While every beauty lover can appreciate the beauty of a salon-perfect manicure, the cost of getting your nails done regularly can definitely add up over time. Luckily, there are a number of hacks and tricks that can transform your at-home mani into a professional and polished sight. Whether you’re looking to save money or simply don’t have the time to make it to your local spa, follow these tips to nail a do-it-yourself manicure this season. 

Photo: nailsuponatime on Instagram

Apply cuticle oil

Accidentally applying a little (or a lot) of extra polish on the cuticles is one of the most common sources of frustration during a DIY manicure. If this happens all too frequently to you, then make cuticle oil your new best friend. Apply a thick layer of oil to your cuticles and the sides of your nails before you start to polish. The oil makes it difficult for polish to cling to the skin, and can be removed with a simple wipe once you’re done.

Use a makeup brush

Even with the help of cuticle oil, sometimes we just can’t avoid getting that extra polish on the surrounding skin. For those tricky situations, grab a clean, angled makeup brush and dip it in nail polish remover. Gently paint over those mistakes to make them instantly disappear without messing with your manicure.

Apply multiple thin coats

Using a few thick coats of polish leaves your manicure susceptible to smudging as heavy coats tend to dry only at the top layer. Instead, apply 3-4 separate thin coats, ensuring that each coat has enough time to properly dry. This technique prevents chipping and smudging, and also allows you full control in the intensity of the polish colour.

Don’t skip the base or top coat

At home, applying a layer of a clear coat at the beginning and end of your manicure can sometimes seem like an unnecessary extra layer of polish. However, each of these coats is essential in their own way. A base coat allows the colour to go on smoothly and to last longer, while a top coat seals the colour and help to dry the polish faster.