Who doesn’t love the look of gorgeous, well-kept nails, right?? Whether you love bright, bold colors…decorations…or going au natural, it’s important to know the ins and outs of the perfect self-mani. Here are some tips!!

Start with clean fingernails! Remove old polish with a cotton ball soaked in nail polish remover, and make sure those nails are squeaky clean on top and underneath.

Get soaking! Soak your fingers in warm water for a couple of minutes. This helps to soften the cuticles.

Push! Gently push back your cuticles.

Get filing! Time to file and shape those pretty nails (make sure they’re dry before you begin).

Start painting! There are a few strategies for this. Some people will recommend a base coat, color, and top coat, but you’ll also find some all-in-one polishes that just require one coat. The key? Be neat. Be consistent (in other words, make sure all your nails are evenly colored).

Let ‘em dry! A good rule of thumb is 30 minutes or so, but it depends on the type of polish you use (some are quick drying). Be sure to moisturize your hands to keep ‘em extra soft.

As for choosing colors, styles, and decorations, the sky’s the limit! Your nails can be a fun way to let your personality shine through.

That said, here are some of the trends we’ve been hearing about for spring:
Pale nails! Think creamy whites, neutrals, and bare nails with nothing but a nice shape and clear gloss.
Dark nails! It’s the flip side to the pale trend: think mochas, blacks, and berry browns.
Decorations! Whether it’s a little bling-bling or a stripe of silver, getting fancy with those nails of yours can certainly help you stand out this spring.

Quick survey, FPgirl: do you prefer solid colors on your nails or decorations?? Share in the comments!!

Looking for more fun nail ideas? Check out our new Nail Art kit!