My first post about nails =)

Ok. So I never write about nails. Why? Because it was something I considered a lost cause. I mean, I love all the daring colors out there nowadays but I always make such a mess when applying nail polish I just considered I wouldn't waste my time. So I just kept my nails very short and clean.

Well, I don't know what came into me these past couple of weeks, but suddenly I'm interested in doing nails right and of course, to love the results.  I guess it's the same feeling I had when I started to do my makeup back in 2007 at 35 y/o. I realized I didn't know how to do it well and that represented a challenge. Fun thing is that, with makeup, everyday is a new experience, everyday I learn something new or how to improve what I think I already know. I never get bored. Now I'm feeling the same way about nails. LOL! So many possibilities. Yep, you may think I just discover the Nile (as we say in spanish).

I turned to YouTube (of course) and love how many tutorials are there on how to take care of nails and how to apply nail polish. Now, that is pretty basic but honestly, I found them very helpful. I have very shaky hands, so learning how to work with the brush was crucial. Many people use the 3-stroke method which I try to do, but sometimes I do need more than that. Besides, my nails bed is pretty wide so 3 strokes in each one of them doesn't always do the trick. At the end, is whatever works for me.

Again, to me it was more important how to deal with the brush. I always begin in the center, then distribute the nail on the sides. Also, cleaning the cuticles from any mistakes is a very necessary last step for a gorgeous looking manicure.

These 2 videos were very helpful to me:

To remove polish, I prefer 100% pure acetone. It's faster but can also be very drying so I have to remember to apply oil to my cuticles and hand lotion overall.

One important thing is that I cannot rush painting my nails. If I want pretty nails without a dent or something like that, I have to take some time off and relax--and that is so okay with me, lol.

Last week I painted them but did it all wrong; this time I think they look 98% right to me. Sorry, they look a bit wet around the cuticles; it is the vitamin E oil. I forgot to massage it into the cuticles b4 taking pics (I use oil every other day, my cuticles get very dry). Also, I forgot to show the nail polish I used. Rookie mistakes? Hehehe.  Here's a link to it: BETTINA NAIL ENAMEL IN 186. I don't know if Bettina is sold in the US: it is puerto rican brand of makeup and nail polish. I get it on Walmart, Walgreens and many others DS. Very affordable brand, though I have to say, to obtain a very opaque color I had to apply 3 layers.

I'll take better pics next time.

 Hasta luego!

¡Vivan, amen y rían!