Nail expert Jinsoon Choi shares her tips
The shows at all international fashion weeks may seem glamorous on the outside, but truth be told, it’s absolutely manic backstage. Just ask Jinsoon Choi, a manicurist who has risen to fame over the last two decades and is renowned for her nail colour and care brand (aptly named Jinsoon Choi), eye for detail in photo shoots, and of course, her presence backstage, especially at New York Fashion Week. As models are usually rushed in and out of a makeup chair in a matter of minutes, we chatted with Choi for her best tips on achieving a quick yet perfect-looking mani at home.
1
File your nails
With a nail file, work the tool across your nails in light strokes and in one direction to shape them.
2
Nourish the skin
Apply a light layer of cuticle oil around your nails, then use nail polish remover to clear away any old nail polish. “Applying cuticle oil prior to taking the nail polish off allows the formula to moisturise the skin and protect it from the remover,” says Choi. Try Essie Apricot Cuticle Oil.
3
Push your cuticles back
If you have time, push your cuticles back with a wooden stick - Manicare Cuticle Sticks do the trick. “Pushing back the cuticle is a great idea as it makes your nail look longer and more clean,” says Choi, “but remember, don’t cut the cuticle. This area acts as a barrier between your skin and the actual nail.”
4
Apply a top coat
With a glossy top coat, like Jinsoon Top Gloss Quick Dry Top Coat, apply a light layer in three strokes. Work the brush straight down the middle of your nail, then work two more strokes, one on the left and the other on the right of the first stroke, to create an even layer of polish. “A top coat is really essential for when you don’t have time to do nail polish,” says Choi, “It makes the nail look really refreshed and clean, like you’ve got a perfect manicure.”
Main image credit: Getty
Looking for a new nail polish colour? Check out our guide to matching your nail colour to your personality.
Iantha is BEAUTYcrew's Beauty Editor, and has been part of the team since the site launched in 2016. Besides pinky-nude nail polish and wispy false lashes, she has a healthy obsession with face masks and skin care ingredients. Her previous work can be found in Virgin Australia Voyeur, Women's Health, and SHOP Til You Drop.
