Polished

Photo: We Heart It via mimi + meg

I think one of my favorite compliments is when people tell me that I've inspired them to start painting their nails more. Especially when they begin to experience the joy that accompanies it. Just my small gift to the world I guess. A lot of people ask me how I have the time to always paint my nails, and that was the same hesitation I used to have when it came to painting mine. Because I knew they would only last a few days before chipping - and I don't do chipping - so therefore it was not worth the 3 hrs of time I felt was necessary to invest in a nail painting sesh. So here are some of my tips for overcoming that and getting you well on your way to glossy and gorgeous nails:

• Really you just need about 30 min total to set aside. And preferably in the evening. Morning nail paintings usually end in smudges and swear words. So maybe while your favorite show is on, or when you know you'll be on your computer for awhile.
• Use a good base coat that protects your nails. My nails got pretty destroyed and dried out from all the painting and removing so I bought Miracle Cure from Sally Hansen and it seems to work really well. 
• Pick your color!!!!! This is my favorite part. Sometimes I get excited days in advance thinking about the next color I'm going to use. Another day I'll post all my favorites.
• I usually do two coats of color unless it's glitter or super sheer. I think my record was seven coats of gold glitter once (that didn't include base or top coats). I'm a perfectionist so I really focus on painting them evenly and try to remove the excess from around my nails as quickly as possible. Wait a few minutes between each coat so it's not too goopy and you don't get bubbles.
• Top coat. A good one. Love Hoof Lacquer that I order off Amazon. The more I put on, the longer they last.
• Wave your hands wildly back and forth to dry. Ok you don't have to do this one, but I do and I hope my neighbors aren't watching when I'm pacing around my apartment looking like a deranged bird.
• Then just chill for awhile (who doesn't love an excuse to sit still and do nothing for a little bit?) Within a few minutes your nails will already be semi-dry and then just be careful about any intense nail-to-objects contact within the next 20 minutes and you should be fine.
• Enjoy your pretty finger tips :)

I recently re-arranged my collection. I had it in this cubby of my bookshelf which made viewing and selecting colors very difficult. These bottles deserve a front and center stage.

Before

After

I understand that this looks a little like an entrance to a nail salon. But I always wanted an apartment that was completely girly - chandeliers, InStyle's and Nordstrom catalogs strewn about, nail polish and jewelry collections fully visible - before I got married and had to compromise on a slightly more gender-neutral design scheme. So for now, having a shelf full of beautiful bottles, organized by color, staring down at me while I blog makes me incredibly happy.