Are you a secret agent that wants to look beautiful, too? Is time hard to come by?  Let’s face it, we might not be superheroes in real life, but we have schedules packed as full as if we are one. Here is my step-by-step guide to a 20 minute manicure to keep your paws polished to perfection.

After a proper hand wash, rub some of your favorite lotion on your hands and you are ready to get started!

Step 1: Base Coat. Artists always start with a prepared canvas, right? Your nails should be no different. A solid base coat preps your nails for polish by smoothing out all of your natural ridges and bumps. It also serves to prolong your manicure! My favorite product is by Nails Inc. that is appropriately named Kensington Caviar . It is a luxuriously smooth base coat that will leave you with nails smooth like butter!

Step 2: Polish. I recommend two thick coats of your favorite polish. Two coats adds a professional level of paint work as well as the longevity we all demand from our manicures. Lately with all of this winter I have been gravitating to bright pinks and reds. I find it lifts my mood on those gloomy days. Pictured on my nails above is Essie “Guchi Muchi Puchi.”  My current favorite shade of pink to accentuate my new spiral crystal ring.

Step 3: Top Coat. This step is crucial. It adds sheen to your nails and gives that final level of protection that will prolong the life of your manicure. My favorite product is Nails Inc. 45 Second Top Coat. Yup, you heard that right. 45 seconds. My mind was blown, too. This ultra awesome top coat dries soooo quickly. I usually wait about 10minutes after I am done painting just to be safe, though. I tend to be the kind of girl that bangs around clumsily a lot :). I layer this on pretty thick, in fact, many have asked if I use gel nail polish. That is just how great this topcoat is.

Voila, your manicure is complete! I hope these three quick and easy tips help you achieve the professional manicure look while protecting your pocketbook and schedules. Manicures are a fun way to express your personal creativity or professionalism without being too distracting. With just a swipe of a brush you are an artist and can be feisty and passionate or shy and demure! Happy painting, ladies! I would love you to hear how you make your nails #RadiateDaily and your favorites! Please let me know in the comments below!

XoXo,

Suruchi