Manicure Tutorial
Follow our step by step tutorial to achieve a long lasting, professional looking manicure at home.
Step 1 - Prepare the nail
1. Clean and remove nail polish
Remove old polish from the nails by holding a cotton pad soaked with nail polish remover firmly against the nail for a few seconds. Then wipe off with a single stroke. Repeat the process until all traces of polish are gone. Remove stubborn polish around the cuticles with a cotton-wool-covered cuticle stick dipped in remover or with the CORRECTOR for nail polish.
2. Shape nails
Shape the nails with an emery board. Lightly stroke form the edges of the nail toward the centre, holding the board under the edge of the nail and at a slight angle. Bevel for a smooth finishing touch and check for any remaining roughness. Avoid filing deep into the corners of the nails as it weakens them.
3. Form a neat nail contour
Apply CUTICLE REMOVER around the nail contour. Wait one minute and gently roll back the skin with a cuticle stick wrapped in cotton wool, working away the dead tissue to form a neat outline. Then pass the stick under the nails for a final touch-up.
4. Wash hands
Wash hands thoroughly and brush the nails with a soft manicure brush. Dry hands properly. Clean your nails with a cotton-wool dampened with Nail Polish Remover. Nail polish will not adhere properly if any oily film remains on the nail plate. If desired, polish with buffer for a very smooth nail surface. It also stimulates the root of nails and povides an elegant shine.
Step 2 - Protect the nail
5. Apply appropriate nail care product
If nails are soft or tend to break easily, this is the point at which to apply a small amount of MAVALA SCIENTIFIQUE penetrating nail hardener to the tips of the nails, being careful not to let it touch the cuticle or skin. For an optimal result, we recommend to use it only once or twice a week. Allow it to dry before going on with your manicure.
6. Apply a base coat
Brush on MAVALA 002 protective base coat to cover the entire nail surface. Let dry for a few minutes. It will remain slightly "tacky" to the touch which enables the polish to adhere better. If nails are fragile, use MAVALA BARRIER-BASE. Both products protect the nails from absorbing pigment contained in nail polish and lengthen the life of your manicure.
Step 3 - Apply nail polish
7. Choose your shade of nail polish
8. Apply nail polish
Shake or roll the bottle of nail enamel before using. For nail polish to adhere properly, apply in two or three thin coats. Use long, even strokes when applying nail polish, avoid dabbing. The second coat will cover missed areas. Dip brush into polish and wipe off excess on bottle neck (only inside to avoid sticking of cap onto the bottle).
- Test consistency of polish on nail tip before beginning. Use thinner if it is too thick.
- Begin by applying polish down to the centre of the nail in one stroke, from base to tip, leaving a small space between polish and cuticle.
- Apply polish to cuticle base, stopping just short of the cuticle.
- Lift brush and stroke one side of nail from base to the tip, avoiding the cuticle.
- Stroke other side of nail from base to tip. If colour has touched the cuticle or skin, wait until the polish has dried and remove with a cotton wool wrapped cuticle stick dipped in nail polish remover, or use MAVALA's handy CORRECTEUR pen which is designed for this purpose.
TIPS
- Apply nail polish in thin layers. It will dry quicker and hold longer.
- Avoid living open the nail polish bottle too long and store it in upright position.
- Keep the bottle neck always clean, so that opening stays easy.
- Always screw tight the cap on the bottle after use.
Step 4 - Seal and protect your manicure
9. Apply a fixator
Lightly brush on coat of COLORFIX or GEL FINISH TOP COAT to protect against chipping and abrasion and to give an incomparable shine. An additional coat of COLORFIX applied every second day will extend the life of a manicure.
10. Apply a fast dryer
Finally, put on a coat of MAVADRY Nail Polish Dryer, Oil Seal Dryer, or spray on MAVADRY Spray. In just one minute your nails are touch dry and the colour is enhanced.