nailing it
Jan Arnold, runway manicurist with Creative Nail Design, sees nails as the modern accessory must. “They’re the ultimate cheap thrill, the instant gratification fix you won’t regret the morning after,” she says. Arnold sources the perfect catwalk nail shades for Louis Vuitton and Marni and, closer to home, on the runways for Ginger & Smart, Kate Sylvester, Wayne Cooper, Zimmermann and Jayson Brunsdon.
Her favourite nail shape? “I love an oval nail,” says Arnold, “because it does for the hand what a stiletto does for the leg. During Rosemount Australian Fashion Week, we saw a lot of oval or ‘squoval’ nails” (mani-speak for a shape between square and oval).
Arnold is famous for her “three Cs” rule: care with regular manicures; condition with Solar Oil nightly; and coat with base and top coats. She also recommends carrying clippers at all times for nail emergencies, and pushing back cuticles with a face cloth and hair conditioner in the shower. Follow this up by always massaging cuticle oil into your cuticles, which will help seal in moisture and hydrate nails.
Step 1: Prep
Remove old polish with a non-acetone nail polish remover and then file nails. Always file in the one direction – no sawing allowed.
Step 2: Cuticle care
Apply cuticle cream every day and massage it in. This will keep the cuticle supple and also help with circulation.
Step 3: Hand therapy
Exfoliate your hands once a week to increase cell turnover, and take a little time out to apply hand cream daily. Your hands will love you for it.
Step 4: Buff, but not too much
Gently buff your nails once a week. Polish will go on more evenly and also last longer as the nail surface will be smoother.
Step 5: Perfect polish
Perfectly manicured hands spell impeccable grooming and this is best achieved with a professional manicure. At home, opt for a nail gloss that is easy to apply and wear. Keep a steady hand by anchoring to a table your little finger of the hand holding the brush; also, hold the brush with your thumb and three fingers. Apply a top coat every second day to extend the life of your manicure.
Want a longer-lasting mani?
“Use a base coat to ensure polish adheres strongly to the nail plate,” says Arnold. “Two coats of enamel will allow for dense coverage. Then finish with a top coat to lock in the colour.” This will help prevent chipping and peeling.
Tools of the trade
Takeaway
Polish Away Nail Varnish Remover Wipes, $6.95, by Girl2Go, 1800 251 215. These neat wipes are acetone-free and gentle on skin, but effective on polish, and their compact size makes them great for travel.
French Manicure, $86, by YSL, 02 9965 9700, is the perfect travel-friendly nail touch-up kit.
Manicure 4 Way Buffer Block, $3.95, by Cutex, 1800 812 663. Keep it in the car for quick tidy-ups.
DIY essentials
Nail Dryer, $9.95, by Manicare, 1800 651 146. You’ve got to love a gadget that gives a smudge-free mani.
Remove+ Polish Remover, $24.50, by Zoya, 1300 855 644. We love this fab three-in-one polish remover, cleaner and nail prep.
Crystal File, $29.95, by Essie, 02 9477 6900, is the ultimate filing tool.
Drip Dry Lacquer Drying Drops, $23.95, by O.P.I, 1800 358 999, will have your polish touch-dry in no time.
Revitanail Nail Strengthener, $27.95, by Dr. LeWinn’s, 03 9676 1800, is a great treat for fatigued nails.
Desk-side essentials
Hand Cream, $7.48, by Neutrogena, 1800 678 380, is a model favourite.
It’s A Pushover Cuticle Cream Eraser, $28, by Mecca Cosmetica, 1800 007 844. Keep this handy little pot desk-side.
Super Shiney Finish, $16.95, by Creative Nail Design, 1800 449 109. Apply every second day to make polish last.
Glam Nails Nail Polish in Ice Ice Baby, $9.95, by Manicare, 1800 651 146. A great go-anywhere gloss.
Night moves
Overnight Hand Treatment Cream with Gloves, $16.95, by Nulon, 1800 251 215, for intense repair while you sleep.
Moisture Gloves, $6.95, by The Body Shop, 1800 065 232. Don these nifty hand mitts and help your favourite hand cream work its magic.
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