Nothing makes us feel more elegant than a fresh manicure and pedicure. There’s just something about a perfect nail polish shade that helps us feel like we can take on the world.
Of course, keeping up regular nail salon appointments as a busy Mama? Not always easy. Not to mention it can get expensive quickly.
You could just grab some nail polish from the drugstore. It never looks the same, though, and chips quickly. Don’t despair, Mamas. With these tips and tricks from your friends at The Cool Mom Co., you can have glamorous nails at a fraction of the cost.
Get Smooth Feet
All good manis and pedis start with a blank canvass. If you’re doing an at-home pedicure, it’s time to treat your feet to some TLC!
Got rough calluses or peeling skin? Don’t reach for the pumice stone quite yet. Instead, head to your skincare cabinet.
The same peeling and exfoliating treatments your use to get a glowing complexion can help smooth out your feet. Our go-to? We love the AHA + BHA Peeling Solution from The Ordinary. Simply apply a few drops of this formula to the soles of your feet, wait ten minutes and then rinse off. If dry skin remains, you can then go to town with your pumice stone.
You’ll be left with feet that look like you left the nail salon!
Buff Your Nails
Don’t have time to put on a coat of polish but still want clean-looking nails? Consider buying a nail buffer!
This handy dandy tool is perfect for achieving a perfectly shaped, shiny nail. The best part? They are incredibly cheap, ranging from $3-$8.
Most nail buffers have two sides. One, with a rough, sandpaper-like texture that helps shape the nail. The other is a smooth foam that helps add shine.
Use a nail buffer to create a perfect base for polish or simply to have a healthy-looking, natural nail.
Keep Skin Hydrated
Nothing takes away from your cute nail color like a hand full of hangnails and dry skin. Keeping your hands hydrated is a key part of nail health.
We recommend investing in a cuticle oil, like this one from Typology. It contains Keratin to help with nail growth and hyaluronic acid to promote moisture.
It’s also a good idea to keep a rich hand cream in your purse whenever your skin needs an extra boost. Honest Beauty offers a great hand cream, with a gorgeous sweet almond scent.
Get The Right Tools
If you’re going to become a DIY Mani Master, you’ll need the right tools. You’ll want to search for a fully stocked manicure kit, including a variety of nail clippers, a pedicure knife, and a scraping tool. We love this kit from Amazon that comes with its own case for neat storage. The rose gold color? Just an added bonus.
At Home Dip Nails
Traditional drugstore nail polishes work in a pinch, but they won’t give you the long-lasting results of a nail salon manicure. Instead, check out an at-home manicure set!
We love the revolutionary formulas of DipWell’s at-home powder polish formulas. Cruelty-free and vegan, these dipped nails will last longer than traditional nail polish.
It is a four-step process that is incredibly easy once you get the hang of it. Users start by applying a coat of base to their nails and then dipping them into the colored powder of their choice. You’ll add a coat of the activator liquid to smooth out the powder, and then make sure it stays put with the sealer.
The best part? Definitely the price. An average salon manicure can easily cost $40 or more. With DipWell’s at-home kit, you will only pay $3 per manicure.
Don’t Dismiss Press Ons
If you want salon-worthy nails at home, don’t ignore the power of a press-on nail.
Press ons are really budget-friendly and great for switching up your look. Nowadays, you can get various styles and designs to suit every taste. While they may not last as long as fake nails from a salon, the casual viewer is unlikely to know the difference.
What are your tips and tricks to getting a perfect at-home manicure? Share with us in the comments below!