Chipped polish got you down? Get compliment-worthy hands and feet at home with these tips from esthetic expert Marie Scalogna, owner of New York City-based Spa Chicks On the Go [spachicksonthego.com].
Remove – Strip old color with acetone polish remover on a cotton ball. (Note: Don’t use a tissue, it will fall apart and doesn’t absorb the remover well.)
Trim – Cut and file nails to your length of choice. As for shape, there are two main options: square or rounded. And neither form will chip more than the other. “I prefer a square shape for hands,” Scalogna says. “It looks more modern.”
Soak – Rest hands or soak feet in a bowl or tub of warm water for five minutes. Add a couple tablespoons of Lisa Hoffman Spa Bath Soak, available at www.spalook.com, or your favorite liquid soap to soften nails. Make sure the water’s not too hot or it will dry out your skin and nails.
Soften – Cuticle oil on dry hands and feet to nourish and soften rough spots. Try Sally Hansen’s Vitamin E Moisturizing Nail & Cuticle Oil, $6.49 at Walgreens.
Push – Use a cuticle or Popsicle stick to press cuticles back so they don’t get in the way of the polish. Some people prefer to cut their cuticles for aesthetic purposes, Scalogna explains, but it’s best not to do this at home. “Unless you’re a professional, you’re going to end up with cuts all along the side of your nails,” she says. “Just push them back and keep it easy.”
Scrub – Exfoliate hands and feet with a body scrub or homemade mixture of olive oil and kosher salt or raw sugar. Scrub for two to three minutes, then wash thoroughly.
Moisturize – Dry hands and feet and apply a rich moisturizer. We suggest Dermalogica Age Smart Multivitamin Hand & Nail Treatment, $19.20 at www.thebeautyshack.com. It provides an invisible barrier against environmental damage from weather and sunlight. The treatment has quick absorbing conditioners that leave your skin smoother and nails healthier.
Polish – Apply a base coat first, or use Sally Hansen’s Double Duty Strengthening Base & Top Coat, available at Walgreens. Then apply two thin coats of polish. We like Essie’s Braziliant which is a hot orange with a touch of shimmer for a fresh look. Also available at Walgreens, finish with a top coat if you haven’t used one yet.
Helpful Hints:
• If you don’t have time to paint your nails, just take off the polish and moisturize. It will look much better than chipped paint.
• No file on hand? Use the rough edge of a match book.
• If you don’t have cuticle oil, olive oil works just as well.
• Light polish is easier to maintain than dark polish – chips and cracks aren’t as noticeable.
• Keep polish in a cool, dry place, like the fridge. It’ll last longer.
By Shandley McMurray