Mani Monday with Jennifer Brock

How do you prep your hands for the perfect at-home manicure?
I always start by prepping my nails by trimming them and filing them so they are my desired shape and length. Then I choose my favorite hand lotion or cream to help keep things moisturized, especially in the fall and winter seasons when my skin begins to dry out because of the weather. The final thing I do to prep my nails is put on a quick clear coat of polish because my nails are easily stained. If I am putting on a darker color that color will be on my nails for what feels like ever because of how easily my nails stain.

Are there any nail trends that are good for beginners to try?
My favorite nail trend that I would recommend for a beginner is stripes or polka dots. Both are so easy and so cute!!

What are some tips for doing basic nail art (french manicure, dots, stripes)?
I’m that person who uses tape for a lot of things in her beauty routine so if you are doing something like stripes or a french tip definitely use tape! The tape helps keep the lines straight and the polish off of unwanted areas!

How do you change up your DIY manicures for special events? For my everyday life I just like to rock a basic solid manicure but for special events I like to create two-toned looks. Whether it be stripes or paint half of my nail one color then the other half another color. When I do half and half I sometime decide to leave my ring finger one solid color just to add something different. I feel like the second colors add something nice for special events.

What are your favorite colors from Perfect Formula?
My favorite colors of polish are Dream On and Moon Dust! My favorite colors of gel are Light Taupe and Mauve!