Thought I’d start the year off with some tips for the boys.
Josh, my boyfriend, hand model and partner in crime has recently returned from a trip to India where he spent ten days documenting a very poor remote village where hygiene is a rarity.
Luckily I sent him off with a toiletries bag with all the essentials…including nail clippers in response to which he muttered, “I’m allowed to do my own nails?” This may seem silly to you, but if you haven’t noticed – I take these things seriously, being his one-stop-shop groomer.
Josh's Nails Before
This sparked an idea I wanted to share with you. If you are of the male persuasion, or if you have a man in your life whose nails remind you of a stray cat, look no further for I will reveal ways in which you can transform talons.
Let’s begin…
- I have here a manicure bowl you can find at most beauty stores, but you can also use any tupperware dish or bowl alike. Add a drop of soap and hot water. Immerse fingers for 3-5 minutes. This softens nails and cuticles.
- Cuticle pushers. Use the longer end to rub down the nail and into the cuticle then use the shorter end to push the cuticles down further.
- Cuticle nippers. There are a couple of versions you can find (in virtually any drug store). The ones shown above and ones that look like a U on a stick. Either way, carefully nip the cuticles and hang nails until no piece is left flapping.
- Nail clippers. We all know what these are for.
- Emery board or nail file. Carefully use the grittier side to file down the rest of your nails, shaping them into curves or squares. Use the softer side with a downward sweeping motion to dull down the nail edges.
- Nail buffer square. Most of these come with instructions, but I’ll reiterate. Start with the harsher face and move your way down to the most gentle, buffing each nail until you see it shine.
- Cuticle oil. You can pick these up at beauty stores, or use olive or coconut oil instead – either or can do the trick just as well. Paint over the cuticles and nails, follow by rubbing in the oil and wiping off with a (paper) towel.
Josh's Nails After
TA-DA!
Do your nails once a week and remember to push your cuticles back and oil them after the shower for the days in between.
After the first few tries you’ll be a pro and this process will take you minutes to look great for a week or more!
Behold Milani’s Specialty Nail Lacquer One Coat Glitter in Gold Glitz topped with…
Milani’s Specialty Nail Lacquer Jewel FX in Gold. The combo of these two is disco-fah-bu-lous! Seriously, my boyfriend called it a colour for twelve year old hookers, but what does he know – he’s never worn nail polish a day in his life to fully understand the glam factor of gold claws.
Belle Face 