  I use Trim Salon Boards, but just about any brand will do.  Black is generally coarse and pink generally fine.  If your nails need serious shaping or length reduction, use your coarse file to take them back.  Next, use your coarse file to "map out" the basic shape you are aiming for.  Then use a soft file to smooth any rough edges and perfect your shape.  I highly recommend a soft square shape - straight across with slightly, softly rounded edges.  This is easy to accomplish by going straight back and forth and then gently swooping around the edges to soften.  This look is modern, stylish and classy all at once - plus - you are less likely to break nails maintained in this shape than in severe (totally straight or pointy) shapes.

Step 2:  ONE MINUTE MANICURE.  This is a combination of essential oils and triple-milled Dead Sea Mineral Salts.  Gently shake the bottle in order to mix the oils and salts and then dispense a small amount into the palm of your hand and simply rub.  The sensation is like none other - you will feel a euphoric tingling sensation as your hands are naturally exfoliated, rejuvenated and deeply hydrated.  Pay extra attention to your nail beds to remove dead cuticles and increase circulation.  The aroma is fresh and invigorating.  Continue to massage (make sure you get between the fingers - the feeling is truly incredible!) for 60 seconds.  Rinse, pat dry, and massage any remnants of the essential oils into your skin, cuticles and nails.  You will feel as if you've just left the spa - no joke!  This stuff is simply AMAZING.  One try and you'll be hooked.  It will keep your hands looking youthful, feeling soft and supple, and your nails will look, grow and resist breaking better than you've ever dreamed of.  I wrote a guide on this product alone about a year ago (titled 'The One Minute Manicure'), and have received countless messages from women thanking me and telling me how much they love it!  And it's as easy as washing your hands at the sink.

Step 3:  SALLY HANSEN AGE CORRECT GROWTH TREATMENT.  I am not recommending this based on the need for 'age correcting'.  I tried it on a whim, and it is simply one of the best things I've ever put on my nails.  As a bonus, it will keep your nails looking young, fresh and healthy.  This is a slightly opaque (but still somewhat sheer) light creamy pink designed to smooth and brighten even the worst natural nails.  Your nails will resist breaks, splitting, cracking and peeling as they become truly healthy and resilient.  When you apply two coats, your nails will look almost like you've had a French manicure.  It's prettier than ALL the most popular light pinks (OPI Sweetheart, Casa Blanca, Bubble Bath ... etc) and produces a clean, fresh, polished, professional look every time.  It's easy to use, goes on nice and smooth/even ... and it dries quickly!  Apply first coat, allow to dry for 3 minutes.  Apply second coat, allow to dry for 1 minute. 

FOR 'NO TIME' EMERGENCIES - YOU CAN APPLY ONE QUICK COAT OF THIS PRODUCT ON CLEAN BARE NAILS (NOTHING ELSE) AND YOU'LL HAVE A CLEAN, FRESH, POLISHED NATURAL LOOK THAT IS DRY IN UNDER 5 MINUTES.

Step 4:  SALLY HANSEN DRIES INSTANTLY 30 SECOND TOP COAT.  Another miracle product.  You won't believe what this product is capable of.  Unlike most slick, oily quick-dry products, this goes on just like polish, but THICKER - but don't be scared off - it sort of magically morphs into your polish and truly dries all layers to the touch in 30 seconds (give it a minute to be safe).  The added bonuses?  Where should I start.  A strong, protective top coat.  A gorgeous, high-beam shine.  Lasts for a full week.  But the very best bonus ... this miracle product erases mistakes in your wet polish.  Smudges, dents ... even those annoying tiny bubbles that appear if your polish is getting too thick ... they'll all disappear.  It's true.  Simply brush on generously to each nail ... wait a few moments, and you will be amazed as your polish evens out and dries to perfection every time.  I have amazed countless women with this product!  It's so easy to work with.  You virtually CAN'T come out with anything less than a perfect manicure.   

Step 5:  SOLAR OIL by Creative Nail Design.  My last secret weapon, and another miracle product with simply amazing results and benefits.  This product will ensure that you never get that dried out or hard cuticle look, while at the same time will be improving your overall nail and cuticle health.  Make sure you wait a few minutes after finishing a fresh manicure before applying.  Dab at center of each cuticle and then swipe brush around cuticles and sides of your nails.  Allow your cuticles and nails to naturally absorb.  Continue to use every morning (after bathing) and every evening before bed.  Solar Oil is a synergistic blend of naturally light oils and vitamin E designed to deeply penetrate, nourish and protect cuticles, nails and surrounding skin.  Will help nails stay resilient (resistant to breaking, cracking and splitting/peeling) as well as healthy looking and feeling.  Also great on small cuts, scrapes and burns (this product is a favorite at Shriners Burn Hospital in Boston)!  Your nails and cuticles will become healthier than you ever imagined.  Will also make your manicure last longer because it prevents polish from chipping and peeling at the edges!

For the ultimate experience in overall hand and nail health, incorporate SPA H20+ Hand and Nail Cream several times per day.  This light, non-greasy treatment delivers silk proteins and vitamin E to nourish nails and cuticles.  It's easily absorbed, and leaves hands feeling great, never slick.  Vitamins, marine extracts, aloe vera and panthenol restore hands to a perfectly hydrated, healthy state, feeling soft, smooth and conditioned. 

Using this combination of products, you are never more than 20 minutes away from perfect nails, in your own home, any time of the day or night, and at a fraction of the cost of a spa visit.  Not to mention, your nails, hands and cuticles will be the healthiest they have ever been in your life!

HOT TIP:  You can duplicate this process on your tootsies for a spa pedicure at home in the same amount of time!

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