

Hello, and welcome to Do It Yourself (At A Distance): a mini series helping you solve beauty issues from the safety of home. Of course, a DIY facial or blonde hair refresh isn’t going to change the world, but if it makes you feel even just a little bit better, it’s worth doing. Basically, we’ll be borrowing tips from experts to see you through quarantine without tears, tantrums or over-tweezed brows. Today, we’re looking at DIY manicures. Perhaps this is an at-home beauty endeavor you’re already well-versed with, but there’s no time like the present to brush up (lol) on your skills, is there? To assist, we’ve tapped OPI Educator Cheryl Cooke to provide some tips for neat, tidy results at home.
How to nail a DIY Manicure:
File the shape and length of the nails with a soft file (like OPI’s EDGE 240). See a shape guide below.

Gently push back cuticles with a cuticle stick (or your own nails if you don’t have one).
Cleanse the nails with polish remover.
For the longest lasting color, use a thin layer of base coat. OPI CHIP SKIP or NATURAL NAIL BASE COAT are both great options.
Add two thin coats of your chosen OPI shade, allowing them time to dry in between. Editor’s tip: Apply color in three strokes – middle and one either side. Also, don’t paint with a lot of polish on the brush or they won’t dry properly, leading to smudging and creases.
Add shine and protection with top coat. OPI PLUMPING TOP COAT will give a beautiful gel-like finish. As a bonus you can use OPI RAPIDRY SPRAY or Drip Dry Drops to dry the nails faster.
Sit down with a cup of tea to let the nails dry!
Finish by adding cuticle oil and hand cream once dry.
Voila! You nailed it.
shop the grazia-approved manicure edit below
Le Labo Hand POmade, $40. SHOP NOW
OPI Top Coat, $20. SHOP NOW
OPI Pro Edge File 240, $5. shop now
SNS Gel Nail Starter Kit, $112. SHop now Chanel Le Vernis Long Wear Polish in Ballerina, $41. SHOP NOW
OPI Nail Lacquer in Big Apple Red, $20. SHOP NOW