Master the Perfect Manicure by Linda Buttle
We take you step-by-step to beautiful nails with our easy to follow manicure master-class
Start by soaking your fingertips in a small bowl of warm water for a couple of minutes to soften the cuticles.
Massage a specialist conditioning cream into the cuticles and gently push them back by applying a little pressure. Professional manicurists often cut long cuticles but never attempt this yourself!
Apply a nourishing nail oil such as almond oil to moisturise the nail.
Get your nails in shape with the aid of a fine emery board. Try filing in a single direction to gently smooth away any rough edges and achieve a slightly rounded effect.
Professional nail technicians always apply a protective base coat before using a coloured polish to help prevent staining the nail and to give a smooth surface to apply your chosen colour to. A base coat can also act as a treatment - look for one with strengthening or moisturising properties.
To paint your nails, lay your hand on a flat surface such as a table. Apply colour to the centre of the nail and then paint each side keeping away from the cuticle.
Keep a correction pen handy to remove any excess polish, or simply dip a cotton bud in some nail varnish remover and use that instead.
You'll need to apply at least two coats of nail colour. Don't worry if the first coat looks streaky. The second coat will remedy this.
Finally, add a single layer of clear top coat to prevent your colour chipping and give a long lasting finish.
Now all you have to do is be patient! You don't want your nails to smudge so take time to relax in front of the television or read a good book while your nails have a chance to dry properly.
Linda Buttle is a freelance journalist specialising in beauty, health and fitness for both magazines and websites. She is currently available for commissions. Further details.
