I was meeting with some beauty editors on a project a few years ago and one of them asked for an example of a beauty hack I strongly believe in. My response was that I do my own nails — religiously. The women looked at me, mouths agape, then turned to look at each other, then back at me, and both replied incredulously, “Really??” Well, I was 25 and broke as a joke, living off an assistant’s salary but doing the work of a senior staffer. Any money not allotted for rent or my MetroCard went, naturally, to wine. So, yes, I started doing my own nails out of necessity and then it became an important ritual.
I don’t like to play favorites with my polishes, but Essie’s Lilacism will continue to be my everything — for evermore.
Nowadays, the self-mani is not as much of a shocker. Bloggers like Emily of Cupcakes of Cashmere are self-described nail-DIY’ers, and Lauren Conrad of MTV reality fame has been quoted as saying she does her own nails every night. I’ve blogged before about some of my favorite techniques for getting it right. But lately I’ve noticed with summer humidity reaching staggering levels, I’ve been tackling bubbles. And with my business and social calendars piling up on top of each other, those lazy Saturday mornings I used to spend allowing thirty minutes for each coat to dry are a thing of the past.
The key to making your mani look professional is to layer on an extra coat — and then double-up on your topcoat. Megawatt shine will be yours!
In honor of my favorite day of the week, #manimonday, I thought I’d offer up some tips on the best fail-proof polishes for achieving the look you want. As well as some really sad news that we might as well get out of the way now: if your bottle is over a year old and you haven’t been storing it in a cool, dry place, there’s a good chance you’ll have to send it to polish heaven this summer. RIP my Essie Pink Parka and CHANEL Azure. You will be missed. Now onto some summer favorites for you to try at home!
Julep’s wedding collection includes this dynamic duo (now on sale for $19.99 for the pair) — the creamy one is great for everyday and the shimmer adds something special. These go on nice and thick for full coverage without bubbling up. Julep.com.
If you’re not a seasoned DIYer, a hint of glitter can mask a less-than-perfect application. Deborah Lipmmann’s polishes are famous for staying power, and I find they glide on easier than any other brand. La Vie en Rose nail polish, $18, neimanmarcus.com.
Tom Ford’s nail lacquers are as luxurious as his clothes. My gold TF pedicure lasted from a week before our wedding until several days after our two-week honeymoon. The color is well saturated and high-end. Two happy thumbs up for this muted coral, too. Tom Ford Beauty nail lacquers, $32 each, saksfifthavenue.com.
Born to be a Bride 