Total Elegance

Nail Care

HOW TO APPLY NAIL LACQUER CORRECTLY

Step 1

The first step to applying an even, smooth coat of lacquer is to prepare the nail surface. In order to do this you will need to wash your hands with OPI Swiss Blue Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap, and pat dry preferably with a clean paper towel.

Step 2

Remove all traces of old lacquer with a round cotton makeup pad and nail polish remover. Be sure to saturate the pad fully and always use Non-Acetone Polish Remover. This is the best for both artificial and natural nails, as acetone melts artificial nails and also dehydrates natural nails, cuticles and skin. If your polish remover contains acetone, it will usually leave a milky white finish on your fingers and also has a very strong sharp smell.

Step 3

Using circular movements, gently push back your cuticles with an OPI Plastic Cuticle Stick. Your cuticles are designed to keep out unwanted bacteria, so these cuticle sticks are very hygienic as they can, and should, be disinfected before each use. (The best time to push back your cuticles is after a shower or bath as they are soft).

Step 4

Follow by lightly buffing over the natural or artificial nail surface with either the smooth side of an Alpha File or a Fine Sanding Block. This will remove any ridges, stains and natural nail oils. Remember to buff as lightly as possible so you don’t damage the natural nail plate or break the bond of the artificial nail from the natural nail. File any jagged edges. An optional extra is to use the Satin Buff 3 in 1. This product will give a nice shine to your natural or artificial nails.

Step 5

Once again, wash your hands with OPI Swiss Blue Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap, and pat dry with a clean paper towel.

Step 6 (For natural nails only. If you have artificial nails please leave out step 6 and continue with step 7)

To natural nails only, apply one coat of OPI Bondaid to each nail. This product maximises the adhesion of the nail lacquer and balances the pH of the natural nail. You will notice that it is very fast drying. Apply one coat of Mavala Natural Nail Strengthener to only the tips of each nail, keeping it away from surrounding skin.

Step 7

Apply OPI Base Coat. Make sure that you use the correct base coat for either natural or artificial nails. The base coat is applied to keep your lacquer from staining the nails, and creates a bond for your lacquer. To apply, loosen the lid of your bottle and place the bottle into the Bottle Tilt. Place the hand on which you wish to apply polish on a flat surface in front of you. With the other hand, take the brush out of the bottle and wipe the closest side to you on the inside neck of the bottle. Turn the brush over. There should be a bead of polish on the end of your brush. Start in the centre of the nail, positioning the brush approximately 2mm away from the cuticle, and brush towards the free edge. (This is the end of the nail that grows beyond the fingertip). Using the same technique, do the left side, then the right side. You should have enough polish on the brush to complete three strokes without having to dip your brush back into the bottle.

Step 8

Because lacquer ingredients react differently to hot and cold temperatures it is best to store your lacquers away from heat and sun and never in the fridge. Check your chosen lacquer to see if it has a smooth consistency. If you find your lacquer is gluggy; restore the life back by adding a few drops of Orly Nail Polish Thinner. Never use nail polish remover to thin out nail lacquers, as the colour will become very transparent. Roll your chosen lacquer bottle in your palms to mix. Never shake your lacquer as it causes air bubbles to form, which will give a rough application.

Step 9

Apply the lacquer with the same technique used for the base coat. Don’t flood the cuticles or sides of the nails with lacquer. If you have very wide nails, you can make them appear narrower by leaving an unpainted margin on each side of the nail. If you make a mistake, a Polish Correction Pen can be a great help. Complete your first colour coat on both hands before starting the second coat. Always apply two coats of lacquer for a ‘true’ colour. It is better to apply two thin coats of lacquer than two thick coats. If you have time, you may wish to apply one coat at night before you go to bed, then one coat in the morning. This gives sufficient drying time between coats and eliminates the chance of smudges.

Step 10

Apply one coat of NSI Airshield Topcoat with the same technique used for applying your lacquer, keeping your brush parallel to the nail. Do not use the tips of the bristles of the brush as it may scratch or drag your lacquer application. The top coat not only prevents chipping and discolouration of lacquer, but gives nails a glossy look and dries your lacquer to a hard finish in 3 minutes.

Step 11

When your lacquer is completely dry, apply OPI Avoplex Cuticle / Nail Treatment Oil to cuticles and/or OPI Avoplex Replenishing Lotion to your hands and nails to stimulate nail growth and moisturise.

Step 12

Enjoy those lovely lacquered nails!

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