The secret to fabulous fingernails? Get them in shape three months before the I dos, says Jin Soon Choi, owner of Jin Soon Natural Hand and Foot Spa in New York. Once a week, give yourself a manicure (or just a clear top coat) using the steps below, and your hands will be ready for their close-up.
To begin, clip any long or ragged nails. Then, using a fine file, shape nails into a soft square, slightly rounding the top and gently filing down the sides.
Soften the cuticle by soaking each hand in a solution of warm water and soap for one minute (any mild dish detergent works well too).
Apply cuticle oil to each nail. Using a cuticle stick, gently push cuticles back, following the edge of the nail bed. Push two to three times per nail—the cuticle should be a thin line. Trim any stubborn pieces.
Hands are just as important as nails. To keep them protected from the elements, rub in a moisturizer that's rich in emollients and contains an SPF.
Brush on a base coat. When dry, apply polish; paint a line down center of the nail and, without redipping the brush, fill in the sides. Let dry for five minutes; follow with a second coat. Finish with a quick-dry top coat (keep remover on hand for mistakes).
Paul Duey
This content originally appeared in Brides magazine.