Artificial nails are the perfect solution for many women, especially those who want a manicured look 24/7.
Plus, they are a perfect solution for replacing a broken nail. They are great as a temporary fix until your own nails grow out. And they are there – instantly.
Even better, you don’t need to get an expensive salon manicure to get the look if you’re on a budget.
Many artificial nails on the market these days have a DIY factor and can be applied yourself at home.
If you select the right size and do something creative to eliminate the plastic look, they can appear entirely natural and convincing.
Gel and acrylic nails can be applied professionally in the salon, or you can apply the press-on styles at home using widely-available nail enhancement kits. They come with their own adhesive and are easily cut and shaped to the style you want.
And lately I’ve seen plenty of at-home acrylics and gel nail kits too.
Easy DIY Plan for At-Home Manicure with Artificial Nails
So, assuming you want to fit the nails yourself, how do you get started? Here are the six simple stages:
1. First, clean and dry your own natural nails. Then file and shape them in preparation for attaching the artificial nails.
2. Then – very important – choose the right size artificial nail for each finger. File the edges if necessary to get an exact fit.
3. Now spread a thin layer of nail adhesive over the whole area of your natural nail that will be in contact with the artificial nail.
4. Position the artificial nail such that it is very close to, but not touching, the cuticle. Then apply a light pressure to the top for a short time to allow the glue to take hold and set.
5. Once the nail is set firmly in position, file off any rough edges.
6. Apply two coats of nail varnish of the color you require, then finish off with a layer of topcoat to seal it.
It’s recommended that you don’t wear artificial nails for more than a few weeks at a time – say a month maximum. Then remove them and give your natural nails a chance to breathe and refresh their growth.
It’s also important that you always use proper nail adhesive and never just ordinary glue you might find around the house.
To remove artificial nails, soak them in a non-acetone polish remover until they start to dissolve and come away.
This is my beautiful (and SUPER HOT) friend Tiara!
“There is unbelievable power in ownership, and women should own their sexuality. There is a double standard when it comes to sexuality that still persists. Men are free and women are not. That is crazy. The old lessons of submissiveness and fragility made us victims. Women are so much more than that. You can be a businesswoman, a mother, an artist, and a feminist—whatever you want to be—and still be a sexual being. It’s not mutually exclusive.” ~Beyonce
Let me just preface this post by saying that I am in no way generalizing black women, white women or anyone else in this post.
In fact, I’m only focusing on my personal group of female friends, which includes a variety of beautiful women from a variety of races, ages and cultural background–obviously including several gorgeous African-American women.
Since I’ve learned a little something about being hot from nearly every woman I’ve ever met (even though in some cases it was more learning what NOT to do), the Hot Wife Secrets series focuses on what I’ve learned from groups and individuals.
Today, it’s all about the secrets I’ve learned from my black friends about being hot.
5 Ways My Black Friends Have Taught Me to Be Hotter
Hair Extensions Are Hot: Don’t Be Scared
Ok, so you won’t find me spending hours at the salon getting extensions sewn in–not that I wouldn’t if it wasn’t so expensive and time-consuming. But let me tell you what–the clip-in extensions I’ve become rather fond of are super cute and make a HUGE difference in my appearance.
Anytime I am feeling like I need a little boost, I can clip in various extensions to create a variety of styles. It definitely makes for a fun and easy change–and every time I wear extensions, I feel gorgeous–and since I feel so HOT, I notice that I get more positive attention from everyone in my life–especially my husband.
I’d never have even considered trying extensions were it not for my black friends. I also don’t even try to pretend that it’s “my hair” and don’t worry about posting photos on Facebook days (or hours) apart with two (or five) totally different looks. That goes back to self confidence and positive attitude–owning your personality and choices and proudly rocking them.
Owning It is Hot: Embracing Your Curves
Whether you’re a size 2 or a size 22, you can be HOT. The truth is that being hot has nothing to do with size and a lot more to do with the ability to love and accept yourself the way you are. I can’t speak for black women in general, but those in my life tend to be much more accepting of their curves (and as a result, have taught me to do the same for myself).
That’s how I learned that wearing tents to COVER UP your curves actually has the opposite effect–it makes you look shapeless and unattractive (again, doesn’t matter if you’re a 2 or a 22!). Instead, I’ve learned to choose styles that actually enhance and feature my curves–not only do I look thinner and more attractive, but based on the reactions of the people around me, I’m pulling it off.
It’s not directly about the way that I look, either–it’s more about the way that I feel and the way that I carry myself as a result of the level of confidence I’m currently rocking (the more confident I feel, the better I look). The same is true for most women–though the “right” clothing and lines for a body definitely depend on the body shape, height and weight–so be sure to keep that in mind as you look to find the right look for your personal body.
Boldness is Hot: Wearing Whatever You Want and Feeling Good About It
My black friends don’t all walk around wearing the same thing–each has her own style. But what they do have in common is that each is unapologetically herself when it comes to fashion.
Whether she’s rocking a tomboy look or she’s more of a girly-princess type, she wears it with pride and confidence. I also tend to notice that a lot of my black friends are very fashion forward, which as a fashionista myself, I totally love.
Anytime ANY woman can bring herself to openly express herself through her style choices, she ups her rank on the hotness scale exponentially. Again, this includes you.
Manis and Pedis are Hot: Finding the Best and Most Inexpensive Nail Salons
I don’t wear acrylics anymore, but I did for years. Thanks to my black friends, I learned about the little nail shops that will give you both a mani and a pedi (including the acrylic overlays) for less than $50, including a 20 percent tip. (Previously, I had gone to a spa/salon and was charged $60 for JUST the pedicure!).
Another secret black women know about being hot: men really do look at and care about how your nails look on both your hands and your feet–so keep them pretty if you hope to impress your hubby.
Be Bootylicious: A Big Butt is a Good Thing
Thanks to the black community, and in my case, my black friends, I’ve learned that my big butt is actually a positive thing. This ties into many of my previous points–confidence, embracing my curves and my body and even the whole “wearing whatever you want” thing.
When you stop trying to hide your junk (in the trunk) and embrace it, feature it and feel PROUD of it, you’ll almost instantly find yourself feeling and looking much, much hotter.
So how about you–what secrets do you know about being HOT? Share them in the comments section, below! Your comment and link could be featured in an upcoming post, if you so desire!
This is why, since old times, there has been a long standing obsession with stunning looking nails initially among ladies.
In the present day the market place is overflowing with different wares to facilitate you to look after your fingernails be it on the hands or toes.
There is a wide variety of grooming tools and cosmetic products available just about everywhere for easy access to great nails. Let us have a look at some of the most basic tools to keep your pincers content!
Nail creams Nail creams are one of the best invented products for hands and feet nails. The nail creams not only help you strengthen your nail by giving them a protein and mineral boost but also protect your nails from getting over dry, chipped or cracked. The nail creams are also known to avoid ail splits and cure them. These days, nail creams come in a combination of hand and nail cream and foot and nail cream. These combinations also help to groom the hand and feet along with the nail and give them a soft and dewy feel and help get rid of calluses, dry skin etc. to give you a well groomed look.
Nail Manicure and Pedicure tools
The best way to take care of and groom your nails is to get a regular manicure and pedicure. Not only will it help your nails but also your hands and feet; not to mention giving you an opportunity to relax and pamper yourself.
The tools for such treatments are varied but a few basic must haves include the following.
Nail polish wipes and removers
Nail brush
Cuticle cream
Cuticle cutter
cuticle stick
cuticle pusher
nail cutter
file
When looking for nail polish wipes, try and find lint free wipes as they will not leave any lint residue on your nails post the treatment, allowing you to apply smooth polish on your nails. Also, when choosing a cuticle stick or a cuticle pusher, it is wise to invest in a soft but firm rubber or soft wooden stick. Avoid using a metal cuticle stick as it is harder.
Nail Polish and Polish Remover
There is huge variety of nail varnishes to choose from today. The color pallet is astounding as are the types of varnishes available. You can choose from mild to high frosted shades to high gloss colors and from extreme glitters and metallic’s to gothic shades.
Today you can even find double shaded nail paints which change color when they come in contact with the UV Rays of the sun. The choices are unlimited! When choosing a nail polish remover, it is better to invest a few more dollars and go for a non-alcoholic remover as this will benefit your nails in the long run and prevent nail damage like dryness, breakage etc.
Nail files and buffers
Nail files and nail buffers are the most introductory nail grooming implements available today. These instruments are used to give shape to the nails and top them off with a smooth surface.
The nail file can be used to give any shape to the nail. The most popular shapes are round and square. These shapes are great for everyday wear and give the nails a chic and elegant appearance.
When filing nails to give them shape, it is important to remember to file only in one direction as not doing so will cause them to leave uneven edges and splits on the nail which can cause cracks in the long run.
If your nail surface is a bit uneven or lacks radiance you can select to use a buffer to buff the top of your nail to give it a spontaneous shine and evenness.
Tip: don’t buff nails more than a couple of times every three weeks or so as it strips the nail of its natural oils and also thins the nail, making it weaker and more vulnerable to damage. Always top a buffing session with an application of a nail strengthener.
What are your best nail care tips? Share with the community in the comments section!
There are so many great methods of doing your nails on Pinterest that I thought it might be a good idea to share some information concerning painting your nails. If you decide to try one of these at home manicures, it pays to know exactly what you are getting into. By all means, have some fun with your nails. Just don’t forget a few simple steps that can save you from agony when your polish comes off in a day or two.
Prep for Paint
The fact of the matter is that when you paint anything at all–including your nails, there is some prep work involved if you plan for the paint to last. When you prep your nails to paint them you are putting in extra effort to make your efforts last a bit longer, but you are also protecting your nail and nail bed at the same time.
Scuff and File
File your nails so that they are the desired shape. This step should be based on personal preference as well as finger and nail shape. The next step is to scuff your nails. If you have ever worked with paint, you know that it adheres to scuffed or sanded areas much better than smooth ones. The same premise applies to your nails. If you have ridges on your nails, this process also reduces them so that you end up with a smooth finish.
Clean Your Nails
When you clean your nails, you really should use a brush. This ensures that all the debris is removed so that you won’t have those little bumps that we all dread so much.
Apply a Base Coat
Have you ever wondered what the base coat is for? Consider it the primer of your paint job. The base coat helps the polish last much longer than it does without it. It also protects your nails and nail bed. Nail polish has dyes in it that can seep through your nail. This is why when you remove red nail polish that was applied without a base, you sometimes end up with pink fingernails. The base coat prevents this from happening.
Apply a Fast-Drying Top Coat
After you have applied the nail polish over your base coat, wait for it to dry and then apply a top coat. If your nail polish is one color, you can even apply the top coat before the nail polish is dry. The top coat helps maintain your nail polish longer, but it also helps to “cure” the polish underneath. Your nails will look better and last longer because of this final step. Use a fast-drying top coat to speed the process up.
Ok, so you won’t find me spending hours at the salon getting extensions sewn in–not that I wouldn’t if it wasn’t so expensive and time-consuming. But let me tell you what–the clip-in extensions I’ve become rather fond of are super cute and make a HUGE difference in my appearance.
Whether you’re a size 2 or a size 22, you can be HOT. The truth is that being hot has nothing to do with size and a lot more to do with the ability to love and accept yourself the way you are. I can’t speak for black women in general, but those in my life tend to be much more accepting of their curves (and as a result, have taught me to do the same for myself).
My black friends don’t all walk around wearing the same thing–each has her own style. But what they do have in common is that each is unapologetically herself when it comes to fashion.
Be Bootylicious: A Big Butt is a Good Thing
This is why, since old times, there has been a long standing obsession with stunning looking nails initially among ladies.
