Quick and Easy
Nail Care Tips

• Have the right tools available
• File nails properly
• Stay hydrated
• Apply nail polish correctly
• Take care when using other personal care products

The way we look speaks volumes about us, so it's important to take care of our appearance. When life gets busy, good nail care is an often overlooked part of a mom's beauty routine.

As a mom, it can be tough to squeeze in the time just to take a shower and comb your hair on some days! But, taking care of yourself is important, and nail care doesn't have to be a terrible chore. Use these nail care tips and devote a couple of hours each week to your nail care routine, and you can have beautiful hands and feet, and feel terrific about the way you look.

Even if you don't have the time or money to make an appointment at a nail salon, you can make nail care a snap by using these at-home pedicure and manicure tips.

1. Make sure you have the right tools for the job. You'll need the right nail files suited for different types of filing, and you'll also want to include a nail buffer and cuticle oil on your list of supplies. Good nail care does not necessarily require that you spend a lot of money; stick with the brand that has quality products at a decent price.
2. Use nail files properly. Depending on how long or short you want your nails, you'll need to file them once a week or every two weeks. If you prefer shorter nails, it's important that you not file past the pink part of the finger. Filing past this area can weaken your nails and make them break more easily.
3. Drink plenty of water. You may not have realized this, but in order to have beautiful nails, hydration is essential. Water flushes your system and gives a vibrant glow to skin, hair, and of course, nails. You should aim for drinking approximately eight to ten glasses of water each day.
4. Apply nail polish properly. To achieve beautiful color from your at home pedicure or manicure, it's best to apply several thin coats instead of one thick coat of polish. This ensures that your polish won't look clumpy, and it will look shinier and last longer too.
5. Take care when using personal care and beauty products. Creams, lotions, and even soaps that are alcohol based or contain other drying substances can dry out your hands and nails. Weak nails will become brittle, and can break or crack more easily. Alcohol based products can also dissolve away your carefully applied nail polish.

In addition to using the above tips, here's my quick and easy routines for manicures and pedicures:

Pedicure

I use a foot rasp or file to take care of rough feet during my shower

Push back cuticles with an orange stick and clean out under nails during or after my shower

Clip and file toenails

Moisturize feet with lotion

Poor rubbing alcohol on toenails to clean off lotion

Apply polish and top coat and I’m done in less than 10 minutes

If I mess up on my polish and get it on my skin, not to worry, I just rub it off my skin during my next shower.

Ultra Quick Manicures

Clip nails short

Take a shower and push back cuticles with an orange stick

File nails after dried from shower

Paint nails with OPI Nail Treatments Nail Envy Natural Nail Strengthener, Original (makes them strong and look really good)

Use cuticle cream religiously, and I’m done in less than 10 minutes!

Nail care doesn't have to be difficult, even for busy moms. All you need to do is find a little time each week to use these simple nail care tips. If you do, you'll soon be on the road to stronger, more beautiful nails.