Nail Series: Natural Nail Polish

Hey everyone! I decided to start this “Nail Series” after recently getting more into painting my nails. While the gel and dip are becoming more popular, I’m not supposed to wear it at the hospital and they have been so damaging to my nails so I’ve gone back to natural nails. I don’t use a lot of different products but the ones I do use are amazing so I want to share!

Step 1: Trim and File

I have tried so many nail clippers but I keep going back to my old pair by Trim. I found this 4 pack for under $8 on Prime and I cannot recommend these enough! I love everything about them, especially the filer (the piece sticking out).

4 Pcs Professional Stainless Steel Toenail Clipper and Fingernails by QLL - Swing Out Nail Cleaner/File - Sharpest Stainless Steel Clipper - Wide Easy Press Lever – Best Quality Nail Cutter
4pc Trim nail clippers
$7.99

Step 2: Buffer

I always use this buffer before I paint my nails. It makes them soo smooth! And it’s super cheap!

Diamond Cosmetics 7 Way Nail Buffer
Nail buffer
$1.29

Step 3: Color

I should warn you I skip the base coat step because I have found that my nails chip faster when I use it. So the next thing I do is the color. My favorite polish used to be the Sephora by OPI brand but it got discontinued several years ago. Since then I have found the OPI Infinite Shine collection that I love. Right now Ulta is having a sale buy 2 get 1 free which is a great deal! The Ulta stores usually have several on clearance too.

OPI Iconic Infinite Shine La Paz-itively Hot (hot pink)
OPI Infinite Shine Polish
$13 for 1 or buy 2 get 1 free

I also like the Essie polishes! I die over their color choices, and they’re a little more affordable.

Essie Nail Polish Bahama Mama - March Color of the Month
Essie Polish
$9

Step 4: Top Coat

As I said before, when I find a product I love I stick with it! Including this amazing top coat. My nails always look super shiny after applying. I think my favorite part about this top coat though is that I can paint my nails in the evening and sleep on my hand, and when I wake up in the morning there are no scratches or markings at all on my nails. I can’t say that about any other top coat I have tried!

Sally Hansen Mega Shine Extended Top Coat
Mega Shine Top Coat
$6.99

Removing Polish

I don’t use anything fancy when it comes to nail polish remover. I usually just pick up the cheapest one at the grocery store. I will say that cotton balls work much better than cotton pads or tissues. Also, cotton swabs are great for when you get polish on your skin but don’t want to remove it off your whole nail. I pour some remover in the lid of the bottle and dip the swabs in!

I also use these Cutex nail polish remover pads for traveling. They are definitely more expensive than regular remover and cotton balls so I only use them when I’m on the go but they work so well!

Image result for cutex nail polish remover pads
Cute nail polish remover pads
$3.99

Let me know your favorite nail polish! As I get more experience I will add Gel and Dip to the series. In the meantime I hope you love these products too!

Photo Credits

  • step 1 https://rstyle.me/+i329WA2UP7vuo3W9J4lKcQ
  • step 2 https://rstyle.me/+hdzteeE37buGu9o1FNJm4g
  • step 3 https://rstyle.me/+yfgrw9gQAu_z9BRJRB4iHg
  • step 4 opi https://rstyle.me/+00Uz0NiLDwTKiyKHij4EdA
  • Essie https://rstyle.me/+l6inIBzzhX6ZH5NnzBPMDA
  • remover https://rstyle.me/+O75l7LdWb0qyflJXVx8g-g

MEET COLLEEN

Hi, friends! I live in downtown Baltimore, Maryland with my husband Ryan and newborn daughter Tatum. Welcome to colleenccook.com, where I share all my favorite sales, fashion finds, beauty products, baby items, motherhood adventures, and more!