Sundays mean pamper time – especially some much needed nail care. I don’t go get manicures very often, but every Sunday I like to trim, file, cut and paint my nails myself (I save the pricey mani-pedi’s for special occasions). No need for special, expensive files or this, that and whatever (see I get manicures so infrequently I don’t even know the proper terms) – just a few, well-priced products from the drug store, a little patience and a steady hand.

1. First I give my fingers and cuticles a good moisturizing massage. The skin around my nails often peel and get sore, so moisturizing is important. For this I use the Sally Hansen Cuticle Eraser + Balm. You simply massage a little bit into your cuticles to help keep them in check.

2. Then I cut away those ragged cuticles by using the simplest of tools. It’s the Revlon Cuticle Trimmer, which is a tiny little contoured clipper to trim your cuticles by following the natural curve of your nails. No need for a small set of scissors that will very likely cut your cuticles too short and leave your nails sore for the rest of the week.

3. If you’re happy with the shape and length of your nails, then move on the the base coat. I like to use the Essie Protein Base Coat. It helps strengthen and protect using wheat proteins for healthy nails – makes a smooth base and extends the wear of your polish.

4. The polish!! I change it drastically every week – switching from the dark, the bold, the neon, and the simple neutral colours. This week I chose a simple dusty rose pink – Essie’s Eternal Optimist. 

5. Finish it all off with the only top coat out there that will actually dry your nails as fast as it claims to – it’s Seche Vite! Dries your nails in about a minute – and makes for a smooth, long-lasting finish on your manicure and colour.

Love my Sunday nail routine! Now that I can wear nail polish to work it’s become one of my favourite pamper sessions! With a few special occasions coming up this summer I am excited to splurge on a manicure or two, but my routine at home is just as good for the daily nail needs!

What do you like to do with your nails at home?