January often means tightening the purse strings for many after a festive period of splurging, leading to cutting back on usual treats such as professional nail salon visits.
However, this doesn’t mean that your nails should look grim before payday, as one woman has revealed her top tip for perfect nails without having to step foot in a salon – and they’ll dry quickly too.
Taking to social media, Kate, known as @follow_my_nail_journey on Instagram, shared her budget-friendly method for a fresh set of nails that gives her a “boost of confidence”.
In a post on the Boots Instagram page, she explained how she tackles the January blues with a DIY manicure, asking rhetorically, “Where’s the time for the salon?” as she demonstrated prepping her nails at home.
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Kate divulged her “perfect hack to make them last until payday,” which is still a distant prospect for many. She began by covering her nails with a base coat, followed by a neutral shade of her choice.
She commented: “I always forget how therapeutic doing your nails can be. I light a candle, put on my favourite playlist, and take my time with it. I love to keep my nails neutral after the holidays, and I’m obsessed with this pinky nude colour.”
To finish, she applied a top coat. Then it was time to introduce her secret to ensuring her nails are “chip-free and long-wearing” – a bowl of iced water.
Kate shared her top tip, saying: “This is the perfect hack to keep your nails stronger while preventing chips and smudges. Grab a glass of ice-cold water and dip in for as long as you can. Trust me when I say this works. Me and my nails are feeling so much better already.”
Admittedly, results may vary, but the trick might just help by forcing you to keep still, preventing smudges in the process.
With your nails submerged in icy water, you’ll be fully focused. So set a five-minute timer and by the time it goes off, your nails should be dry and looking great!