Easy, quick at-home manicure: a beginner’s guide

Giving yourself an at-home manicure with a nice finish doesn’t require being an expert or owning a thousand products. With a few steps and the right kit, you can get pretty nails in just a few minutes. This beginner’s guide makes it really easy.

What you need to start

Step by step

1. Shape the nails

File in one direction only until you get the shape you like: square, rounded or almond. Gently push back the cuticles to leave the surface clear.

2. Clean and degrease

Remove any leftover cream or grease. A clean nail makes the colour grip better and last longer.

3. Apply the base

A thin coat of base coat protects the nail and prevents staining, especially with intense colours.

4. Paint the colour

With pen nail polish it’s as simple as drawing on the nail. Do two thin coats rather than one thick one, and let it dry for a few minutes between them. Since it doesn’t need a UV lamp, it air-dries.

5. Seal and you’re done

Finish with top coat to add shine and protect the colour. In under 15 minutes you have a salon manicure done by you.

Tips for beginners

  • Don’t rush between coats: most mistakes come from touching polish that’s still wet.
  • If you go over the edge, dip a cotton bud in nail polish remover and clean the outline.
  • Start with forgiving colours: nude shades hide any slip better while you get the hang of it.
  • Hydrate the cuticles when you finish for a more polished look.

Start today

The best way to improve is to practise. With the pen format, painting is as easy as writing. Discover the Velynails pen nail polishes and create your first at-home manicure.

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