Is This Really Dry Clean Only?

Taking your clothes to the dry cleaner is kind of a pain. It's expensive, time-consuming, and your pieces come back smelling like chemicals.

There are some items - like your wedding dress - that truly are dry clean only. However, for other items that just need a regular wash, you can skip the trip to the cleaners.

Natural fabrics such as cotton, silk, and wool are often tagged as dry clean only. Synthetic fabrics like polyester and rayon are more resilient to damage because they are man-made. However, just because natural fabrics are more delicate doesn't mean you can't take care of them yourself.


Here's everything you need to know to safely wash dry clean only pieces at home.

1 - Wash your clothes by hand.

To avoid the dry cleaner, wash your dry clean only clothes by hand. No matter what you do, don't put these kinds of clothes in the washer. The wash cycle will be too rough and will result in damage.

Keep in mind that anything that is delicate enough to be labelled "dry clean only" needs gentle care.

2 - Use room temperature water.

Hot water not only makes the colours run, but it can also shrink your clothes. The majority of items are safe at room temperature water. For anything that contains dark dye like navy, use cold water.

If you are filling up your bathroom sink, rinse out the basin with hot water before you start. This will remove any bits of toothpaste, dust, hair, etc. and give you a clean place to work.

3 - Add a gentle detergent.

Anything that is labeled "extra strength" should be left on the shelf. Opt for a regular strength or all-natural detergent. Extra strength detergents contain additional chemicals that may be too strong for your clothes.

Once the basin is full, put in one to two tablespoons of detergent, and use your hands to create suds. This is significantly less detergent than you would use in a washer, but since you're only washing one item it will be sufficient.

4 - Don't scrub.

Place the item in the water. Gently move it around in the water, and carefully squish the soapy water into the fabric. Leave it to soak for up to half an hour.

Do not scrub the piece. Using a brush or rubbing the fabric against itself will leave you with loose threads or an area that looks like it has been pulled.

Once it has soaked, let out the soapy water and run the item under the tap until you can't see any more bubbles coming off the item.

There is no such thing as too much rinsing. Larger items like blazers or dresses will require more rinsing since there is more fabric. Smaller items like blouses tend to be thinner, so you won't have as much detergent to rinse off.

5 - Give it time to dry.

Just like scrubbing the item will cause damage, so will scrunching it up into a ball to remove excess water. To get rid of the extra water, lay the piece flat on a clean towel. Roll the item into the towel, and gently squeeze. The layers of towel will protect the item from damage while absorbing the water.

Lay the piece flat on a drying rack, or on a new towel and leave it to dry. If you have wide hangers you can hang the item up to dry. Thin hangers can push dents into the fabric, so stick to wider options.

The best place to hang a wet item is on the shower curtain rail. The piece shouldn't be dripping wet when you hang it up, but any drips that do happen will land in the tub.

Coming Soon: New Body Products

To be completely honest, I'm sort of obsessed with all bath related products - exfoliating scrubs, bath bombs, body butter, you name it. There's just something about products that smell good and benefit the skin that I love.

In the next few weeks, we'll be expanding the collection of body products at Orchid & Oak. Not only will all of these products be available online, we'll have them in gift sets so you can pick out the perfect present.

Our new products will include sugar scrubs and whipped body butters, along with bath bombs, all in matching fragrances.

What's even better than a gift set? One that is handmade using natural ingredients. Subscribe at Orchid & Oak for advance notice of sales, new products, and more!

Is there a fragrance you'd like to see? Email customerservice@orchidoak.com or leave a comment!

Last Minute Christmas Gifts

Yet another Christmas has snuck up on us. It seems like yesterday we were saying that the holidays are only a month away, and now it's only a week.

If you're like me and have managed to forget stocking stuffers, holiday party hostess gifts, or just need a couple more little items to round out a larger gift, Orchid & Oak has what you need.

For any spa-style gift, check out our sets of two hand soaps. Each soap is made locally by hand, using essential oils for fragrance. They are all free from parabens, preservatives, chemicals, and artificial fragrances. 

There are nine scents to choose from, and you can mix and match. Or, let us surprise you.

To top it off, each box is handmade and tied with a ribbon.

If you need a couple small items to fill in the cracks in a stocking, our Nail Polish Duos are the perfect choice. 


We have four pairs of complementary colours to choose from, including gold/black, white/red, teal/purple, and blue/peach.






For something with more bling, try our Crystal Gem Hairpins. This set of three pins is one of our best-selling items. For only $22, you can give a set of pearl-topped hair pins.

For more gift ideas head to www.orchidoak.com. We've got more than 20 items under $20, so you'll be sure to find something for everyone. Order now to get it by Christmas.



Need something for the man in your life? Check out Fuzzy Bastard Beard Co. for handmade beard oils, balms, and waxes.

Free Shipping!

We've got free shipping until December 15, 2016!!

Whatever you order and no matter where it's going, you can ship for free for the next few weeks. There's no minimum order amount, just enter coupon code SHIPFREE at checkout.

Want to get advance notice of deals? Sign up for our newsletter at www.orchidoak.com

Craft Fairs Here We Come!

Craft shows are incredibly popular in Newfoundland. Before moving here, I didn’t realize just how many people take a day on the weekend and do the rounds of the local craft shows.

It turns out craft fairs are a great way to find unique items. Many of the items are handmade, and you can find everything from jam to jewelry, with custom-engraved hammers somewhere in the middle.

Starting at the end of the month, Orchid & Oak will be attending a couple craft shows in the St. John’s area.

On November 27, we’ll be at the Victoria Community Center in Conception Bay North, and come see us December 13 at the “Last Stop Before Christmas Fair” in Conception Bay South.

In addition to bringing select pieces from our regular inventory, we’ve also got a few items exclusively for these shows. 

Christmas Shopping Made Easy

We all know someone who is hard to shop for. Either they have everything, they’re incredibly picky, or it’s a Secret Santa and you have no idea what this girl likes.

Here’s your Orchid and Oak shopping guide to getting something special for every girl on your list.

The Fashionista

This girl likely has seen everything and either owns it or has no interest in it. The best option for this girl is something practical but stylish so she can show off the piece you picked out.

It’s the time of year for cooler weather, so opt for the cabernet touchscreen gloves. They’re not only gorgeous, they’re also compatible with touchscreen phones.

For a girl who prefers neutrals, try the cashmere gloves in black or cream. Either colour pairs perfectly with our polka dot lace infinity scarf.

Miss Picky Pants

How do you choose something for someone who finds fault with everything? By giving her a variety of items to choose from!

We’ve got an assortment of nail polishes and handcrafted hand soaps, all $5 or under, so you can choose an assortment for your friend to pamper herself with.

In the next week, we’ll also have lipsticks and heart shaped makeup sponges to add to the options.

Cosmetics Queen

We’ve all met this girl – she’s got encyclopedic knowledge of the cosmetics industry, has worked at Sephora, and has tried every brand worth considering.

Instead of splurging on a lipstick or mascara that costs more than a month’s worth of lattes, try the Love Disarmed Cosmetic Brushes. Not only is the mermaid detailing unique – so she won’t find them in any store – every cosmetic lover always needs more brushes.

The Eclectic

This girl likes a little bit of everything, especially if it’s different. This is where ear cuffs come in. Earrings are a commonplace accessory, but ear cuffs have yet to become main stream. Like the statement necklace, they stand out and call attention to themselves.

Whether the girl on your list likes silver or gold, we’ve got you covered.

Have someone who's tough to buy for? Send us a comment and we'll help you out!

Chocolate Beauty Products

(Image from www.theberry.com)

The Berry is one of my favourite sites. For those of you who have not yet experienced the hilarity, I strongly suggest you take a look at www.theberry.com for funny stories, pictures of cute animals, beauty tips, and more.

Today they grabbed me with "14 Chocolate-Inspired Beauty Products". Check it out here.

How to Rescue Your Clothing From Colour Bleeding and Salt Stains

We’ve all had those days when we’ve been caught in the rain, splashed by a driver going through a muddy puddle, or slipped on the ice and landed in a snowbank. While none of these things are particularly enjoyable, they don’t need to mean disaster for your clothes.

We probably all know to not fold (or crumple) a wet or stained item and put it in a drawer. The best case scenario is wrinkles, but it’s much more likely the item will mildew. There’s more to rescuing your clothing from a damp, mildewy death than hanging them up. 

Throwing everything into the wash as soon as you get home isn’t as bad as stuffing them in a drawer, but this can damage your items and doesn’t always fully remove any stains.

Here’s a how-to guide to rescuing wet clothes from leaking colour and salt stains.

Colour Bleeding

Several times I’ve had dark wash jeans leak onto lighter shirts when the jeans get wet. It’s one of the side effects of growing up in a province that gets a lot of snow in the winter and a lot of sun in the spring.

Jeans that have been washed several times can still leak dye onto other fabrics, especially if they are an extremely dark wash. This is because most companies dye their denim using a synthetic indigo dye, which lasts longer than its original natural form.

Pre-treatments will be your BFF for getting denim dye out of whatever item it has soaked into. First, lay the item flat on a hard surface that won’t be impacted by the pretreatment, such as the top of the washer. Apply a gel or liquid pretreatment such as Oxi Clean to the area. With a soft scrub brush, work the treatment into the item. Let it sit for up to an hour.

Don’t have a pretreatment? In a pinch, white vinegar makes a good stain remover on white items.

After the pretreatment has had time to set, throw the item into the washer. Use the hottest water the fabric can stand. Check the tag to see what that is. Set your washer to a regular wash cycle.

If the item is white, add chlorine bleach. If it is a colour, use colour-safe bleach such as Clorox 2 Laundry Stain Remover and Colour Booster.

For hand-wash only items, follow the same steps, but instead of using the washer fill a clean sink or large bucket with hot water. Gently rub the bleach into the fabric and let it sit for up to twenty minutes.

When the wash cycle is done, check the item to see if the stain is gone. If so, dry it as usual. If not, repeat the steps above.

Salt Stains

These develop from doing pretty much anything outside in the winter and spring. Whether they show up as high-tide marks on your pants or splashes on your coat, these white marks are not a good look.

To get rid of them without damaging the fabric, soak a soft cloth in warm water. Gently dab at the marks until they aren’t visible. Blotting the stain will get the salt off without pushing it further into the fabric.

Hang up the item to air dry. Do not put it in the dryer as the heat will set the stain. Once the item has dried, use a soft brush - such as a clean makeup brush you don’t use anymore - to lightly brush the dried salt off the fabric.

If you can still see any salt, dilute one tablespoon of white vinegar in four cups of warm water. Use your soft cloth to gently wipe the fabric with the mixture. From here wash and dry the item as you usually would.

Do you have go-to stain remover method? Let us know in the comments.

Campus Style That Stands Out

Sometime over the last few years, university-goers have developed a dress code. We’ve all seen it – leggings, plaid shirts, Ugg boots, and oversized scarves. While we love all of these things, we don’t love being identical to several hundred other people.

Paying attention to your campus style can easily fall to the bottom of your priority list, especially when you are overloaded by classes, exams, studying, working, and maintaining your social life. Being stylish on campus doesn't have to take a lot of effort - a few key pieces can spice up your wardrobe and make you stand out from the crowd (in a good way).

Here’s everything you need to know to stand out on campus.

Get a pair of jeans that fit like a dream.

Denim Skinny Jean, $46

When you spend all day in class, comfort is a necessity. This is why leggings are so comfortable. Like leggings, jeans that fit properly are super comfy, and go with everything. Jeans also tend to be more durable, and can be worn all year round. 

Jeans that have a high amount of stretch are comfortable enough to last all day without becoming a baggy sack by mid-afternoon. Dark denim is versatile enough to take you from class to post-exam drinks, whereas light washes are much more casual.

Opt for a mid-rise instead of something super low cut to prevent having to pull them up every ten minutes. A skinny or boot cut leg can be paired with flats, runners, or tucked into boots without extra fabric sticking out.

Try a different kind of boot.

As a Canadian, I understand the need for practical footwear in the winter. However, Ugg boots are not the only option. They do, however, make the perfect commuter shoe. If you want to keep your toes dry and warm during the winter, Uggs are a great option. Once you get to campus though, consider switching them out for a different shoe. 

Try a faux-leather boot lined with fleece. The lining makes them just as warm as Uggs, plus there are a ton more options for styles. For an added bonus, they’re water resistant. Boots that reach mid-calf will keep the snow out while looking fabulous. Knee-high versions will keep your legs toasty, but may be too warm for a whole day inside.

Before the snow flies, go for an ankle boot. This cute alternative to a mid-calf boot will keep your toes warm without extra bulk. These boots also pair perfectly with skinny jeans to give you a put-together style without looking like you spent an hour choosing an outfit.

Swap your top.

When everyone wears a version of the same shirt, we all start look like clones.

Faux Suede Cardigan, $41

Sure, plaid flannel is trendy right now - it's cute, casual, and appropriate for daytime.

Start your own trend with a long-sleeve blouse, tanks layered under a loose cardigan or a thin-knit sweater. Don’t worry – your favourite scarf will still go with all of these.

Cardigans that are open with a draped front are flattering for larger busts, and allow you to wear tanks or t-shirts underneath. A solid cardigan can be paired with patterned shirts and vice versa.

Have an idea for campus chic clothing? Share with us in the comments.

The Basic Beauty Tip You've Forgotten About

When it comes to a beauty regimen, we all have our own routines and tend to do things the same way every time. This is definitely a time-saver, but there is one important step that tends to be forgotten, and leaving it out can cause some serious damage to your skin.

Here’s why washing your makeup brushes should become part of your routine.

Why Wash?

Washing your makeup brushes is essential for healthy skin. When you use your brushes, they not only get gunked up with makeup, but they also hold on to oil from your skin. Add in some dead skin cells and moisturizer residue, and you’ve got a yucky cocktail.

Once you rub this combo on your face, you’re likely to end up with clogged pores. As we all know, this results in acne, which leads most of us to put on extra concealer to try and cover up the spots. In turn, your brushes get more makeup on them and the cycle continues.

Using a dirty brush also means that your makeup doesn’t go on as smoothly as it should. When the bristles are full of gunk they don’t blend properly, resulting in a patchy or streaky face.

How to Tell if You Need to Wash Your Brushes

There are a few giveaways as to when you should wash your brushes. 

-      -- Your brushes are new and you haven't used them yet

-     --  You’ve never washed your brushes

-      -- It’s been more than one month since you washed them last

-     --  You can see a buildup of makeup on the bristles

-      -- They feel rough to the touch

How to Wash Your Brushes and What to Use

Before you panic, you don’t need to wash your brushes every day. Most experts suggest washing them at least once a month. If you have sensitive skin I suggest washing them every two to three weeks.

Step 1 – Fill a bowl with hot, soapy water. If your facial cleanser lathers, use a couple drops to make lots of suds. If it doesn’t, pick up a cleanser that creates bubbles from the drugstore that contains salicylic acid. This helps prevent acne, and since you aren’t applying it directly to your face you don’t need to worry about a new cleanser conflicting with your regular stuff.

For an inexpensive option, I’d suggest Bioré Foam Cleanser. It’s gentle and has a light minty scent. For sensitive skin, try Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser. This cleanser is designed to remove dirt and makeup in one fell swoop so it's perfect for cleaning brushes. 

Step 2 – Soak your brushes for 10 to 15 minutes. Once they’ve soaked, gently rub the bristles while they’re underwater. Make sure you aren’t too rough, or the bristles will start to fall out.

Step 3 – Empty the water from the bowl, and run warm water over the brushes. You may need to gently rub another drop of soap into some of the brushes to get rid of stubborn makeup. When the water runs clear, your brushes are clean.

P.S. Like the brushes in the photo? Visit www.orchidoak.com to order them!

Have a beauty tip we should know about? Share with us in the comments.

First peek at our products!

Orchid & Oak is on its way to launching! Here's a sneak peek at some of the items we'll be carrying.

Something I think every girl needs in her closet is a great pair of classic jeans. We found skinny jeans that fit the bill perfectly. They have a ton of stretch, and the darker wash makes it easy to take them from day to evening. Available in sizes 10-14.

A classy going-out top can be hard to find. This piece strikes a balance between feminine and flirty, while at the same time being super comfortable. Try this double-layered lace top for your next date night. Available in sizes 12-22.

Every outfit needs accessories. Step up your jewelry game with an ear cuff, like this rhinestone dragon. 

With autumn underway it will soon be time to add gloves to your outfit. These cashmere and kidskin gloves are ideal for falling temperatures. 

Orchid & Oak will be open soon, so check back frequently for updates, sneak peeks, and coupon codes!

This Isn't Your Granny's Cardigan

Cardigans have a bad rep. They make us think of little old ladies, 50’s freshmen, and that stuck-up girl from Legally Blonde.

Fortunately, times have changed. Cardigans are no longer reserved for the super-academic with a high pony. Cardis can be cute, professional, and even stylish.

Here is everything you need to know to make a cardigan your go-to piece for fall.

Length

Make sure that whichever cardi you’re eyeing is the right length for your body. Something too long or too short will make your body look disproportionate.

For petite women, a cardigan should land at the hip. This keeps your top half in proportion with your legs.

If you’re taller, a longer cardigan does the same job. Look for something that reaches a couple inches below your backside.

To Do Up, or Not to Do Up?

The answer to this question depends on your body type.

For curvy women, I suggest a cardigan with an open front. This style provides a stream-lined look as the open front creates a panel that is very slimming.

For thinner women, try a cardigan that buttons up for a cozy yet professional style.

Whether you do up your cardigan or not, try adding a thin scarf or long necklace to dress it up.

Fabric

Cardigans now come in all sorts of textures. A light knit can be worn in early fall as a light jacket, and layered under heavier outerwear when the weather gets really cold.

Bulkier fabrics are best reserved for cardis that have a looser, more open structure.

 Any body type instantly looks larger with a thick fabric.

Pattern

There are so many options for patterns it’s almost impossible to choose. A solid colour will go with anything, so it’s a great idea to have one solid colour cardi in a neutral tone in your closet.

As a general rule of thumb, the busier the pattern is, the simpler the rest of your outfit should be.

For example, if the pattern has five different colours in it, choose one of those colours to wear under the cardi and add neutral-coloured bottoms such as jeans.

Have a favourite style of cardi? Let us know!

Sort Out Your Closet in 5 Simple Steps

We’ve received our first batch of inventory, and it’s been a blast counting, organizing, and stocking. All this unpacking made me think about my closet at home, and how to organize it to make getting ready in the morning a breeze.

Getting dressed for anything is a lot easier when your closet is organized, instead of piled up with everything jumbled together. Keeping your clothes in order is easy to do, and only takes a few minutes.

Here are our top 5 tips for organizing your closet.

1 – Sort Your Stuff

The first step to an organized closet is to sort out what you have. Make a section for each kind of item, such as work tops, blazers, dresses, and pants. Once you can see what you have, get rid of any items that you haven’t worn in the last two years. Anything that you don’t actually wear is just cluttering up the space you have.

Donate or sell anything that you don't wear or that doesn't fit. Items that are damaged should be thrown away.

Now that you have your categories, you could just stuff everything back in the closet. However, it is much easier to see what you have if you keep similar items together. Try hanging the pants next to the capris, which would be next to skirts, and then dresses. This way, if the kind of item you planned to wear isn’t working that day you can try something similar without digging through everything.

2 - Colour Block

To make the most of the space you have, hang each category up by colour. For example, put all the black blazers together next to all the grey blazers, next to the blue blazers, etc.  

By keeping the colours together you can easily see all the options and find what you want.

This also makes it easier to put together an outfit. Once you pick one colour, you can see what colours or patterns will go with it - minus the struggle to find something.

3 – Use Baskets or Bins

I’m a huge fan of putting baskets on the shelf on top of the hanging items. Small items such as tanks for layering can easily be folded and stacked, leaving extra room in both your closet and your dresser. If you don’t have a dresser, using baskets for things like socks and underwear prevents clutter.

Stores like Bowring, Jysk, Winners, and Pipers have carts with basket drawers. These are perfect for storing undies, socks, tanks, bras, and shorts. Since these carts are decorative, you can use them around your bedroom for both storage and design. 

4 – Add a Second Hanging Rack

For those of us who hang the majority of our items, one hanging bar isn’t always enough. Add a second bar by installing a tension rod about halfway between the first bar and the floor. Long items such as dresses can still go on the top bar, and now you have two bars to place everything else.

Tension rods are the best option since you won’t need tools to install them, they can easily be moved, and you won’t damage the walls of your closet if you take it down.

Pro tip: Put dresses and shirts on the top rack, and pants on the bottom. Since we're used to seeing clothing this way, you'll be able to see outfits before you take anything out. 

5 – Use an Over-the-Door Hanger

Placing an over-the-door hanger on the closet door gives you a place to store your necklaces, bracelets, scarves, or belts. Choose one that has multiple hooks so you can hang several items. Storing them in your closet not only keeps your room from becoming overrun with accessories, it also makes dressing up your outfit super easy.  

Have a suggestion for organizing your space? Share with us in the comments.

Makeovers Made Easy

If you’ve been stuck in a style rut, it may be time to mix things up a bit. Simple changes can make a big difference. The term 'makeover' conjures memories of Clueless, with Cher creating new outfits and hairstyles for everyone from her friends to her teachers. 

Makeovers don't have to be a massive overhaul of your entire style - a few small changes can make you feel like you have a whole new look without spending a ton of money.

Follow these tips for an easy makeover. Use one or two for tweaking your style, or if you're feeling adventurous, try them all. 

Switch up your manicure

Something as simple as nail polish can make a huge difference to your overall look.

For example, pastel pink polish and white lace say feminine, while navy blue polish and white lace say classic chic. Now switch out the blue for a matte black and you’ve got an edgy modern style.

Playing with the colours on your fingers and toes is a great option for dipping into a style switch-up. It’s non-permanent and easily reversible.

For those of us with acrylic nails, consider changing the shape and the colour. Instead of a classic sporty square, try a slightly longer almond shape. If you’re feeling super brave, try a coffin or stiletto shape.

Before you begin, have cotton balls, polish remover, and several orange sticks on hand. Putting down a layer of paper towel never hurt, either.

For tips and tricks for the perfect manicure, see the article "Top Six Tips for At-Home Manicures".

Try a new makeup trend

It’s easy to stick to the same makeup routine day in and day out. Trying a new makeup trend is the next step up from practicing your polish.

On a day when you have some extra time (such as a weekend), pick a makeup trend you haven’t tried and give it a shot. The day I discovered pastel purple lipstick was a wonderful day. It’s now my go-to light lip shade.

If you’ve never tried a smoky eye, now is your chance. On the other hand, if you usually put on a full face, try a simple mascara and lipstick look.

Take a look at your favourite fashion mags for ideas, then make sure you have remover wipes and cotton swabs at the ready and give it a go. You may not love it, but you won’t know until you try.

Change your hair colour

As someone who regularly changes her mind about what colour hair to have, I can promise you that going lighter or darker will have a drastic impact on your look. I’ve tried everything from blonde to blue and back again, and each time is a new experience.

If you choose a lighter shade, it’s a good idea to go to a salon. While darkening your hair is difficult to mess up, lightening usually requires a professional. Save yourself the grief of accidentally becoming a pumpkin and find a stylist.

Also keep in mind that if you want to go back to your original colour, it’s a lot easier to cover something too light than to lighten something too dark.

Not sure what colour you want? Peruse Pinterest for inspiration.

Tell us about your style changes in the comments!

          

Top Six Tips for At-Home Manicures

Getting a salon-perfect manicure can be done at home at a significantly lower price and tons more fun.

These tips and tricks will help you create a DIY manicure that screams professional job. Grab a mimosa, a magazine, and your favourite colour for a spa-quality manicure in your pj’s.

Prep Your Nails

A nail buffer is your new best friend. Use the grainy side to even out bumps, and then the smooth side to create a perfectly buffed surface.

Whatever you do, don’t cut your cuticles. This little bit of skin is what stops bacteria from entering your nail beds, and cutting it off is an invitation for an infection. 

Soak your fingers in warm water for up to 10 minutes, then use an orange stick to gently push them back. For a super-relaxing soak, add a few drops of vitamin E oil and some Epsom salts.

Make sure your nails and fingers are completely dry before applying polish.

Use Base and Top Coats

A base coat provides a smooth bottom layer for your polish to sit on by filling in any dents or grooves in your nails. It also prevents dark polish from staining your nails.

Apply a thin layer of any clear base coat before adding any polish. Once all your layers of colour are on, apply a clear top coat. The top coat will seal the polish, and prevent your colour from rubbing off on any surface your nails may scratch (such as paper, walls, etc.).

Use a High-Quality Polish

The quality of the polish you use makes a world of difference to how well your manicure turns out.

Cheaper polishes tend to dry out more quickly, and this makes them gloopy and hard to apply properly. Once a polish loses its slick texture, it is more trouble than it’s worth.

A good nail varnish doesn’t need to be expensive, however; take a look at Sephora’s Formula X, which starts at $6 and comes in more than 70 shades.

Be Patient

This has always been the hardest part of anything for me. When it comes to doing a manicure, I somehow manage to smudge the polish before it’s dry.

Turns out, patience is crucial for smooth mani. It’s essential to let each coat of polish dry completely before adding the next one. If the underlying layers aren’t dry, the whole thing becomes thicker and takes longer to dry, making it more likely you will dent or smudge the polish.

After applying each layer of polish set a timer for 10 to 15 minutes. Use this time to read a magazine or catch up on your social media pages (as long as you can do it without touching your nails on anything!).

Once the time is up, apply the next coat and repeat. Apply up to three coats of colour. 

To speed drying time, turn a fan on and aim it at your nails. A high speed can cause the polish to ripple, so keep the setting on low. Cold is your friend when it comes to setting nail polish.

Have Remover Tools Close By

Some tools are essential in order to achieve a great manicure. Here are the ones you'll be sure to need:

 Polish remover

When you’re picking up your supplies, choose a remover that’s acetone-free. This variety is less harsh on the skin and doesn’t have as strong a smell.

Unfortunately, gel polish won’t come off with acetone-free remover.

Orange sticks

While not orange, having a handful of these nearby will make your manicure super easy. Whether you need to work on your cuticles, add a design, or wipe off a dot of polish, these sticks are there for you.

 Cotton swabs

When combined with the polish remover, these little swabs are like an eraser for colouring outside the lines. Soak one end of the swab in remover, and wipe off any errant polish.  

 Paper towel

Spilled something? Not to worry, you’ve got paper towels standing at the ready. Put down a piece before you start to make a surface to work on.

Nail buffer

This tool is great for prepping your nails for colour, and for adding shine once the colour is completely set. 

Try Gel Polish

For a guaranteed smudge-proof manicure with minimal drying time, invest in a gel kit. These kits contain an LED lamp, base coat, one colour, cleanser pads, and instructions.

While they are more expensive than just buying one bottle of polish, you only need to buy the kit once, and the LED lamp will work with any brand of gel polish that requires curing.

Gel polish lasts much longer than regular polish – about ten days, for the most part. Also, there’s no drying time, so the process is quicker than applying regular polish.

My favourite is the Sally Hansen Gel Nail Colour Starter Kit. It's reasonably priced, comes with enough supplies to do several manicures, and you can see which shade comes with the kit so you can choose your favourite. 

Do you have pro tips for your manis? Let us know!