I don’t post much beauty or fashion on Lemon Thistle, mostly because I just don’t have time for that since kiddos. But every once in a while I get asked ‘how’d you do that?’ or ‘what do you do for…?’ enough times that I feel like it’s worth sharing. So here goes my first ever mani tutorial! It’s the easiest ever, and takes only 10 minutes start to finish- because, seriously, what mom has time for more? This is the perfect fool-proof manicure to give yourself as you run out the door to a wedding (speaking from experience) and is great if you’re not confident painting your nails because I’ve taken all the tricky parts out of it (you don’t even have to go near your cuticles with colour!).
Ready for the 10 second how-to?
See? Simple! Just tape off the ends of your nails, straight across. I use washi tape for this but scotch tape should work great too, just make sure whatever you use you press it down firmly, leaving no gaps for the polish to sneak through. Give yourself one or two coats of colour- I LOVE instant dry nail polish, which speeds this up even more. This polish isn’t instant dry but I’m addicted to the colour so it was worth the wait. Peel the tape off while the polish is still wet and wait for it to dry. You can stop here, but if you want it to last more than a couple days, give yourself a top coat over the whole nail before you run out the door! The top coat really makes a difference. Because I was in a rush the last time I did this (as I ran out the door for a wedding) I only did the top coat on one hand and that hand outlasted the other by DAYS. So it’s worth the few minutes if you have them.
Do you take time to do your nails ever? I am such a perfectionist it always takes me SO long and I’m almost guaranteed to get pulled into doing something (*cough* a child wakes up*) and wreck it before I’m done. So I always do my toes and leave my fingers for special occasions.
Like what you see?
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Tan says
Jul 29 at 9:10 amI love this! I’m definitely a perfectionist when it comes to my nails. I’ve definitely given up halfway through. I love how easy and adorable these are!
Colleen Pastoor says
Aug 05 at 2:11 pmOh, I’ve given up more than once! I’m so glad I’m not the only one!
Kara says
Jul 29 at 11:28 amI paint my toenails ALWAYS but don’t have time (or maybe it’s patience?) for my fingernails – to sit there and do them OR to wait for them to dry. Even when I think they’re dry, they’re not and I smudge them all up. One day I’ll remember to buy instant dry polish and maybe I’ll paint them more often. Then at least I can hide the dirt and gunk under my fingernails ;)
Colleen Pastoor says
Aug 05 at 2:12 pmHahah I’m right on board with you. Instant dry is the best invention :)
Darcy says
Aug 03 at 6:57 amWhat a great idea! Love how it turned out!
http://www.amemoryofus.com
Colleen Pastoor says
Aug 05 at 9:12 pmThanks so much Darcy! It’s the only way I do my nails lately :)
Tianna says
Aug 04 at 8:53 amthis is brilliant! Thanks for this – definitely gonna give it a go!
stop by and chat ♥ http://storybookapothecary.com
Colleen Pastoor says
Aug 05 at 9:14 pmThanks so much Tianna! I’d love to see a photo if you do :)
Becky @ bybmg says
Aug 06 at 6:41 pmLove this! Have you ever tried Jamberry nails! Though they take longer, they last longer, and they have to dry time so if a kiddo needs your attention while you’re doing your nails you totally can! They even have french tips! bybmg.jamberrynails.net
Colleen Pastoor says
Aug 13 at 3:30 pmYou know what- I have! And I failed miserably! I’m not sure what I did wrong but they were all wonky and didn’t last very long at all. BUT I have a new set sitting, waiting for me to make a second attempt so I should probably get at it!
Jill says
Aug 07 at 8:20 amI love how your nails turned out! I’ll have to try this! Thanks for linking up with How I Style It!
Jill
http://www.dousedinpink.com
Colleen Pastoor says
Aug 13 at 3:32 pmThanks so much Jill! If you try it, I’d love to see how it turns out!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Aug 07 at 3:24 pmI still think I would mess it up! Would love you to come over and join my weekly link up :) http://bit.ly/1Dt9VVI
Colleen Pastoor says
Aug 13 at 3:33 pmHaha, I’ve been known to- the quick dry nail polish really makes a difference though!
Karren Haller says
Aug 08 at 6:58 amCute video, thank you for sharing on Oh My Heartsie Girl Feature Friday
Have a great weekend, Karren
Happiness at Mid Life says
Aug 09 at 6:44 pmWhat a great idea! I will have to give this a try.
Thank you for joining TBT Fashion link up and hope to see you Thursday.
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Colleen Pastoor says
Aug 13 at 3:35 pmThanks so much Alice, if you do try it I’d love to see how it turns out!
Dawn Lucy says
Aug 10 at 5:49 amCute nails!Thanks for sharing with Fun Fashion Friday!
OXOX
Dawn Lucy
http://fashionshouldbefun.blogspot.com
Colleen Pastoor says
Aug 13 at 3:38 pmThanks so much Dawn!
Alicia@ Eco Friendly Homemaking says
Aug 12 at 8:01 amThis is such a great idea! I found your blog through the link party and am so glad that I did.
Colleen Pastoor says
Aug 13 at 3:45 pmThanks so much Alicia! I’m so glad you’re here :)