MANICURE AND TIPS

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 to 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.

Step 1

File nails into shape. Always file from one
edge of llic nail 10 the center, and then from
the oilier edge hack to the center, Use long,
smooth strokes and never saw at the nail. Tile
the top of the nail slightly flat if it becomes too
pointed. Remove all traces of old polish using
an acetone-free remover and cotton halls.

Step 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 lo clean and soften
hands at the same lime. Dry thoroughly
and clean away any din underneath the
nails with an orange slick.

Step 3

Push hack 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.

Step 4

Lay your hand on a flat surface and
brush on a base coal lo prevent the
nails from staining. This also strengthens
nails and allows polish lo he applied more
smoothly. Allow drying for a few minutes.

Step 5

Apply polish, starling with one
brushstroke in the middle of the nail
and 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 stick tipped with cotton
soaked in remover, or a small piece of
tissue with remover on it. When dry,
the repeal with a clear topcoat.

THE FINISHED EFFECT:

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

TIPS

• Calcium is said lo keep nails strong
and healthy; dairy products, legumes,
leafy green vegetables, and dried Jntit
arc all rich sources. However, it takes
about six months jor a nail lo be
renewed, so do not expect to sec
changes overnight.
• When removing polish, soak a cotton
balls with acetone-free remover and
stroke down the nail, working from the
cuticle to the tip. Do not rub or you will
cause the color to streak onto the shin.