Multicolored nails are our new favorite. That beautiful mustard color is the inspiration for this fall nail manicure.

What is an At Home Manicure?

I am a chronic polish changer. Even when I paid to have my nails done I would get bored within a few days and want to change them.

Typically I could convince myself to wait a full week before doing something new. I’m not a professional in any way but years of doing my own nails and my daughters nails I’ve learned a few things.

An at home manicure is exactly what it sounds like. Giving yourself a manicure at home. To do it right it won’t be done in 5 minutes.

Gather your supplies (I’m sharing my favorites below) and set aside a good half an hour or so for some pampering.

How to do a Fall Nail Manicure.

The first step to a great at home manicure is time, and a few supplies.

First clip nails to desired length and then file to smooth. It’s best for fingernails if you clip the majority of the nail and file minimally.

Soak your nails in warm water for at least 5 minutes. After soaking your nails apply cuticle remover to all cuticles.

Using an orange stick push cuticles back. After pushing cuticles back use a nail buffer to remove cuticles and smooth out any ridges.

Wash hands with soap and water. Dry thoroughly and gather your polish colors.

Let’s paint our nails!

A few tips for a “polished” at home manicure. Multiple light coats is better than one thick coat.

Light coats dry faster which will prevent bubbles from forming. Bubbles can develop even after your nails are dry to the touch if the layers are too thick. Thick layers can also cause dents and smudges.

A base coat can lengthen how long your manicure lasts. Make sure and cap your nails with the base coat, polish, and top coat to prevent chips.

I am a big fan of Essie and OPI nail polishes. I love the wide brushes (check Essie though, some of them can be very thin) and how well the color covers.

Check out the full how-to below for more tips on a beautiful at home manicure.

Fall Nail Manicure

Yield: 1 Manicure

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Active Time: 30 minutes

Additional Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Difficulty: Beginner

Dress your nails up for fall with these beautiful colors. Multicolored nails make for a perfect fall nail manicure.

Materials

OPI Basecoat
OPI Black Onyx
Essie Wicked
Essie Kaf-tan
OPI Coconuts Over OPI
OPI Lisbon Wants Moor OPI
Essie Speed-Setter
Bowl of warm water
Cuticle Remover
Cuticle Oil

Tools

Fingernail File
Fingernail Clippers
Fingernail Buffer
Cuticle Pusher

Instructions

Remove any old nail polish.
Clip nails to desired length.
File any edges that need smoothing.
Soak nails in warm water for 5 minutes.
Rub cuticle remover over cuticles.
Using orange stick push cuticles back.
Use pink buffer to remove cuticle residue still on nails and to smooth any ridges on nail surface.
Wash hands with soap and water and dry.
Apply 1 coat of base coat to each nail. Let dry.
Apply desired color to each nail. My colors are
Thumb - Black Onyx
Pointer Finger - Wicked
Middle Finger - Kaf-tan
Ring Finger - Coconuts Over OPI
Pinky - Lisbon Wants Moor OPI
Apply 2 light coats of each color allow to dry between coats.
Apply 1 coat of Speed-setter top coat. Allow to dry.
Apply cuticle oil to cuticles and the skin around the nail. Massage into skin and cuticles and allow to dry.

Notes

Rember it is healthier for your nails to clip nails and file minimally to smooth.
Apply polish first down the middle of the nail and then on either side.