Hand Helpers- DIY Manicures

The next time you are at the salon pampering yourself with a mani-pedi, rest easy because your bill won't ultimately read "$51,000."  That is the price of the world's most expensive manicure known as the 'Iced Manicure' done by Cherish Angula's team of nail specialists. As one might glean from the name, the manicure involves some serious 'ice' studded into each nail-- 10 carat diamonds to be exact.  Bornrich.com sums it up by exclaiming "This luxurious treatment is surely the definition of frivolous!"

Yes-we are going to have to agree.

Even though you probably aren't going to spend the equivalent of a down payment on a house at the nail salon in this lifetime, you don't even have to shell out $30-$50 each week to keep your fingers looking fresh all summer long. This at-home manicure treatment adapted from Donna Perillo, the owner of Sweet Lily Natural Nail Spa in New York City, utilizes items already laying around your house.

Step 1:  Prep

Remove Old Polish

Trim Nails

File Down

Tip: If your nails are uneven, save time and skip the filing. Instead, cut each nail precisely with clippers. Use an old travel toothbrush to scrub and refresh dingy nails in warm, soapy water. If your nails are yellow, try brushing on a whitening toothpaste or baking soda. 

Step 2:  Soften Cuticles

1 tsp Sea Salt

1 c chamomile tea (steeped for 5 min)

Combine items in a small bowl and soak fingers for 3 minutes. If you don’t have chamomile tea on hand, use any other herbal tea.

Tip: If you are in a rush, apply a store-bought cuticle oil before your commute. The product will have time to sink in and repair hangnails while you're en route.

Step 3:  Exfoliate

1 tsp Sea Salt

1 tsp olive oil

½ tsp chamomile tea leaves (or any other herbal tea leaves)

Mix items and rub the scrub in a circular motion on your hands and fingers focusing on rough areas. Rinse off with warm water.

Tip: For best results, use fresh tea leaves. Do not re-use spent tea leaves because they will be too soggy to properly exfoliate dry skin.

Step 4: Moisturize

Coconut Oil

Apply to damp hands to lock in moisture. Keep hands in gloves preferably overnight to allow the fatty acids to soak into skin.

Tip: You don't have to buy extra virgin coconut oil unless you intend to cook with it. You can use regular coconut oil (which is much less expensive) as a moisturizer and as a hair oil to improve shine and hair growth.

With the money you've saved, you can afford to invest in a fun nail polish (corals and shimmery nudes are always in during summer). If you are going to use the shade over and over again, it's better to invest in a durable polish with a relatively long (6  month) shelf-life. Make sure you apply an additional top coat every 2-3 days to maximize how long the polish lasts without chipping.