The Perfect Manicure with Madame Q

At Madame Q, we believe beautiful nails shouldn’t be complicated. With our simple approach, you can create a professional look at home.

Preparation is key—clean your nails, gather your essentials, and start calmly. Each step matters, so follow the process to avoid chipping or uneven results.

Make it your own—whether sleek and classic or bold and unique, your nails reflect your style. Take your time, enjoy the process, and don’t forget: FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS.

Show us your creations—we can’t wait to see what you Qreate! 💅

step 1 - nail prep

IMPORTANT INFORMATION!

  • Avoid washing your hands for at least 60 minutes before starting your manicure. Moisture on your nails can negatively impact the application and shorten the lasting power of your manicure.
  • Ensure your nails are completely free of moisturizers and oils. These can act as a barrier between the natural nail plate and the products, causing early lifting or uneven results.

products needed:

  • POWDERBRUSH
  • NAIL FILE
  • CUTICLE PUSHER
  • PREP (OPTIONAL)

A. FILE

Begin by using the fine side of your nail file to shape your nails exactly how you want them. Gently file each nail, one at a time, until you’ve achieved the desired look.

B. PUSH BACK CUTICLES

Now, gently push back the cuticles using the cuticle pusher. With the other side, remove all dead skin from the nail. Make sure there is no white tissue left, as this can make the nails prone to lifting. Repeat on all nails.

C. BUFF

Gently buff the entire nail surface with the soft side of your file, starting at the cuticle and moving toward the free edge. Ensure the nail is matte, including the edges and cuticle area, to prevent lifting. Avoid overfiling to protect the natural nail. Finish by brushing away dust with a powder brush.

D.PREP (optional)

Apply the prep to your nails to enhance the adhesion and ensure maximum durability. This step helps the product bond better to the natural nail, giving you a longer-lasting manicure. Repeat this process on each nail for consistent results.

step 2 - base coat + dipping powder

products needed:

  • BASE COAT
  • BASE POWDER
  • COLOR POWDER
  • POWDER BRUSH

QUICK TIP!

Before starting with the dipping powder, it’s important to remember this key step: after applying base coat to each nail, wipe your brush on a clean paper. This prevents powder from building up in the brush, ensuring a smooth and flawless result. If powder gets into the brush, it can cause a sticky, uneven finish! So keep it clean for the best results!

A. BASECOAT + BASE POWDER

Apply a thin layer of base coat to one nail, then dip it into the base powder at a 45-degree angle. Gently tap off excess powder and repeat for each nail.

Work one nail at a time to prevent the base coat from drying. After finishing, brush off any loose powder before moving on.

Dry time: 10 Seconds

B. PREP YOUR COLOR POWDER

Before starting, stir the powder gently with your cuticle pusher to break up any clumps. This ensures a smooth, even application for flawless results.

C. BASECOAT + COLOR POWDER

Apply a thin, even layer of base coat to one nail and immediately dip it into the color powder at a 45-degree angle. Tap off the excess powder and repeat for each nail.

Work one nail at a time to prevent the base coat from drying. Once finished, use the powder brush to remove any loose powder.

Dry time: 10 Seconds

step 3 - activate

products needed:

  • FILE
  • POWDER BRUSH
  • ACTIVATOR

A. FILE SMOOTH

Use the fine side of your nail file to gently smooth out any bumps or imperfections. File until the nail surface feels perfectly even and natural.

If the nails are still too thick, keep filing until you're satisfied with the thickness. If they become too thin and prone to chipping, apply another layer of Base Coat and Dip Powder to reinforce them. Repeat this process for all nails.

B. APPLY ACTIVATOR

Generously apply Activator to each nail, ensuring the entire nail plate is fully covered. Dip the brush back into the bottle after each nail to apply enough product for proper sealing and strengthening.

Allow the Activator to dry completely before moving to the next step.

Dry time: 3 Minutes

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