The hand is the second window of the soul, and we all need to take good care of it!

by king5c5t on 2012-03-07 10:45:07

The保养 of hands is very important. Beautiful hands can create more beautiful nails, giving people a refreshing feeling. This requires skills. Let's learn.

If you want to apply perfect nail polish, you should start with regular hand care. Apply hand cream frequently to enhance the hydration of your hands. Regular removal of finger calluses is also necessary; when trimming, do not trim too short. Before applying nail polish, you should apply a layer of nail protector on your nails. This not only makes the uneven nail surface smooth but also allows the nail polish to be evenly applied. Moreover, it isolates direct contact between the nail and the nail polish, preventing pigment deposits and protecting the nails.

When coloring the nail surface, avoid back-and-forth brushing as this method cannot ensure even color application and may instead smear the already-applied color. The best way is to divide the nail into three strokes: middle, left, and right to complete the coloring action.

If nail polish accidentally overflows beyond the nail area, use a cotton swab dipped in nail polish remover to carefully wipe away excess polish. Finally, apply a layer of clear nail polish which protects the color from damage, presenting a more vibrant and longer-lasting glossy nail look!

If you frequently use nail polish, you might notice your nails turning yellow or losing their luster. This happens due to frequent use without allowing the nails time to rest and breathe. To balance beauty and health, the best practice is to take a week break between two applications, allowing the nails to return to their natural color and breathe. Before applying, first coat with a layer of nail protector to isolate direct contact between the nail and the polish, avoiding pigment deposits. Avoid excessive use of nail polish remover as it can cause dryness and brittleness in nails. Therefore, choose a milder remover.

Nail Art Steps at Home

First, maintain healthy nails. A smooth nail surface allows for versatile beautiful patterns. Gather all necessary tools. Start with simple patterns and gradually move to more complex designs as you gain experience.

Essential Nail Art Tools:

1. Base Coat: This is applied before nail polish, similar to makeup primer. It fills in nail imperfections, strengthens nail hardness, prevents breakage, and makes nail polish removal easier without pigmentation.

2. Various Colors of Nail Polish: Prepare multiple colors for full utilization during art, including both light and dark shades for better pattern contrast. Glitter nail polish is essential not just for shine but also for different shapes of glitter that can be used individually as accents.

3. Top Coat: The final step after completing nail art, enhancing shine and protecting polish from chipping. Clear nail polish can be used as an alternative.

4. Dotting Tool: Small patterns on the nail surface are easier to draw with a dotting tool dipped in nail polish. It’s also useful for placing small decorations like rhinestones and glitter accurately. Professional dotting tools can be purchased at beauty supply stores for about $3-5. Alternatively, toothpicks work well as they can draw fine lines and place decorations easily.

5. Decorative Items: Glitter, transfer stickers, metallic threads, rhinestones, and various glitter shapes. These can be found in small shops or stores like Watsons. Nail art is versatile, and many materials can be utilized creatively, such as cutting packaging paper into nail shapes.

6. Art Brushes: Specialized nail art brushes are available in beauty stores, similar to nail polish but with very fine bristles making them easy to use even for beginners. If you prefer, fine watercolor brushes can also be used, cleaned with nail polish remover after each use. Alternatively, dried-out ballpoint pens can be used by dipping their fine tips into nail polish to create beautiful patterns.

TIPS 1: Relationship Between Nail Shape and Suitable Patterns

When shaping nails, there are four main categories: long oval, short oval, square, and pointed. Square nails suit the trendy French manicure showing simplicity; pointed nails have inherent feminine charm suitable for delicate floral or rhinestone-decorated patterns; short oval nails exude youthful vitality, pairing well with cute patterns or bright colors; long oval nails give a mature feel, suited for darker, lower saturation colors.

TIPS 2: Color and Pattern Trends

Spring/Summer trends influenced by 1950s sweet fashion see nail art returning to natural looks rather than focusing on embellishments like rhinestones or stickers. Emphasizing both nail beauty and health is key.

TIPS 3: Unsuitable Situations for Nail Art

Do not apply nail polish if the nail surface or edges are injured as the uneven surface makes application difficult and hinders wound healing. After bathing, wait until the nail moisture content decreases before coloring; similarly, after applying hand or nail cream, wait until the oil is fully absorbed for better polish adherence and even distribution.

TIPS 4: Daily Nail Care

Healthy nails should appear pinkish, smooth, and glossy. Those who regularly apply nail polish should let their nails rest for two days a week. Although nail art is beautiful, for nail health, it's suggested to remove polish every 3 to 5 days to allow nails to breathe. Otherwise, prolonged coverage may result in white spots upon removal.

Additionally, choosing the right nail polish remover is crucial. Look for products without MMA components to reduce nail surface damage and prevent water loss during removal.

Related Article: Hands are the second window to the soul, and we must take good care of them!