A celebrity manicurist shared with me the tips for achieving a more luxurious look for your manicures.

      If you’re similar to me, your saved folder is probably packed with nail trend inspirations and nail art concepts. However, I have always been curious about how these stunning hands appear so flawless, featuring perfectly manicured cuticles and expertly filed nails, with no signs of dry skin. When I attempt to do my nails at home, they never seem as polished as they do in the hands of a nail technician. Nail technicians undergo extensive training to perfect their skills, and while a DIY manicure can never truly match that of a professional, there are steps you can take to elevate your nail game. It all hinges on how you prepare your nails, from filing to applying cuticle oils.

      As a beauty editor fortunate enough to have my nails done by celebrity manicurists, I’ve noticed one common aspect: nail preparation is crucial. For some, this process can take hours before applying nail polish, gel, or BIAB. Regardless of the type of manicure you’re getting, proper nail prep is essential.

      Why Is Nail Prep Important?

      "Nail prep is the foundation of any good manicure," states celebrity manicurist Georgia Rae. "You can use the top products available, but if the nail isn’t properly prepped, it simply won’t last. Good prep ensures improved adhesion, a smoother finish, and helps prevent issues like lifting, chipping, or peeling," she explains. Below, Rae offers her tips for preparing nails for your best manicure ever.

      How to Prep Nails

      1. **Prep Cuticles**

      "I always start by gently pushing back and almost lifting the cuticle [the skin at the base of the nail] from the nail bed. Then, I nip away or buff any non-living tissue," says Rae. Nail technicians are trained to safely remove the cuticle, so if you're doing this at home, you can gently push them back with a cuticle pusher or orange stick instead of cutting them. "Cuticles should be gently pushed back, not aggressively cut. Nipping away too much can cause irritation," explains Rae. "At home, I recommend using a cuticle remover like Essie’s Ready, Prep, Go Cuticle Remover (£15). Massage it into your nails and the surrounding skin, and when rinsing, use a nail brush to exfoliate and then dry completely with a towel." She suggests, "Using an orange wood stick, gently push back the cuticle. I then utilize the loop end of the Staleks Expert 51 tool (£7) to lift away any stubborn dead skin on the nail plate, followed by a cuticle nipper to carefully remove any obvious dead skin that will appear white when dry."

      **Shop Cuticle Care:**

      - Essie Nail Care Cuticle Remover

      - Boots Botanics Natural Bristle Nail Brush

      - STALEKS PRO 51 Type 1 Manicure Flat & Loop Pusher

      2. **File Nails**

      "Next, I move on to shaping," Rae continues. "Always use a 240-grit nail file on natural nails, rounding the edges with another file to avoid nicks, and check from every angle while filing to ensure they are uniform." Whether you choose almond, squoval, square nails, or another shape, take your time to ensure even shapes and lengths on both hands for a tidy appearance. If you’re shaping your nails into an oval or almond form, be cautious not to file down the sides of the nails (known as sidewalls) excessively, as this can compromise their structure and lead to breakage.

      **Shop Nail Files:**

      - Margaret Dabbs London Crystal Nail File

      - Pure Nails Black Nail Files – 240/240 Grit

      - Hermès Les Mains Hermès Nail Files

      3. **Prep the Nail Plate**

      "I will then clean the nail to eliminate dust and oils, ensuring everything is completely dry before proceeding. My essential tools are an orange wood stick, the Staleks Expert 51 tool, a small, thin 240-grit nail file, lint-free wipes, and a nail cleanser," Rae shares. There are several mistakes to steer clear of, including "over-buffing the nail, which can thin and weaken it," warns Rae. She also emphasizes the importance of ensuring your hands and nails are free from any oils or products prior to applying your base coat or polish, as this can impede adherence to the nail plate, including any natural oils from your fingers.

      **Shop Nail Prep:**

      - Boots Everyday Cuticle Sticks

      - MYLEE Prep & Wipe Nail Polish Residue Cleaner and Lint-Free Wipes Kit

      - Manucurist Nail Buffer Sponge

      4. **Apply Base Coat**

      "Always choose a good base coat suited to your nail type," advises Rae. Nail strengtheners work well as base coats for weak or flexible nails. "Avoid soaking nails in water right before painting because nails absorb moisture, which can lead to polish lifting once dried,"