DIY Tips From Celebrity Manicurist Beth Fricke
As the holiday season is upon us, money-saving tips are always welcome. So, whether you do your own nails or get them done professionally, check out these tips from the celebrity manicurist whose client list includes Heidi Klum, Mariska Hargitay and Sheryl Crow — and whose work has appeared on the covers of such top magazines as Elle, Harper’s Bazaar and Glamour.
First and most important is healthy nails in a healthy body. Can nail condition give us signals that something is wrong?
Why should we use different products to moisturize our nails than for our hands?
Fricke: When we moisturize hands, we are trying to moisturize the skin. When we do nails, we are trying to moisturize parts under the skin or the layered nail, that both require substantially more penetration.
What tips do you recommend to ensure a perfect manicure at home?
Fricke: File the nails the same shape. Clean out under the nails to make sure there are no rough edges or corners. Gently buff over the top of the nail and cuticle with a soft (220 grit or higher) buffer and then brush them with a wet nail brush.
Before you polish, wipe the nail with some polish remover to remove any oils. Make sure you hit the outer edge of the nail with polish and with the top coat to seal it in.
