For hands to look their best, nails need to be clean and cared for. A weekly manicure will help keep them in good condition and should only take about half an hour once you have had some practice. If you do not have time to apply nail polish properly, simply buff nails with a chamois polisher lo give them a natural, healthy shine. Try to use a protective, nourishing hand cream every day and always make sure you dry your hands thoroughly each time they get wet, gently pushing back the cuticles with a towel as you do so.

1 - File nails into shape. Always file from one J_ edge of the nail to the center, ami then from the other edge back to the center. Use long, smooth strokes and never saw at the nail. Tile the top of the nail slightly Hat if it becomes loo pointed. Remove all traces of old polish using an acetone-free remover and cotion balls.

2 - Soak hands for a few minutes in a bowl of soapy water to which a few drops of lemon juice and olive oil have been added; this helps to clean and soften hands at the same time, Dry thoroughly and clean away any dirt underneath the nails with an orange stick.

3 - Push back cuticles very gently using an orange stick tipped with cotton. Brush on a nail hardener if your nails arc weak and prone to splitting; allow to dry thoroughly.

4 - Lay your hand on a flat surface and brush on a base coat to prevent the nails from staining. This also strengthens nails and allows polish lo be applied more smoothly. Allow to dry for a few minutes.

5 - Apply polish, starting with one brushstroke in the middle of the nail ami then one on each side. When dry, apply a second coat of color in the same way. Carefully clear away any blobs that might have formed at the side of the nail with an orange slick lipped wilh cotton soaked in remover, or a small piece of tissue with remover on it. When dry, repeat with a clear lop coat. 

Apply one steady brushstroke down the middle of the noil./of lowed by one on each side

The finished

EFFECT: Nails shine with beauty and health once they have been cleaned, shaped, and colored.

Tips

♦ Calcium is said to keep nails strong and healthy; dairy products, legumes, leafy green vegetables, and dried fruit are all rich sources. However, it takes about six months jot a nail lo be renewed. SO do not expect to see changes overnight.

♦ When removing polish, soak cotton balls with acetone-free remover and stroke down the nail, working from the cuticle lo the tip. Do not rub or you will cause the color lo streak onto the skin.