Gorgeous Me: Quick, easy manicure for a feel-good factor

Lift your nails - and your mood - with a lick of polish.

There are few things that can lift your mood like freshly painted nails.

Here are some tips for a quick but effective manicure that will have you feeling a million bucks in no time. Even if you're not one for bright colours, a nude or pale pink polish will make them look fab. Here's what you'll need.

-Cotton balls/pads

-Nail polish remover

-Nail file

-Base coat/Top coat

-Colour/polish of choice

Also, some optional extras ...

-Hand/nail moisturiser

-Nail buffer

Note: this is an express manicure so we don't bother with cuticles et cetera.

1. Clean nails and remove old polish

Do your nails after you've had a shower. This way the nails are softer and easier to shape. If you're really in a rush, just wash your hands and soak in warm water for a couple of minutes. Remove any old nail polish using a gentle nail polish remover. Dip your cotton ball/pad into the remover and hold on to each nail for a few seconds before swiping.

2. Moisturise

This will make a world of difference to how your hands feel after. However, be sure to wipe some nail polish remover over the nails before applying base coat to ensure it adheres to the nail properly.

3. File and buff

I personally don't use scissors to cut my nails unless I have to, I find a nail file does a much better job of shaping and shortening just enough to keep them the length I like. However, if scissors or clippers are your thing go for it, but be sure to file afterwards. I like to use a nail buff to go over the nails and create a smooth surface for the polish.

4. Use a base coat

Base coats make a world of difference in protecting the nail underneath, preventing discolouration and ensuring that the first coat of colour will go on nice and evenly. I choose to use a 2-in-1 base coat and top coat, but if you have dry or brittle nails, opt for a repairing one.

5. Apply colour

The most important part of your manicure. Start in the middle of your nail, push back and then swipe forward. Do the left and right hand sides of the nail. Avoid getting too close to the base of the nail and if you make any mistakes, just wait for it to dry and then dip a cotton bud in nail polish remover and clean around it.

6. Apply top coat

This is a crucial step in ensuring that your manicure stays chip-free and looking polished. You don't have to be too careful with the top coat, just ensure the layer of colour underneath is dry before applying.

7. Dry, dry, dry

This is the hardest bit for me, but it's always so disheartening to find a big smudge or chip in freshly painted nails. Try painting them at night just before you go to bed, and have a bowl of icy water ready to plunge your nails into once dry to the touch. This will set them completely and you'll wake up in the morning with perfect nails.

Tips

We don't recommend doing this all the time, but if you get a smudge, try licking the nail and running another finger over the top. Crazy but it works! And best to keep your nail polish in the fridge. It keeps for longer.

Lisa Lyford is the founder of Gorgeous Me, free DIY personal styling and makeover advice. www.gorgeousme.co
Send your questions for Lisa to regionalfeatures@nzme.co.nz