The key to creating a perfect manicure is a good primer. While no two fingertips are the same, Foreman swears Butter London's Nail Foundation Flawless Base Coat, $18, can fix any bumps, odd tints, or flakes. Even if you don't take care of your nails, or if your diet is off so that your nails have spots or are peeling, this product makes them look even and primes them perfectly for polish. "This base coat fills in the ridges and lightly camouflages imperfections, creating the perfect foundation for a flawless manicure," she says. Unlike clear primers, this base coat has a light nude hue, which allows sheer shades to stand out better when layered on top.
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The best top coat
The last step in every manicure is layering on lots of shine. Foreman has been relying on the cult classic Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat, $4, for years. "It dries super fast and is the glossiest of all top coats," she says. "I won't use anything else on an editorial shoot."
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Foot scrub
At least once a week Foreman suggests cleaning your feet with a salt scrub. Although she's tested her fair share of exfoliants, she says she always goes back to Ole Henriksen Rub N' Buff Salt Scrub, $48. "It's a gentle yet effective foot scrub that isn't sticky or irritating like others can be. Plus, it has a mint essence that is fresh and invigorating."
Can't wait to buy the nail essentials Foreman keeps in her stash? You'll love this peek into the makeup bag of celebrity makeup artist Fiona Stiles. See her stash here.
Red Carpet looks are inspiring, but what really stirs up discussions in the Total Beauty office are the often-overlooked celebrity manicures.
Every morning we play beauty detective, zooming in on event photos, trying to figure out the exact lacquer shades and how to do the nail art trends A-listers are wearing. After all, while it may take a not-so-small miracle for us to look like Charlize Theron or Jennifer Lopez, we can try to imitate their nails and actually make some progress.
But here's some insider info: It takes more than knowing what nail polish colors to use to get a manicure that looks trendy and flawless. Celebrity manicurist and pedicurist April Foreman says the real secret is making sure these nail essentials are in your medicine cabinet. "The right tools will keep your skin soft and make your manicure last longer than it otherwise would," she says.
Foreman is no stranger to the Hollywood spotlight; she's been buffing and polishing the fingertips and toes of clients such as Natalie Portman and Christina Ricci for years. So when we had the chance to take a peek inside her mani/pedi toolkit, we couldn't wait to see her favorite nail essentials. Here are the must-haves Foreman says every woman should own.
