How I do my nails for $10
My biggest kept secret to my perfect manicure are THESE NAILS!!! I have been using these for YEARS off-and on, but it wasn’t until moving to Japan that these are how I’ve had to get a manicure. In Japan, a nail salon can run you $70 USD on average for a super basic gel manicure. I LOVE having my nails done, so this has been a beautifully cheap way for me to still have pretty hands. With everyone quarantined and normalizing press-on/glue-on nails, it seems appropriate for me to expose my favorite beauty hack/ secret :)))
If you want a shorter nails, I also like these. Anything from KISS is great!
**Disclaimer (I have to)! I am not a professional. I could be messing up my own nails, lol. I’m just telling you what works for me. You’re responsible for your own research.
Do your nails after you shower or take a bath, while your hands are soft.
After showering, immediately push cuticles back and trim them with tools like these.
Use some type of alcohol / nail polish remover / nail cleaner to make sure there isn’t anything on your nails (like old polish). Be sure they are clean and dry.
While they are clean, shape nails to make sure they are even.
With a fine grain file (there’s one inside the package), file the entire surface of your nail. This adds texture, so when you glue them on, they stay. They do this at the salon before adding gel polish or tips - same idea!
Match the fake nails to your real nail before gluing … set them out in order to stay organized (this step is optional.. you can easily do them as you go! I just find this to help the process go faster).
Put 1-2 drops of glue on the FAKE NAIL near the base (bottom). Glue comes with the nails!
Use the tip of the glue applicator to “paint” and evenly distribute the glue on the inside of the fake nail. You only need most of the glue on the bottom half of the nail - not the tip.
Place the nails on at an angle. Start by lining them up at the nail bed/cuticle area, lay them flat, checking for bubbles.
Use your thumb to press the fake nail firmly, and hold for 5-10 seconds.
Repeat until nails are done.
Uses lotion!
These last me 2-3 weeks!
If you get any superglue stuck on you or around your nail bed: keep Q-tips handy, soak them, and diligently get the glue off. Don’t stress out if they aren’t perfect the first time.. They take practice! Tag me in your pretty manicures!
xX - Caitlin
