I wish I could afford to have my nails done professionally every week. But alas, my budget does not stretch that far. I therefore attempt to give myself a little manicure most Sunday evenings, and I’ve gotten quite good at it actually. Here is a step-by-step method to follow when doing a manicure at home. Always remember to paint your dominant hand first, which will make things a lot easier. And, always paint from your pinkie finger to your thumb. Good luck!

1. Remove any nail polish that is on your nails. Use an acetone-free remover. Nail remover wipes work really well for me.
2. File your nails to the desired shape. Some prefer rounded, others prefers straight across. My favourite look is a shortish nail, straight across the top, with rounded edges. File your nails in one direction- starting from the edges and moving towards the middle.
3. Soak your nails in soapy water for a while to soften your cuticles.
4. Put a small amount of cuticle cream on your cuticles and rub it in.
5. Use a wooden stick (available at Clicks and other pharmacies) to push back your cuticles. Do not cut your cuticles! This can cause infection and damage your nails. 
6. Massage your hands with a hand cream for extra moisture.
7. Wipe your nails with a damp cloth to remove any oiliness.
8. Apply a base coat to your nails and let it dry for one minute.
9. Apply 2 coats of your favourite colour. Put your hand down on a flat surface and start from the side of the nail. Ideally you’d apply the polish in 3 strokes- one on either edge, and one in the middle.
10. Apply a top coat. Avoid fast drying top coats, as they don’t last long.
11. You can clean up any smudges with a wooden cuticle stick wrapped in cotton wool and dipped in polish remover.

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Article by Claire