Nail your mani
POSTED 17.02.2010 @ 13:48
Want to get an salon-worthy mani without the hefty price tag? Orly’s Master Educator Christi Oster tells us the tricks of the trade to get longer, healthier nails at home.
What’s your background? I have been a manicurist since 1984. Whilst working my way up to General Manager at various upscale nail spas as well as a manicuring instructor led me to my current position at Orly International as a Master Educator.
Who are Orly celebrity clients? We have a variety of celebrity clients including Beyoncé, Jessica Alba, Hilary Duff and Fergie from the Black Eyed Peas.
Take us through the steps of a flawless at home manicure… 1. Begin by washing your hands in warm soapy water
2. Using a soft cotton pad, remove all traces of any leftover nail lacquer.
3. Using the file side of a buffer, shape the nails, filing in one direction and toward the center of the nail. Hold your hand out in front of you (as if you were showing someone your ring). Shape the nails evenly – the goal is to have them all the same shape.
4. Apply a cuticle cream to each nail and either wrap the hands in a warm-steamy towel or soak for about three minutes in warm water. Once you apply the cuticle cream, shower and push the cuticles back (when the shower is finished).
5. With an orange wood stick gently push back the cuticle.
6. Condition with a cuticle oil or care cream and massage into cuticles and nail plate.
7. Wash fingertips with soap and water.
8. Apply a basecoat.
9. Apply two coats of lacquer, this will seal off the colour ensuring there are no unpainted edges. Using a dark hue? Be sure to leave a fine margin around the cuticle line.
10. Don’t forget your topcoat to enhance the longevity of your mani.
11. Wait 60 seconds between each coat of lacquer. When done with all applications (base, colour and top coats) wait another 60 seconds and apply a quick-dry drop – one to two per nail. Angle the nail downward and apply the drops at the cuticle line, letting it roll to the free edge of the nail.
True or false: it’s ok to file backwards and forwards across the nail? No. Sawing causes the layers of the nail to pull away from one another. Using a gentle file will help.
What are some essential tools of the trade? A good basecoat and topcoat, for example Orly bonder basecoat and Orly Won’t Chip Topcoat are great options. A great cuticle oil such as Orly Cuticle Oil Plus is also a must. Also, a gentle file is a must have, my favourite is the black side of Orly 3-way buffer.
What nail shape is most flattering? The sides of the nail should always come straight out from the nail groove (the fold of skin between the nail and the side of the finger). The shape should be determined by following the natural line at the end of the nail bed. If the person has a wide nail bed or finger, taper the free edge in slightly.
How can you make your nails look longer?By narrowing the sidewalls of the nail ever so slightly, nails will appear more elongated.
What are some definite nail no-nos? Nails which are wider at the free edge than they are on the nail bed. Polish on the cuticle and ragged cuticles. Remember cuticles are the frame that holds the nail.
What are the hot colours for this season? The main fashion colours for spring summer are clean brights (not necessarily a neon colour). Tiki Time by Orly contains the latest shades in four vibrant, beautiful colours – a bright blue, green, orange and red.
Moving into winter, prepare for the more jewel tones as well as matt shades. As always French Manicures are a classic standby.
Check out the range of Orly nail colours at
orlybeauty.com.au.