Pedicure makes our nails neat and well-groomed, so you can safely wear open shoes. Not everyone agrees to spend money on professional care behind them, but mistakes made in home pedicures, as a rule, lead to the fact that a woman does not want to show off her “creation.” How to beautifully paint your toenails without the help of a specialist? Remember a few tricks and become a master yourself!

Choosing a varnish is not an easy task

First of all, you need to decide what color is best to paint your toenails. Of course, you need to consider where you will be while the pedicure lasts. Delicate pastel colors are suitable for the office, and at the beach, picnic, disco, a product from a bright palette or color combinations will look appropriate.

Note: dark color varnish visually lengthens the nails and allows you to give the pedicure originality.

Don't let the color of your fingernails and toenails match. It is advisable that the chosen shade be combined with clothes and shoes. If the surface of the nails is difficult to polish, it is better to use a more matte option instead of a glossy product. Using gel polish opens up many design possibilities. In particular, you can:

  • attach contrasting specks, beads and rhinestones and other decorations to the nails;

  • combine the varnish coating with dry glitter.

You should not use more than three colors, depict horizontal designs, or attach too large or too large designs to your nails. small items. It is as comfortable as possible to wear flat jewelry.

Application algorithm

To beautifully paint your toenails like a real master, you need to prepare your nails for the procedure:

  • remove traces of the previous coating;
  • eliminate cuticles;
  • Give your nails a semicircular shape and sand their surface.

  1. Separate your toes using special pads so as not to ruin your pedicure while the polish is drying.
  2. Cover your nails with a special base.
  3. Apply the required amount of varnish to the brush. Try not to make mistakes, otherwise joints and irregularities on the surface of the nail will be noticeable.
  4. Apply polish from left to right or from top to bottom.
  5. Use a sealer to make your pedicure last as long as possible.

Regular varnish dries within an hour. If you are thinking about how to paint your toenails with gel polish, you will have to purchase a 36 W UV lamp or a special LED lamp. The first device fixes the product in 2 minutes, the second - instantly.

  1. Place release pads on your fingers, thoroughly clean and polish your nails, and get rid of cuticles.
  2. Apply a thin layer of base coat and hold under a lamp.
  3. Apply a layer of gel polish and cure under a lamp.
  4. Attach the selected decorations to the surface of the nails.
  5. Cover the plates with the final topcoat and cure under a lamp.
  6. Wipe the finished pedicure with a napkin or cotton pad, treat the cuticle with oil.

Is it possible for pregnant women to paint their toenails? A pedicure will not harm the expectant mother only if she:

  • use varnish and liquid to remove this product without harmful substances;
  • will paint nails in a well-ventilated area;
  • After the varnish has dried or removed, wash your hands with soap.

A flawless pedicure is always relevant, both in the summer, when we constantly wear open shoes, and in the cold season. For example, when visiting the gym or swimming pool, any woman wants to look great. Of course, a pedicure can be done in a beauty salon with the help of a professional. But in rhythm modern life we don’t always have enough time for this, so any woman who takes care of herself should know how to paint her toenails herself.

Preparing toenails for varnish

Before you start applying nail polish, you need to get a pedicure. After steaming your feet well in a warm bath, treat them with a pumice stone or a foot scraper. After this, you need to remove the cuticle and shape your nails. If necessary, the nails can be softened before cutting the legs. When all this is done, you should move on to the most enjoyable part of the pedicure: massage using any foot cream.

The key to a flawless manicure and pedicure is the lack of haste, because in order to paint your nails well with varnish and not spoil the result after applying it, you need a certain amount of time for it to dry.

Painting your nails correctly

Now everything is ready and appears main question: how to beautifully paint your toenails with varnish, let's look at everything step by step?

For this you will need:

  1. base coat,
  2. fixative or drying,
  3. nail polish remover.

It is better to do a pedicure in a room with bright lighting and good ventilation, where odors will not bother you, this is especially important during pregnancy. Because nail polish vapors or nail polish removers can be extremely harmful to your health.

Before painting your toenails, it is imperative to clean the nail plate from traces of old varnish, as well as cream or oil that was used during the pedicure. That is, nails should be degreased either with nail polish remover or special composition with alcohol content. This will make it possible to apply the varnish in an even layer, and will ensure that it will remain on the nails for a long time.

Next you need to apply it to your nails. base coat, which should be more liquid than the varnish itself, since this is the first layer, which should dry quickly and promote ideal bonding between the varnish and the nail plate. Base coat should be applied with quick movements, as thinly as possible and close to the cuticle.

The base can be different: protective, if your nails turn yellow (when using dark-colored varnish); leveling if the nail plate has an uneven surface. You can use special pads to separate your toes, which will allow you to paint your nails more accurately.

If you have enough skill, you can paint your nails in different colors. If you are new to the art of manicure, and it is difficult for you to do it yourself, then limit yourself to two colors or one, as with, the main thing is that everything is done carefully.

The methods for applying varnish to your toenails depend on many factors. The main thing is the condition of the nails, since our feet are susceptible to various damages, as a result of which they need very careful care. If you have problems with their health: they turn black, become uneven, the nail plate thickens, then before choosing the color of the varnish, you must consult a dermatologist; you may need treatment. Usually, colored varnishes, on the contrary, emphasize such problems, and no color can hide them.

Before applying the varnish, you need to roll the bottle in your hands for about 30 seconds. Then open it and remove excess polish from the brush. Do not shake it to avoid air getting in.


 How to paint your nails with varnish in stages

Here some tips on how to paint your nails beautifully on arms and legs at home:

  1. Apply varnish only when the base has dried thoroughly.
  2. It is better to cover your nails with varnish from the middle to the edge of the nail plate, without touching the cuticle, as well as the skin of the fingers along the edges. It is better to hold the brush with your index finger and thumb, the main thing is to make sure that your hand is not suspended.
  3. Varnish that has leaked beyond the nail can be removed after the varnish has completely dried using a toothpick or a special cleaning pencil.
  4. Do not forget that colored varnish is always applied in two layers, regardless of whether it is pastel or bright color. Since only two coats provide an even, streak-free finish, the color of the polish will be able to fully develop and your pedicure will look perfect.
  5. After covering with the first layer, you should wait until the varnish dries well, and only then tint with the second layer in the same order. In order for the varnish to last a long time and look beautiful, you can apply a fixative over the colored varnish.
  6. There are times when there is no time to wait and the varnish needs to dry very quickly. In such situations, it can come to your aid special means for quick drying in aerosol form.
  7. Wait until your nails are completely dry before you do your business. Shoes can be worn no earlier than an hour after varnishing.

Clearly painted toenails are shown in the photo in the article, try to achieve the same effect. Having studied simple rules on how to paint your toenails at home, you can move on to mastering more complex techniques, for example, painting your nails according to Feng Shui. And if you purchase special equipment, you can even

Are you used to envying those with perfect pedicures? It's time to give up on this bad habit, because getting the perfect pedicure at home is not so difficult! Knowing it correctly and carefully, you can achieve an ideal result and forget about such troubles as peeled nail polish or unsightly stains on the surface of the nail plate.

Preparing the base for varnish

In order for the coating to look neat, regardless of the color and type of varnish chosen, it is necessary to carefully treat the nails before applying it. Unlike fingernails, which are usually not very durable, toenails are usually difficult to process with tools, so experts recommend steaming your feet first, and only then proceeding with a pedicure.

The surface of the nail prepared for painting must be smooth and free of grease - only in this case the varnish will lie evenly.

Apply a single layer of base coat onto the treated nail and wait until it dries completely; you cannot apply polish until then! Painting nails without first applying a base is also not recommended: firstly, the base makes the nail smoother and “holds” the varnish well, and secondly, the coloring pigments of the varnish (especially dark colors) can eat into the nail plate and give it an unsightly yellowish tint .

Applying varnish

When choosing toenail polish, you can choose the boldest options - this season bright shades are in fashion. Apply the polish from the center of the nail, using broad strokes.

Pay attention to the shelf life of the varnish: thickened varnish does not adhere well and dries slowly, so the coating looks sloppy and uneven. All colored varnishes should be applied in two layers: in this way the color “reveals”, acquires saturation and richness. In addition, even if the first layer of varnish did not lie perfectly evenly and in some places the color of the nail is visible through the thin coating, the second layer will correct this defect. But before applying the second layer, be sure to wait until the first layer of varnish has completely dried! If, while painting your nails, you slightly caught the cuticle with your brush, you can quickly remove the excess with a toothpick (before the polish dries).

We consolidate the result

To ensure that your painted toenails look perfect for a long time, you should coat the varnish with a fixative. Open shoes or a love of walking barefoot does not at all prolong the service life of the coating, so in the summer you cannot do without a fixer. In addition, the fixative helps the varnish maintain its brightness and neat appearance for a long time; the coating is less scratched and does not peel off closer to the ends of the nail. Today on sale you can find not only a transparent nail polish fixer, but also its more interesting varieties - for example, a glitter fixer, which allows you to achieve a summer-style elegant and sparkling effect!

Drying correctly

Nail polish manufacturers certainly don't skimp on their promises: by telling consumers how quickly their products dry, some trademarks use the phrases “thirty seconds” or “a couple of minutes.” But let's face it: after you've had a pedicure and painted your nails with any polish, you should wait at least an hour before putting on your shoes. Otherwise, all your hard work can be ruined in an instant! Are you in a hurry? Use a special spray dryer for varnish.

How many nuances does a woman need to take into account to look stylish? Not only should manicure and pedicure be present as a fact, but you also need to think about how they fit your appearance, match your clothes for the near future and look great with lingerie or a swimsuit if you have to undress. Moreover, the color of the nail polish on the arms and legs should match each other. That's what we'll talk about.

The general principles of combining colors have not been canceled, so they will also be useful to us here. But it would be boring to consider the issue only from the point of view of color, so I saved a couple more ideas and tried to choose harmonious duets. I hope something is useful to you.

What principles should you use to select a duo of varnishes?



By Color

1. Same color for fingernails and toenails

The simplest but most boring option. But it cannot be denied that matching it to clothes is becoming easier. If you suddenly decide to make such a choice, then it is better to choose a fairly classic and popular color (red, fuchsia, coral, etc.) or something that looks very harmonious with the outfit. No all neon or gold.


2. One gamma

Two different shades of the same range are always harmonious and are also very easy to choose a suitable wardrobe. Shades may differ by 1 or several tones.


It is possible to have only pink on your hands and only lilac on your feet.

3. Complementary colors

Yellow and green, lime and purple, etc. Colors can be the same or different in saturation. Two delicate shades, two bright or one soft and the other rich.



4. Light + dark

Applies to both colors of the same range and different colors. Black and white, beige and dark cherry, pale pink and mallow, etc.


5. Neutral + neutral

This includes all skin tones; accordingly, each skin color will have its own range of skin tones. The lighter the skin, the lighter the range of varnishes, and vice versa. Again, black and white. French can also be included here.


6. Neutral + any other color

Any neutral manicure goes well with other colors, be it pastel or bright polish. Gold and silver are also very versatile. They can be combined with any color.


7. Neon + soft or neutral color, gold or silver.

It’s better not to choose another neon shade to pair with neon. The risk of looking vulgar is too great, and in this case, each of the neon varnishes loses its effectiveness at the expense of the other. If neon is present interspersed in complex manicure, it can be chosen as the main color of the pedicure.


8. Multi-color manicure/pedicure + one of its colors or neutral

If, for example, you have a multi-color creative manicure, choose one of the colors present in it and repeat it in the pedicure. Also, a colorful manicure/pedicure can be paired with neutral colors.

By Texture

There are a lot of options here, since there are now so many varieties of varnishes with different textures on sale, from classic glossy to craquelure and liquid sand. The main thing is either the texture is different or the same.

1. Glossy + matte

2. Glitter + matte/glossy

3. Metal + matte/glossy

4. Volume + smooth

4. Same texture, etc.

Same textures don't always work well together. Classic options as glossy ones go together perfectly, but two types of liquid sand or two matte ones are not the best combination. It’s definitely better not to do craquelure for manicure and pedicure at the same time, but two types of metallics or glitter can exist in a duet if there is a common organic image.

By Design

If you have a very rich design on your fingernails, then it is better to make the pedicure calm, without unnecessary bells and whistles. As with textures, it’s easy to get the effect of too much. For a couple, a manicure with a design will suit either one of the shades present in it, or a neutral one. If the nail design is made in neutral colors, then any single-color option, bright, light or neutral, is suitable for a pair. Sometimes paired with an elegant design, a minimalist style, a graphic option, looks good.

On the topic

Very often, a manicure is created for a specific look for one evening or to maintain a certain style for a longer period. How extravagant your experiment is is up to you. Maybe you just want to bring only a veiled idea into the image, or create a themed manicure.

The more complex the idea, the more difficult it is to combine manicure/pedicure with other elements of the image. A creative manicure looks best with a plain or minimalist pedicure.

Cold and hot

An unobtrusive option for combining cold and warm shades, gray with peach, gold and silver, etc.

Space

Pearl shine, unusual colors, low tide can create a magnetic effect. Such polishes are very effective with outfits in the minimalist style with futuristic accessories.



Everything that is stated as a manicure can be used in a pedicure, and vice versa.

Tell us whether you like monochromatic polishes or creative solutions. How do you combine manicure and pedicure polish? Write about your favorite colors and designs.

We've collected 30 tricks and tips for girls who love to take care of their nails on their own. How to dry your manicure quickly? How to make varnish? How to carefully draw a French jacket? About this and more - in our article.

1. Wash off the varnish carefully

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To prevent the skin around your nails from looking like you killed someone or were poking around somewhere after removing red or other bright polish, apply a rich cream to your hands before the procedure.

2. Remove any remaining varnish from the skin


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If you did not use the previous advice and the skin around your nails is stained, tape will help remove stains. Adhesive tape It perfectly collects varnish residues, especially silver ones.

3. We erase the varnish quickly

In the manicure departments of cosmetic stores they sell various products for quickly removing nail polish. They are bubbles with a sponge soaked in cleaning liquids. You don't need to run the cotton wool over your nails: just dip your nail into the bottle and wait a little.

You can make this product yourself. Take a small glass jar, place a sponge cut to size in it and soak it in nail polish remover. The principle of operation is the same.

4. Remove glitter polish

Soak cotton pads in nail polish remover, apply them to your nails, and wrap each finger in foil. After 10 minutes, the polish will come off easily, despite the glitter.

5. Whiten your nails

Sometimes colored polish is absorbed into the nail plate, leaving behind an unsightly yellow discoloration. You can get rid of it with whitening toothpaste. Take an old brush and brush your nails with it.

But to prevent such incidents from happening at all, do not forget to use a base coat before applying the main varnish.

6. Saving a broken nail

You will need a tea bag and clear nail polish. Apply the latter to the damaged nail, and then place a patch cut from tea bag. Re-coat the nail with clear polish.

7. We store varnishes conveniently

If you store your polishes in an opaque box, label the caps with the appropriate shades. This way you don't have to take out all the vials to find what you need.

8. We make our own varnishes

If you have few varnishes or cannot find the desired shade in the store, you can make what you want yourself. You will need clear varnish and mineral shadows. They dissolve perfectly in varnish, and you can adjust the color saturation.

You can also add various glitters to your homemade varnish.

9. Open a bottle of nail polish easily

If the varnish cap is glossy, screwed tightly and does not give way, they will help you deal with the problem. By wrapping them around the lid, you will get the desired grip and easily open the varnish.

10. Extending the life of manicure

If you want the varnish to last longer, before applying it and applying the base, the nail plate must be thoroughly degreased. To do this, wipe your nails with a cotton swab dipped in white wine vinegar.

11. Paint your nails correctly


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The accuracy of a manicure largely depends on the technique of applying varnish. How to paint your nails correctly, read this.

12. Create an even coating


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One thick layer will never lie as smoothly and neatly as several thin layers. Just be patient: let each layer dry.

13. Making a matte finish


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Matte varnishes have been very popular lately. But if you don't have one, then just mix light loose powder with a clear polish. In this case, you should mix as shown in tip No. 8.

14. Making the polish brighter


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Many girls know that if you apply shadows to the base, they go on more evenly and the color turns out more saturated. It's the same with varnishes.

If your colored nail polish looks faded, use a white matte polish as a base. You will receive bright manicure and you can avoid multi-layer application.

15. Apply glitter correctly

This video shows how to apply polish with large glitter so that it adheres well to the nail and does not bulge.

16. Protect your skin

Applying stamping or gradient to your nails can seriously stain the skin around you. We have already written that in this case a special one will save you. But if you don’t have one, use PVA glue: it also forms an easily removable film.

17. Eliminate defects in manicure

Paint your nails and do not stain the skin around them, especially on right hand, quite difficult. But it doesn't matter if this happened.

Take a thin brush, soak it in nail polish remover and erase the blemishes. Unlike cotton swab, the brush does not cling to the varnish and does not leave lint.

18. Draw patterns on your nails


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If your eyeliner has dried out or simply doesn't suit you, don't rush to throw it away. Her excellent elastic brush - as a rule, this is exactly what is there - can be used in nail design to draw fine lines.

Some girls even use ordinary stationery markers for nail art.

19. Create an animal print on your nails

If you cut the eraser on a pencil like this, you get a homemade stamp: dip it in black polish and make leopard print designs on your nails.

20. Making blanks for nail art

Add varnishes of different colors to the water one by one. Use a toothpick to create a pattern. Remove the resulting film and cut out blanks from it.

21. Making sliders for design

The principle is the same as in the previous case. Only here you need to make a film from clear varnish and then apply drawings on it. For example, using dots.

22. Replace dots

A dot is a stick with a tip in the form of a metal ball. With it you can create various designs on your nails.

If you don't have a dots, use available tools. For example, safety pins, toothpicks, empty ballpoint pens and so on.

23. Doing a French manicure

French manicure looks feminine and suits almost any occasion. But not everyone can draw a smile line for a French jacket. The video shows several ways to do this carefully.

In addition, you can highlight the tips of your nails using a regular rubber band.

Just pull it around your finger and apply white polish. This is a budget alternative to special vinyl stencils.

24. Masking the unevenness of the jacket

If, despite all the tricks, you cannot get even stripes, you can use a trick. Draw a line under the white part with glitter varnish. Glitter will hide flaws, and you will get an original design.

25. Making stencils from electrical tape

This irreplaceable item can also be used in nail art. For example, for the same drawing of a French jacket.

Insulating tape also makes excellent stencils, which, unlike adhesive tape, do not stick tightly and do not peel off dried varnish.

26. Dry your nails quickly

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To protect freshly painted nails from small lint and dust, add a drop of cuticle oil on top.

28. Saving a manicure

If you have smeared the manicure you just did, do not rush to wash everything off. Just wet your finger with water and gently rub the damaged area. The varnish has not yet hardened and will easily return to the desired position.

29. Shake the varnish correctly

What do you do before opening a bottle of nail polish? Do you shake it well to make it less stringy? Great! Just do it right: place the bottle between your palms and roll it around.

If you shake and turn the varnish over, it may bubble up when applied.

30. Saving thickened varnish

Has your favorite polish started to thicken and doesn’t fit well on your nails? Place it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes and then shake well.

If you have your own manicure difficulties, be sure to share them in the comments.