I work in one of the last remaining conservative industries: finance. You can’t really get away with flashy clothes or accessories and I actually honestly have a clause in my employment contract about having my hair always be a “natural” color and nails always being a nude or natural color. Apparently my employment contract is a lot like the one that is standard issue for Princesses, at the very least in the nail department as I’ve never seen Kate with nails painted anything other than a perfectly pale and natural pink- or buffed and left au naturel.
I’m not sure if Kate actually has a contract about how she can or can not look, act or dress and what, if any, specifics are required of her about her hair, accessories, etc. but she’s got the Princess nails down- she’s always wears her nails neat, groomed and with a pretty, natural pale pink polish on them. Not only is it one of the best and most universal looks, but it’s also one which is practical and elegant to boot- critical when billions of people will be looking at your hands when you flash your new engagement ring!
As a kid, I was a compulsive nail biter. While I’ve managed to kick the habit unless under immense stress, I’ve come away from the nail biting with brittle, weak and easily chipped nails, terrible ripped cuticles and weirdly shaped nailbeds. Before you start to submit my entry to the world’s creepiest hand competition, I’ve figured out some easy ways over the years to take even the roughest of starts and make them into presentable nails. Here are some of my tips for Princess-worthy nails…
- If you’re struggling to stop biting your nails, do what I did; I got a manicure and had my nails painted. Sure, it sounds counterintuitive but it’s insanely difficult to justify biting your newly manicured and painted nails that you just shelled out good money for. I had one every week for 6 weeks, which was expensive, yes- but which also left me not biting my nails for 6 weeks and thus breaking myself of the habit. I was mortified going to the salon the first time as my nails were in pretty rough shape but I did it and was super proud of myself at the end for kicking a difficult habit.
- One of my favorite tips is quite easy- it’s a genius little product called Solar Oil. My older sister is a professional estetician and gave me a little bottle when I started taking care of my nails. It’s an oil that you rub into your cuticles (I do it every night before bed) and which will gradually make your cuticles softer and less succeptible to riping and bleeding.
- Lastly, you have to find your “perfect” pink for the polish. I’m extremely fair and have pink undertones to my skin, so my perfect pink is either Essie’s Mademoiselle or Ballet Slippers– which also happen to be two of the more universally flattering colors and where I’d recommend you start if you’re not sure. They’re cult favorites of manicurists, so you know you’re getting a ood quality polish when you get Essie. Kate used a blend of Essie’s Allure and another color for her wedding, so you’re also getting a Kate favorite!
Anyone have any tips on getting fabulous nails?? Would love to hear them!
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