DOs & DON'Ts: Painting your nails | how to paint your nails perfectly (updated)

[@WookieMullet]

29 year old guy about to paint my nails for the first time. I just learned a ton, ty for this. Also, you have THE most beautiful voice. It's so soothing, I could listen to you talk forever.

[@bubbliibiotch931]

I agree. Her voice is perfect for asmr

[@-elle-o.o]

WookieMullet ooo what colour did you paint them?

[@jamespagous3954]

WookieMullet that was wholesome, hope it went well ❤️❤️

[@h2omasterplo60]

Too.

[@dragunovful]

22 about to do the same thing lol. Im glad I watched this because now I know I need to order a few more things hahaha

[@EzekielsCall]

The cuticle is there to protect you from getting bacteria under where the nail comes out. Just push the cuticle back a bit so it's not overgrowing the nail, but removing it or pushing it up too far is a bad idea

[@sejulie487]

Right. I never bother with my cuticles. They're not overgrown anyway.

[@rai2763]

Whoah thank you for this information! I didn't know that

[@kaylan2083]

Right?! And after you push them back they end up lifted up and you can see underneath exposing your nail bed to infections. 🤮 The cuticle provides a seal/barrier between where nail grows and pushing it back will only cause problems.

[@Exorcist364xs]

I agree. My mother always told me not to cut my cuticle.

[@gunika5588]

My cuticles are perfectly grown amd never I'm going to get them removed

[@WithLoveKita]

This quarantine is going to save me so much money once this is all over. I just gave myself a pedicure and now working on my manicure. I’m doing a facial once my nails are dry.

[@iStorm-my5fp]

Yes girl, me too

[@arcticreindeerroleplays3488]

I’m practicing pedicures bc I’m not allowed polish on my hands only on my toes so when I’m in secondary school I’ll be good at it lol

[@Joost721]

Ambitious as a girl to give yourself a facial.

[@lilxamryn]

Purrrr!!!

[@chomeeghouri1306]

Yes, why go to the salon anyway when you can do it yourself and it will cost you less?

[@CarlsVlog28]

😂 when you said to not use an old nail polish that’s like 3 years old I laughed. All the nail polish I have is at minimum 5 years old

[@BlueberryBumblebees]

That tip is basically irrelevant if you’re familiar with nail polish thinner, have it, and know how to use it. And no, remover is not a substitute.

[@caty5731]

Samee 😂

[@Nakia11798]

SAME. I can't go through a bottle that quickly. That would involve painting my nails more than once a month

[@SnazzyWasHere]

The nail polish i have is probably 8 years old bahahaha

[@ccl6192]

I decided to try and finally learn how to do this myself. Ive been going to salons to have it done since the late 80s. It’s impossible to get an appointment with my work schedule right now and there’s no more walk ins. Every tone I call they’re booked. My husband said “you can learn anything on KZbin now. Just look it up”. Then I had to go through my nail polish collection and thought as long as I bought it after I got married and not while I was in college it was ok. Some of it I’ve had since the 90s. The colors are completely separated and won’t mix back together anymore. My husband told me “it’s fine. It’s not like you’re eating it. Just put paint thinner in it.” He was serious. 😂

[@jumanjithemusical]

Here I am, another male trying to paint my nails for the first time. Your relaxed voice, laughs and giggles made me feel a lot less anxious about the process. Thank you, Gabby!

[@staticinteger]

Here for the same reason! ^-^

[@taniahiguera4003]

I always cap the tip with every coat, but that capping it with just the first coat is SUCH A GOOD IDEA. I find that the polish at the tip is more prone to chipping and I thought that it was just me. Thanks so much, gabby you're a goddess!

[@GabbyAngelique]

Tania Higuera welcome💗💗

[@moilwalk]

It's all of us. My nails can chip the next because of a combination of too much product and not capping the tip.

[@karbeans2004]

I only cap the first coat of color and top coat for these exact reasons. Another tip: cap the tip first, then paint the nail, you won't end up with as much thickness at the end. Takes a little practice but it helped me tremendously.

[@LeticiaGomes-dn8mt]

the angled brush dipped in acetone to clean around your nail is not only a game changer but a life changer, I'm a whole different person after I got to know about this omg, finally perfect homemade manicures are possible

[@NiaJustNia]

If anyone's wondering why she need to wait the 20+ minutes even though their polish feels touch dry, for all the layers to fully dry 100% it takes almost 24 hours

[@ambermiddleton-jones5928]

really? wow i never knew that ty

[@NiaJustNia]

@Liannasupergirl Are you using a decent top coat? That should help stop the smudging

[@NiaJustNia]

@Liannasupergirl try using Seche Viche and see if that helps. Alternatively you might be putting your colour layers on too thickly or before the previous layer has dried enough (it should be touch dry before your next coat)

[@_addie_1016]

@Liannasupergirl I personally hate the OPI top coat. It's not quick-dry at all and only acts as a gloss. I recommend using a different topcoat. My personal fav is the Revlon one. It's only $10 American and works great.

[@skaweirromeda6787]

morgan taylor's "need for speed" top coat is AMAZING. For me it was a total game changer a few months ago. It's thick, shiny and quickdry.

[@brenbar5736]

First time painting my nails, I’m a dude and probably gonna butcher it but I’m gonna go for it lol.

[@Haley-tt1dm]

Any update on how it came out

[@artemis6828]

sooo howd it come out 👀👀

[@kpopcity9685]

Any UPDATE?

[@yo-re8eb]

UPDATE!!!!!!

[@brenbar5736]

Lmao every body asking for an update, they looked pretty good, no bubbles or nicks and only a small bit got on my skin. My gf wanted to re-do them yesterday since I hadn’t had them painted for a week or so.

[@jom6829]

Always love your do's and don'ts, as I learn something new every time.

[@veronicamagee7099]

I sis 3you 3my

[@madelineef]

ikr!!

[@TheVampirevixen666]

@@veronicamagee7099 ⁸⁸⁸⁸⁸⁸⁸⁸⁸⁸⁸⁸⁸⁸⁸⁸⁸⁸⁸⁸⁸⁸⁸⁸⁸⁸⁸⁸⁸⁸⁸⁸⁸

[@D10RFITZ]

she’s bad

[@ohokmynword]

555555555555

[@blkangelflame]

Thank you for doing one now that you’ve gone to nail school. It’s helpful to see you tubers who have some kind of professional training or expertise

[@Maya82]

Very informative :) one tip I always use and it was a game changer for me: press a drop of body oil over the topcoat as soon as it *feels* dry. Especially if you are in a hurry! If you bump into something it will just slide instead of leaving a crease on your nail polish. Useful if you need to go to the toilet 😂 and you're not 100% sure your polish is completely dry. Honestly I do it regardless because when I don't I always end up ruining my nails because either I forget to let them dry or maybe I'm just clumsy 😂

[@sweethomesalamander7370]

Late 20's guy here, tried painting my nails a few weeks ago for the first time. was okay but its so much harder than i thought. especially when painting my non dominant hand. but these tips seem really good. especially for getting a nice smooth coat. gonna try it out today! thanks for the tips

[@BlueberryBumblebees]

There’s also the super obvious tip that never seems to be mentioned. Anchor your hands. Lots of people just take the most comfortable position they can find to paint their nails, but you’re going to get better results when everything is anchored on a solid surface, and you’re only barely moving the fingers with the brush, or the one being painted.

[@kate7557]

to paint your dominant hand's nails i've found it's easiest to rest your non-dominant wrist on a table/counter in front of you and hold the brush in between your thumb and forefinger. then point the brush in the general direction of your dominant elbow (or towards your body) and just hold it still there. let your dominant hand move under the brush to paint itself rather than trying to get your non-dominant hand to make all those fine movements of painting. my fine motor skills in my non-dominant hand are really bad from an old injury but i can still get a decent result doing it like this

[@MerryMerino]

Paint your dominant hand first!

[@deniselilliannorman8237]

If you don’t have a cuticle oil use Vaseline it works great!!

[@joanshealy1662]

The small clean up brush was a big game changer for me too I love the results and it’s quick and easy✨

[@Kayla-pm1eg]

I've always wondered how they get that polished cleanup. Thank you for sharing the angled brush technique. I'm so tired of other tutorials skipping that part.

[@diplordfarquad]

I’m here to try to make my girlfriend happy by painting her nails I’m also gonna try to do her makeup does anyone know a good video for makeup?

[@alyn5083]

Anything by Pony syndrome!

[@lilacblue3331]

Aww that's sweet! Do try on yourself or a friend a few times before hand to get the hang of it, it takes practice

[@diplordfarquad]

@@lilacblue3331 thanks for the advice I will for sure take that into consideration

[@lilacblue3331]

@@diplordfarquad Welcome :)

[@nicolemcneil2812]

Hi Gabby!! Thanks for the tips! I really enjoy your channel!! If you haven't already, could you do a video on what your natural nail care routine looks like? I'm trying to become more proficient in taking care of my nails so that they'll be healthier. That would be great! Thanks again.

[@MuMu-fu7qe]

When I do my own nails, I swear the polish never fully dries. I'll try thinner coats.

[@Just_Elika]

are you using a super old polish? that could be why

[@iophi1815]

try putting ur polish in the fridge for a couple minutes (10-15 at least ig) before painting your nails

[@mm77curly]

Try the seche vite topcoat. It dries instantly!

[@blackkarma9130]

Me :touches oh it's dry the nail polish: see about that

[@suavefrog5029]

Or just the type of polish in general, affordable polish tends to take up more drying time compared to luxury polish

[@MellowJelly]

bless you for purposefully getting polish on your skin just to demonstrate the cleanup hahaha. I am so messy cause i'm a beginner and the angled brush is a life saver

[@abomidog]

Thanks! I just painted my nails before watching this and made every mistake in the book. Lol

[@denissegoatcher-avila3113]

It's all good! It is through our mistakes is how we improve! 😉 Even the top experts have made many mistakes. It's about having fun with it. Blessings

[@mahagony74red53]

Girl!!! Same here!!! After watching dis I was oooooh okk now I get it!!!😅😅💅💅

[@adriahaddy258]

I did the same thing, lol

[@ZannaKatoka]

You didn’t lie about the consistency. My nails used to looked like a vagabond’s, all jacked up. I’ve been religiously doing my nails at home weekly during lockdown and now I look like a pampered Madame.

[@wendyfay16]

Great to see someone who has shown how it should be done! I've just written a long comment on another KZbin channel where everything that was said ... was Wrong! Just one more suggestion for you, that is to use a drop of cuticle oil on top of your top coat. Not only is it great for your cuticles, because of course your cuticles are going to be dry after using the polish remover or acetone ... but it also makes the polish dry faster. It's probably best just to lightly brush it on, but as I have tremors, even putting on polish is difficult for me ... so I tend to be generous with the cuticle oil at the end and 'almost' drop it on ... ie brush if on with a loaded brush ...because it's never too much when it comes to massaging cuticle oil into my fingernails/cuticles. I seem to be washing my hands at least a dozen times a day since covid .. I almost seem to wash when I pass a tap... well, not quite, but you get the picture. I can't believe that people have to be told to wash their hands after using the toilet!! I thought that was as automatic a yawning when someone else yawns ... Anyway, I hope you like the idea of using the oil after the top coat. It's just occurred to me .... I might try olive oil tomorrow & see what happens. I'll stick to the cuticle oil, but if it seems to work, it might be useful for others.

[@celyd5284]

Love that color! This was a great video. I have one question. Where did you find that angled brush? I use one from Wet n Wild and after a while it gets all gross because the stick is wood. I love to use the angled brush for clean ups.

[@denaamisdaan]

I’m a dude and just ordered my first nail polish. Base coat, polish and top coat. Cuticle oil and a cuticle pusher. This bitch is gonna DELIVER 💅🏽💅🏽💅🏽 Thank you for this video❤️❤️

[@vaitelias.]

rock 'em!

[@rosylemons]

Painting the tip is something I had never done before and it was hard to do with short nails. But I did it and I hope this makes it last longer this time. Great video

[@mrsconniewynn]

Thanks for the tips! I've been using that Sally Hansen cuticle oil but I don't push my cuticles I just use it to moisturize my nails. Good to know I can push mine! I don't do any of that on my own before painting.

[@ladyrachel13]

You can use baby oil or olive oil for your cuticles as well.

[@zenaidabeltran3]

I Love your videos! Since quarantine I’ve been trying to master the art of nails and it’s been defeating me but now with better nail polishes and new tips like how to apply the color I might get it right this next time. Thanks babe! Also I’d love to see more videos on nail art or different ways to spice up my nail game.

[@michellem5647]

I slap polish on goes all over my skin. But it always comes on next morning in the shower

[@LittleKaasmos]

Hello! I am wondering where you get your angle nail brush? Can’t find one that looks as nice as yours from Amazon

[@heathervantuyl2316]

i get the urge to paint my nails right before bed but quick dry top coats saveeeed my life. i paint my nails like rightttt before bed but rarely get them messed up when i sleep now!!!!!! game changer

[@angelicaventura1841]

May you please share links in the information box with what file you use to file your nails? As well as links to buy the wooden sticks, buffer, make-up sponges cosmetic wedges, nail wipes and angle brush?

[@jacinta2008]

the brush! omg can't believe I've never thought of that! such a great tip

[@eddiecoyote1]

Thank you! I’ve painted mine twice now and they’re horrible 😂 I just bought some polish and went after it. After realizing that this was harder than I thought, I found your video. Now I’m going to go get an angle brush! Thanks for such a fun and informative video.

[@alyngoun6604]

I love hearing your voice. It’s so calming ☺️

[@deborahlippmann9900]

ii recommend using cuticle remover first too push back your cuticles. That is what that products is designed to do. Cuticle oil is also really necessary but its purpose is to Hydrate the cuticle and nail. Have you tried using them in reverse? just curious. love your videos!

[@houseofschenck6230]

Has your nail color ever pulled back from the edge of the nail? My polish keeps shrinking. I'm not sure whether it's the Seche fast dry top coat, the peel off base coat (easier to remove glitter), or both reacting together.

[@makedadawit6715]

I’m no expert, but from what I’ve learned maybe you should leave a small unpolished gap with the colored polish then paint in the gap with your clear top coat. Doing so will seal the colored coat which may lead to the color lasting longer in that area. I got this information from a SimplyNailogical video so if you would like to see her video on preserving a manicure here’s the link! (The part of the video I’m referring to is at “7:19”)

[@kate7557]

some polishes and top coats can shrink when they dry. the seche vite in particular shrinks really badly for me (idk about the fast dry one) but i need it's durability to get polish to last on my flexible nails. to avoid shrinking wrap the tip with polish (she does this on her first color coat and also on her top coat in this video)

[@dominiquedeavers1111]

i love painting my nails but no matter what i do, i get this weird cracking in my nail polish. every time

[@FrancesBaconandEggs]

Dominique Deavers what kind of top coat do you use?

[@GabbyAngelique]

Dominique Deavers hmm really? What brand are you using?

[@dominiquedeavers1111]

I use different brands and it always happens. I use a base coat, two coats of polish, and a top coat and I let them all dry in between coats

[@denissegoatcher-avila3113]

Maybe try to put your nail dry of any moisture with nail polish remover? Did you have any cuticle oil or lotion on them prior to painting?

[@tiffanyyazmin8784]

Use less nail polish when painting (use the same layers but make sure there isn't a lot of polish on the brush)

[@alexwhitehead1616]

I love how many of us guys in here are willing to admit that they paint their nails! It makes me feel less embarrassed 😅

[@nomdeplume2213]

Dont ever be embarrassed! Hell, nail polish, wigs, makeup, hills were all originally made for men, particularly men of high stature and status. Its only been a woman thing in the last 100 yrs or so.... so wear that polish proud 😘

[@alexwhitehead1616]

@@nomdeplume2213 yea! 2 months later im planning to get a wig for when my hair loss gets bad enough and I've realized a lot of things have been needlessly gendered and labeled. So I just decided to do what makes me happy. We have a short time and im not gonna spend mine worrying about such silly things. 😁👍

[@adrianflo6481]

Thanks so much, I generally just slather it on with one coat of colour, no nothing top and bottom stuff. but even as a guy it feels good having it done properly.

[@mfrumento]

what is the angled brush you like?

[@celinepark1558]

You are literally the BEST youtuber!!

[@GabbyAngelique]

Celine Park thank you!!

[@VeraTheTabbynx]

Some great tips. I'm pretty new to this but absolutely love painting my nails! Started last summer and now I have 45 different bottles 😅

[@amandadoes8757]

I find that capping the tip first keeps it from bunching up

[@ElizabethRodRodriguez]

So youre saing that i also need a NAIL routine??

[@hnybdee]

So what I’m hearing is that using your thumb nail from the other hand to remove extra nail polish is wrong. Hmm. Good to know. lol

[@AndriaSilvaful]

It’s the poor mans angled brush 😂

[@userenvy]

Thanks for the help. Ur adorable. I just got my kit so i feel ready now. Ima polish mess but most of it is thinking its dry so this should work better

[@suzannam.symons2063]

What is the color of the polish you used?? I love it!!!

[@iamsheileen]

What about a glass cuticle pushers? How do you feel about glass as opposed to metal or an orangewood stick?

[@denissegoatcher-avila3113]

Paint away, ladies! 😆 Let's keep up with ourselves!

[@imogen6532]

I took hair and beauty for about 2-3 years in secondary (no longer available, I was the last year to be able to choose this course at my school at the time) and ... basic rule of thumb is ... For brush, wipe off one side of the brush and flip it over and apply the product to your nail that's on the other side of the brush. Ideally, the "perfect" way to get a nice coverage on each layer is do 3 strokes from cuticle to tip of the nail. You can start wherever on the nail, but do 3 strokes, one in the middle, one on the left and one on the right. Always turns out perfect once you get the hang of it! You don't want to do back and forth "sawing" motions with the file because it can cause issues like splintering etc. Can I also say, in class we was "lectured" for referring to doing our nails as 'painting'. We'd be told to say it again by referring to it as the "correct terminology" which was taught to us as "varnishing". Pretty silly that part, I still call it painting honestly - everyone else just knows what it means.

[@yourjyogaway4263]

Would you recommend a nail dryer, if so what to look for, if not why?

[@andreagerber9709]

So *don't* use the 100/180, got that, but what IS the file with the pink surface you show. Does it have a name/number? Thanks!

[@agentktulu]

Probably 240.

[@LauraBelg]

Hi! I just love your video!!! Can u please tell me what u put on your nail first that it is so shiny? Ty so much!!💖

[@JenCM2024]

Hi Gabbi, i have an idea for a video. Since I am new to nails and nail art, a video on how to start doing nail art would be extremely helpful. How to start and what techniques rhere are and how to practice these. I have not found anything like this on Instagram and it is really frustrating to try a look on your nails and it doesn't turn out because the video looks easy but if you are new it takes practice. Thanks for your consideration, Jen Mullett, a big fan of yours!

[@jessbasi7758]

Can you do a video on how to avoid nail allergies please? Thank you for your amazing tips xox

[@joanshealy1662]

Dry drops are amazing for a really quick hard dry polish you don’t have to wait 20 minutes!

[@banshareeparmar7432]

Take care everyone😘

[@marthasolano2614]

Thanks for the great info! Very well thought out video! I love the color you used..❤️❤️❤️🤗🤗🤗

[@jessicavillarroel5328]

Great tutorial!! Do you use normal nail polish or those UV/LED dried ones?

[@GabbyAngelique]

Jessica Villarroel normal nail polish and thanks!

[@NanaNan1]

Terrific presenter, great information .. my polygels have been ordered💅

[@SARAH-nu9kc]

Heyy Gabbi...luv ur vids just wanted to ask that if i dont hv an angular brush what shld i use?:)

[@ethernicagape3163]

love your video, but personnally, I'm so done with standard polish. it takes ages to dry and it lasts three days max on my hands. I only use UV gel since a while and it makes my life so much easier

[@sonyatsiseglo3180]

Would you recomend a base coat with glitter in it or a normal one?

[@unathimgolombane7187]

Hey I wanted to ask do I need a bottom and top coat for artificial nails? because I can't grow my own nails so I buy artificial nail and use my nail polishes instead of acrylic

[@kaylamoyneur4052]

So after you put the oil . How long do you let your nails sit.. do you wash your hands before applying the base coat??

[@deecee4275]

Any recommendations on how to repair a split nail?

[@aewutube]

Can you give an example or link for the angles brush?

[@mspris76]

Just found this. Love the tips. Where can I find the little clean up brush?? TIA

[@martharodriguez4864]

Gabby, thank you so much for your excellent tips💗

[@SharkGirl]

You are a nail instructor. Great tips. Awesome video

[@LooseCannonShannon777]

You are simply delightful :) Thank you for this! Excellent tutorial

[@tatianaschoenfield9819]

Where do you wipe off the angled brush from the nail polish?

[@cobiebentley9277]

So I really need to find an angle brush!

[@kalinwynn8757]

Where can I get that angle polish remover brush? Thank you! Great video.

[@janetsmith2104]

There's an angled Elf brush that can be substituted for polish removal.

[@daneenejohnson9383]

I never comment but this was excellent!! Great job. Thank you

[@lisita15]

where did you get the angled brush? I'd like to purchase one. Thanks!

[@allanandersson2001]

I'm watching your videos to learn how to paint my daughter's nails 😁

[@-rse-702]

I think this is more of a nail Care routine but i do love this video 💖💅💕 also the tips you gave were great for people that do their at-home manicure / pedicure ! And if you change something in your nail Care routine or find some other tips you should do more of these 🌟👍💕💖💞

[@AriaLove001]

Looool I keep waking up with hair and sheet lines in my nails

[@ivannalassman5843]

The problem i have is my nails are really long, no matter what i do i can't seem to control the amount of polish i need to do nice consistent layers. I cant get the polish all the way to the end of my nail without flooding the cuticle. Finished result end up looking really uneven :(

[@julez4029]

Hmm... Maybe try starting in the middle of the nail, then once the top is done, go to the bottom and then even it out? I’m no professional, so don’t come at me..

[@ivannalassman5843]

@@julez4029 ill try that! Thanks for the advice :)

[@ducklingscap897]

Hat about nail hardener? When do you use this?

[@lu3791]

Wait 5min for the next layer?! Girl my layers need 15mins at least no matter what polish I try... And when I go to sleep carefully the next day I'll have completely ruined nails...

[@imeekay]

This explains why no matter WHAT i do my nails are messed up. 😂 needs more time to dry PER layer. Like you said 5 minutes does NOT cut it. I tried that and still messed mine up.

[@vickyh.1421]

Where did you get the angled brush to remove the polish mistakes?

[@grapes1191]

The thing I wanna know is, How many coats should you do maximum??

[@BrittMFH]

Depends on how thick the coats are. I've done five, including base and top coat.

[@Twitterbug0802]

Hi...where did you get the angled brush? I love your videos!

[@michellef.554]

Can you use liquid vitamin E on the cuticles?

[@Vcbtcb]

You shifting the lint free cotton wipes left to right was hypnotizing. 👀

[@davianoelputi65]

so helpful and informative!!!

[@rissa7059]

if the cuticle is dry and crusty, an alternative is to start applying cuticle oil so they're healthier. They play a very important part.

[@njari2]

What color did you use and by what company?

[@connyaaaa5555]

I’m thinking of making sets of fake press on nails cuz I want toooooo. I have really bad anxiety and unfortunately biting my nails are my way of dealing with my anxiety. I just wanna do it for fun and so I can maybe get rid of the habit. I’m an artist so you bet I have a shit ton of ideas for designs and I like to express myself in the best ways possible. I like to paint little design on nails and I wanna make sure I’m painting nails right. Even though I have been painting my nails for 10 years but shhhhh

[@Nakia11798]

How do you avoid getting polish on the sides of your fingers? My nail beds are deeper than my skin, so I always get polish on my skin.

[@ThePolishQueen]

Awesome tips Gabby! 💜😘

[@GabbyAngelique]

The Polish Queen glad they help💗💗

[@ThePolishQueen]

@@GabbyAngelique 😊😊💜

[@thiqolino8121]

Beautiful font! Can you please tell me the name of it?

[@kaniela3339]

Do you have to do a base?

[@Moraes.Family]

If you don’t have cuticle oil can you use coconut oil???

[@annalabs3519]

How long does nail polish usually last without using other nail polish like shellac or gel?

[@Raya7766]

How long does it take to really get dried? The problem for me is that after doing all these even if I wait for 2 hours it seems like it is not completely set yet. So if I touch things the top coat will not stay shiny anymore and it shows the sheet marks etc :(((