Weddingbee boards

I see that alot of us are doing our nails religiously while we're waiting. Here are a few tips and products that I've picked up. I hardly ever get my nails professionally done, I'm a cheapskate. However, I like that professional look! So I decided to invest in my DIY manicure kit and save lots of money!

Tip #1: Use a cutical softener! 

You put this on your nails when you plan to push back your cuticles. My cuticles grow up pretty high and would always leave weird ridges in my polish. My nails look way more professional now since I've been using this!

Here's a cheap one from sally's for $2.59! 

http://www.sallybeauty.com/SuperNail-Cuticle-Softener/SBS-239141,default,pd.html?cgid=Nail02-05

Tip #2: Take care of your polish! Use a thinner!

When your nal polish starts to get gloppy, do not, I repeat, do not put in nail polish remover to thin it out! I've ruined so many bottles of polish! I bought this thinner recently and it made all of my polishes like new again. They have a nice thin consistancy now! 

Here's a nice one from Sally's again for $3.99 (cheaper than a new bottle of polish!)

http://www.sallybeauty.com/Nail-Polish-Thinner/SBS-163400,default,pd.html?cm_vc=SEARCH

Tip #3: Roll, don't shake!

Don't shake your polish! Shaking it creates bubbles, rather than shaking it, roll the bottle between your hands!

Tip #4: Drying drops

There are these wonderful new-ish drops that can instantly dry your nails within 5 minutes. OPI has Drip dry, but this product is slightly expensive. It's usually $12 or so for an oz. HOWEVER, Nicole by OPI (the cheaper line) just came out with basically the same product! It runs about $6 and works exactly the same! I bought mine from my local grocery store, Meijer. 

Here's a good video tutorial too from Seventeen mag! 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzWsnaTRAik

Do you have any favorite tips or techniques? Or favorite new colors?! 

@mandigrl04:  Great tips! Thanks!

I use Essie Ridge Filling basecoat and Seche Vite TopCoat.  <---- BEST TOPCOAT EVER!I usually get a manicure to last at least a week by using a base and topcoat :) 

@MrsSl82be: Oh cool! I tend to have thicker nails, but my Mom has really thin nails, and she LOVES avon. I'll have to tell her about that!

@GwenvonD: I have that cuticle cream! It does work really well and it smells like lemons! I've tried the ice cube trick, but somehow I still manage to smudge my manicure after I pull them out. It never completely dries my nails. So I like the drops better. Plus the drops work as a cuticle cream too!

@DaisyCakes: Oohh! My OPI base and top are almost out, I might have to investigate these! Thanks!

@RayRayFurious: I wish I could get this to work! How long do you leve them in the ice water for? Maybe I don't leave them in long enough.

Thanks for the tips!  I was seriously just looking at my nails and thinking, "Ugh!  I DESPERATELY need a manicure!"  :)

Aarggh I totally just did my nails yesterday, and my right pointer finger polish peeled completely off! (My nail peeled, along with the polish) 

Soo.. I just busted out the polish again!