Nail Love: How I do my nails

Hello! I thought it might be helpful if I gave you all an overview of how I do my nails. Sounds a bit boring but whatevs.

I first file my nails if I find they're a bit too long and get stuff from out under my nails with a Revlon filer thingy (I need a new one. The cap on mine broke off because I've had it so long).

I don't like to buff my nails, because mine are rather brittle and thin already, and buffing just makes them thinner (I also have problems with bumps when my nails grow).

If I need to, I remove my nail polish with your regular CVS acetone polish remover.

Unless I've done it recently, I'll use my Sally Hansen Cuticle Remover to make sure the dead stuff is out of the way when I want to start painting.

I then apply my Maybelline Base Coat, that I've had forever. I don't think they sell it anymore... Which means I'll find a new one, which is okay, because this wasn't holy grail anyway. Sometimes I'll apply Sally Hansen Hard as Wraps under my polish, but it's not really a great base coat. I just got it and am trying to use it up.

I apply my color of choice (number of coats depending on the polish).

On top of everything I paint on my Sally Hansen Insta-Dri topcoat, which I mentioned in my April Favorites. This stuff is absolutely fantastic. It dries so fast and leaves such a good, shiny, resin-like finish. I can't live without this.

This is a pretty short post, but I thought it was necessary. Happy nail painting!!!

Do you have a pretty specific manicure routine?