Article by BR Fiona
So you think you're pretty hot on the home manicure front. You have the tools and you know how to use them but how well do you really know your manicure tools? Read on to find out.
Nail File
If you are going to have only one manicure tool it's probably best to have a nail file not only is it one of the most versatile tools it's also possibly the most important. The nail file can give you the desired shape to your nail, whether it be flat, rounded or almond shaped. While you may be tempted to simply grab a nail file or two from the supermarket, it is one tool that is worth investing in. A metal nail file may be best because it is more durable, won't fray nails and can be cleaned with soap and water. Look for one with a concave centre to let you angle it under your tips to help create a more rounded shape
Nail Clippers
While nail files may give you that glorious shape, it's the nail clipper that does the 'hard' work. Use it to quickly and easily snip your nail to your desired length and shape away! There's no need to spend a fortune here with most nail clippers being created equal.
Nail Brush
The nail brush is a handy wee device (excuse the pun) to have in your manicure tool box, not only is it good for removing any dirt and residue from your nails but it's also great for giving the skin around your nail a gentle exfoliation. Simply rub it gently over your soaked nails, with the cuticles already pushed back for the best results.
Cuticle Cutters
While cuticle cutters may look like they should live in a tool box rather than your cosmetics drawer, they are, in fact an easy, painless way to say farewell to those nasty and tatty looking hangnails. Hangnails are those daggy bits of torn skin which hang around at the bottom of your finger nail. Look for cuticle cutters which have a nonslip grip to make sure that you get optimal precision and don't have any nasty slips!
Nail Buffer
A nail buffer may be one of those manicure tools that you just don't think you need, the nail polish does the smoothing right? Well think again nail buffers are the perfect multitasking tool, with four different functions, filing, buffing, smoothing and create a shine! Like with our faces, creating a smooth, clean base is important for getting that perfect finish, whether you are using your buffer with nail polish or going for a natural super shiny, polish free look!
Orange Stick
The orange stick, like the nail buffer, is an amazing multipurpose manicure tool, with one end of the stick with a pointed end and the other a flat angled shape it can be used in a variety of ways. Use the pointed end to clean under your nail, whilst the angled end can be used to push down and even out the cuticle. Orange sticks can also be used for touching up those 'whoops' moments when applying nail polish, if the nail polish is wet, simply use the stick to remove it, if the nail polish is dry, dip the orange stick into some nail polish remover and bob's your uncle.
So which manicure tool can you not survive without?
Nail File
If you are going to have only one manicure tool it's probably best to have a nail file not only is it one of the most versatile tools it's also possibly the most important. The nail file can give you the desired shape to your nail, whether it be flat, rounded or almond shaped. While you may be tempted to simply grab a nail file or two from the supermarket, it is one tool that is worth investing in. A metal nail file may be best because it is more durable, won't fray nails and can be cleaned with soap and water. Look for one with a concave centre to let you angle it under your tips to help create a more rounded shape
Nail Clippers
While nail files may give you that glorious shape, it's the nail clipper that does the 'hard' work. Use it to quickly and easily snip your nail to your desired length and shape away! There's no need to spend a fortune here with most nail clippers being created equal.
Nail Brush
The nail brush is a handy wee device (excuse the pun) to have in your manicure tool box, not only is it good for removing any dirt and residue from your nails but it's also great for giving the skin around your nail a gentle exfoliation. Simply rub it gently over your soaked nails, with the cuticles already pushed back for the best results.
Cuticle Cutters
While cuticle cutters may look like they should live in a tool box rather than your cosmetics drawer, they are, in fact an easy, painless way to say farewell to those nasty and tatty looking hangnails. Hangnails are those daggy bits of torn skin which hang around at the bottom of your finger nail. Look for cuticle cutters which have a nonslip grip to make sure that you get optimal precision and don't have any nasty slips!
Nail Buffer
A nail buffer may be one of those manicure tools that you just don't think you need, the nail polish does the smoothing right? Well think again nail buffers are the perfect multitasking tool, with four different functions, filing, buffing, smoothing and create a shine! Like with our faces, creating a smooth, clean base is important for getting that perfect finish, whether you are using your buffer with nail polish or going for a natural super shiny, polish free look!
Orange Stick
The orange stick, like the nail buffer, is an amazing multipurpose manicure tool, with one end of the stick with a pointed end and the other a flat angled shape it can be used in a variety of ways. Use the pointed end to clean under your nail, whilst the angled end can be used to push down and even out the cuticle. Orange sticks can also be used for touching up those 'whoops' moments when applying nail polish, if the nail polish is wet, simply use the stick to remove it, if the nail polish is dry, dip the orange stick into some nail polish remover and bob's your uncle.
So which manicure tool can you not survive without?
Wow, I have so many of those orange sticks but until now, had no idea what they were used for!