Manicures are expensive, take too long, and in a day or so you’re a chip-factory not named Nabisco. While you can stretch a pedicure several weeks, but there’s no way that’s gonna happen with your hands. So how can you save on this task that must constantly be repeated?
Drop the pro manicure altogether and realign your thinking. Opt for the gloriously modern look of short, groomed, naturalistic nails but maintain your edge with professionally done toes which are much harder to do well and wear far longer than a manicure. You save two manicures a month or $50 which pays for your pedicure (sorta).
Basics
File fingernails down to ¼ inch. Squarish rather than rounded is better because the square shape adds strength and resists breakage. Instead of using cuticle remover, push cuticles back while they’re pliable…shower is the best time. Get in the habit of doing this several times a week. Apply a coat of quick-dry sheer polish in clear, pinkish, or whitish. A pale color can chip and the average eye won’t detect it – this buys you an extra day, two, or three before you have to deal with it.
What You’ll Need:
A very good, diamond dust file. Splurge and you’ll save minutes every week. No endless sawing with emery boards!A memory jog for the shower. Keep an orange stick next to your shampoo/conditioner to remind you.Fast-dry nail polish in a cool color. (Regular polish takes longer to dry, but seems to last longer. Your call.)
Side Benefits
Streamlining propels you into getting rid of those old curdled shades of polish that are taking up real-estate in the bathroom.Â
