New Year’s Resolution: I Will Keep My Nails Pretty and Perfect.

Why not make your New Year’s Resolution achievable and aim to have nicely groomed nails at all times. DIY manicures are easier than you may think, and a whole lot cheaper than taking fortnightly visits to the beauty salon. Follow these simple steps to keep your nails in tip top condition.

1: Remove any Nail Varnish.

An obvious start to any manicure. Use nail varnish remover to get rid of any tatty old varnish which may be on your nails. Quickies nail varnish remover is perfect for easily getting rid of varnish.

2: Shape and Buff.

File your nails in a square, oval shape as this is the strongest shape to prevent nail breakages. Ensure to file them in one direction only as sawing back and forth will only weaken the nail. Once the tips of your nails have been filed, proceed onto buffing. Gently push the cuticle in your nail bed down to expose maximum nail. It isn’t advisable to cut the cuticle unless you are a trained professional. Use the three-way nail buffer in steps. Use the rough side to smooth out any ridges, the next side to smooth the nail and the final side to shine the nail. This action also encourages nail growth, meaning that short nails will be long and strong in no time. Be careful not to do this every day as its actions may reverse and leave your nails weak and breakable.

3: Oil Up.

It may sound a little strange but it really does work. Rub a small amount of cooking oil into your nails for ten minutes. This moisturises the nail and also strengthens and smoothes out the nail. Try it for yourself to see amazing results. If you have weak nails you really will notice the difference. Do this once a week for optimum results.

4: Moisturise.

Invest in a decent hand cream and apply, not only in this stage of the manicure, but every night before you dose off to sleep. Putting on moisturiser before you sleep boosts the moisturising power leaving you super soft. And applying now will help moisturise the nail before the varnish is applied.

5: Paint.

The final part of your DIY manicure. Wait for the moisturiser to dry off then choose your favourite shade of varnish and paint those nails pretty. I've used Rimmel London Lasting Finish Fruities in Apricot Punch. Apply a line down the centre of your nail then a stroke either side next to it to prevent any of the varnish leaking onto the skin. In case this does happen keep a cotton wool bud handy to remove it straight away. The more adventurous of us can also paint pretty designs over the first layer of paint in a different colour too.

Voila. Perfectly manicured hands the cheap and easy way. There really is no excuse not to have gorgeous nails!