Weekly manicure can do wonders for your nails and cuticles. Professional manicures are a treat, but can be expensive if done on regular basis. Home manicures cost less and, with a little practice, can get you the same beautiful results!

You will need:

• nail polish remover and cotton balls
• nail file
• cuticle cream and orange wood stick (available in drugstores)
• moisturizing hand lotion
• base coat
• top coat
• nail polish in desired color
• for a French manicure: tip guide strip
• for a French manicure: neutral polish (pale, sheer shades, with a pink, beige or peach cast)
• for a French manicure: white polish. (or you can buy a French manicure kit that offer everything in one convenient box)

Get started:

1. Start by removing old polish. For natural nails, use a non-acetone remover.
2. File nails to desired shape. What looks modern now is a shortish nail,straight across the top with rounded edges. When you file, be sure not to saw back and forth– it weakens the nails. Instead start at one edge and move across the top in one fluid motion.
3. Soak in soapy water for 5-10 minutes to soften cuticles.
4. Dot a cuticle cream on the cuticles and rub in. Use an orange wood stick to push back cuticles.Be sure not to cut your cuticles, which can cause infection and damage the nail.
5. Massage hands with a hand lotion for extra moisture.  Wipe nails with a damp cloth to remove excess oils.
6. Apply a base coat. Let dry for one minute. Base coat is applied to protect your nails and to help prevent chipping.
7. For French manicure, see guidelines below.
8. Apply two coats of your favorite color. Always apply polish by starting on the side of the nail. You should be able to cover the nail in three stokes, one on each side and one in the middle.
9. Apply a top coat. (Remember: If you use a fast-dry top coat, your polish will not last as long.)

For a French manicure, follow steps #1-6 above. Then follow these guidelines:

1. Peel off a guide strip and affix it below the tip of a nail, following its natural curve. The guide will allow you to paint an even white tip with ease and precision.If you don’t have the guide strips then follow this method: For a square look, paint a straight line across the tips; for a rounded appearance, follow the curve of the nail; and to get a pointed style, paint in from each side to the center.
2. Paint each nail tip white, extending the brush stroke from the top of the guide to the end of the nail. Take care not to get any white polish on the body of the nail below the guide. Let the tips dry.
3. Once the tips dry remove all the guides. Dissolve leftover glue by rubbing it gently with a cotton swab dipped in nail remover solution.
4. Apply two coats of the neutral polish, letting the first coat dry before the second application.
5. Finish with a thin layer of top coat.

For more beauty tips, visit Marie Claire or Knot for Life.

Click here for Do-It-Yourself Pedicures!