DIY Manicure & Pedicure

Everyone is going to be looking at your fingers as soon as you are sporting an engagement ring. And your hands are going to be on show on your wedding day. So now is the time to get your hands looking gorgeous. If you can't afford to have a professional manicure follow our guide and your hands will look beautiful in no time. For best results you should have your manicure the day before your wedding, and just apply a top coat on the big day.

What you'll need

A bowl (big enough for your hands to fit into)
Cotton balls or pads
cuticle stick
Cuticle cream
Hand cream
Nail clippers
Nail file
Nail polish: base, color, top coat
Nail polish remover
Paper Towels
Soap
Towel
Warm water

DIY Manicure

1. Remove old polish with nail polish remover and cotton. Then wash your hands with soapy water and dry with a soft towel.

2. Use clippers and a nail file to shape your nails. When you file, don't saw back and forth, it can weaken nails. Instead, start at one edge and move across the top in one motion.

3. Fill a bowl with warm water and add nail cream or you could do what Madonna does. Use a little bit of washing-up- liquid. Soak your hands in it for at least five minutes.

4. Dry your hands with a clean towel, then lay your hands on top of a paper towel on a flat surface.

5. Dot each of your nails with cuticle cream and rub it in.

6. Never cut your cuticles it can lead to infection. Instead, use a cuticle stick to gently push back your cuticles.

7. When you're finished, rinse your hands in the warm soapy water and pat dry, then apply a moisturizing hand cream. Let it absorb for about five minutes before wiping away the excess.

8. Apply a base coat to each nail and let it dry for at least two minutes.

9. Then paint two coats of nail colour, waiting one minute between coats. You should be able to cover each nail with three strokes, one on each side, one down the middle. (Never paint your nails length ways). If you get polish on the skin, don't worry; just wait until everything is dry and use a cotton bud dipped in nail polish remover to remove the excess.

10. When the polish has dried, top it off with a layer of top coat. The longer you leave your nails to dry, the less likely it is that they'll smudge.

DIY Pedicure

There is nothing worse then unsightly feet and toe nails. Wear those sandals and show off your toes. Follow these easy steps to achieving those perfect toes.

1. Start by exfoliating your feet with a exfoliating scrub.

2. Use a moisturizing lotion to soften the skin.

3. Trim your toe nails with nail clippers then use a nail file to smooth rough edges.

4. Rub oil into the cuticles then use an orange stick to push back.

5. Rinse feet thoroughly to make sure you get all the oil off.

Painting position: Sit with your knees close to your chest one hand holds the toe while you polish with the other.

6. Separate the toes with toe separators or you could use cotton wool or scrunched up tissues.

7. Apply a base coat. Make sure to use a fast drying base coat. Place it on thinly so as to ensure an even surface. Then leave it dry for 60 seconds. (Always apply a base coat to avoid staining and to give a smooth surface to work on.)

8. Apply a nail polish of your desired colour. Let the toes dry thoroughly then apply another coat. Use three strokes for the big toes and two for the rest.

9. Apply a top coat to ensure the polish lasts.

10. Always match your toe nails with your finger nails.

RELATED WEB LINKS

• Manicure

• Pedicure

• Waxing

• Massage Therapy