How to nail the perfect home manicure

What nail trends are on your radar?

I am seeing a lot more minimalist designs - simpler, plainer nails. In general, it is more about colour. I wouldn't say French manicures are dead necessarily, but your traditional French is not popular anymore.

Is there a nail shape of the season?

If you have longer nails, definitely the almond or ballerina shape, and if you have short nails then it's more of a round or square shape.

From the latest OPI Lisbon collection, which is your favourite shade?

The bluish shade called 'Closer Than You Might Belem. It goes with any skin tone and is very adaptable. You can wear it as a solid colour or as nail art - you could do a more wavy type nail art or an accent nail-art nail.

What would be your guide for nailing the perfect home manicure?

First and foremost, have a good product. If you buy a R50 nail polish that dries in 10 seconds on your nail, you don't have time to paint. You think the quicker it dries the better it is, but then your painting is more streaky and untidy.

Also, if you are painting your nails at home, be wary of direct sunlight or having an open window, fan or air-conditioner blowing while you are painting because that will also make your nail polish become very streaky.

Apply a cuticle oil and push back your cuticles - you can use your own thumb or a stick - before you paint.

Always paint a coat and then wait for a few minutes before painting another coat. In the end it will dry faster and your smudging will also be limited.

BUYS FOR YOUR BEAUTY KIT

1.  OPI Pro Spa Protective Nail and Cuticle Cream, 50ml, R250
2. Elegant Touch Quick Shine Cushioned Nail Buffer, R39
3. Tweezerman Rose Gold Mini Slant Tweezers, R300
4. Tweezerman Combo Clipper Set, R215
5. OPI Nail Envy Original Nail Strengthener, 15ml, R415
6. L.O.V Touch Nail and Cuticle Serum, 10ml, R170
7. Catrice ICONails Gel Lacquer in Beetlejuice, 10.5ml, R60