The Secret to the $3 Manicure That Looks Like a $50 Manicure

Not to me immodest here, but I get complemented constantly on my nails. They are forever changing and it seems like every time I change my nails at least one person comments and how amazing they are.

"Your nails look so cool!"

"Where did you get those done?"

"Who did your nails?!"

The answer, ladies... I did. First I'll show you some pictures of my latest digit decoration and then I'll tell you how I did it for $3... that's right, do not adjust your computer screens... $3!

 Are you ready for the secret?

No, I don't know anyone at a salon that likes to practice on me on her off time. And I absolutely don't have the skills to create that kind of design myself. I am saying loud and proud that here is my secret to fun and funky nails without the salon price:

Drug Store Press-On's!!!

This particular box cost my, like I said $3 at a wonderful place called Five Below, however, if you frequent establishments such as Target, Walgreens etc it will run you about five or six dollars. I have found the best selection at Rite Aid and Wal Mart if you're looking for something a little more unique and funky. But if a tried and true french mani is what you're about, any multi-purpose store with a beauty section will have a great selection of traditional designs. I have also found that Claire's has some really great designs, and they charge about five dollars a box as well. 

Now, you may be thinking: Sure they're cheap, but you get what you pay for. Those things pop right off!

Think of it this way, I'm a writer and a bartender; I beat up my hands worse than most people going about their day-to-day routines. Yeah, I'll have the occasional break, but everyone breaks a nail once in a while regardless of how much you pay for it. The only problem I have run into is that the polish on certain brands has a tendency to start chipping after a few days of wear and tear.

So, now that you know where to get them, I'll share with you the secret to getting them on so they look like they were done by a pro.

1. Clip your natural nail all the way down.
2. Go over your natural nails with a nail file to rough up the nail beds just a bit.
3. Use a cuticle tool to push your cuticles as far back as you can and get rid of any hang nails or dead skin around the cuticle.
4. Use the glue provided or you can purchase a professional strength nail glue and spread a thin layer all over the nail bed, making sure you reach the cuticle and the edges of your natural nail. This is where you want the nail to bond the most because any lifting in these areas can cause the nail to pop off. *Be careful not to use too much glue because I promise you, you'll end up gluing your fingers together!*
5. Take the best fitting nail and place the bottom edge as far down into the cuticle as you can at about a 30 degree angle from the nail bed.
6. Press down on the center of the nail for about five seconds and massage the nail to work out any bubbles that may have formed.
7. Repeat steps 4-6 nine more times!

Not to worry if you have a glued finger situation. Once the glue dries it is fairly easy to use a rough nail file to get most of it off your finger and regular washing of your hands will take care of the rest.

Voila! A $50 manicure that only costs $3-$6!! Now just sit back and wait for the compliments to come rolling in.

Bonus tip: Always carry a small tube of nail clue in your purse in case you feel a nail start to lift, just glue that sucker right back on!

Good luck, ladies, and have fun! Because that's what fashion is truly about.