Beauty tip

Do Your Own Nails Exactly Like a Pro

How To Not Mess Up

Your Mani
There's a reason polish sales are up in this economy: It's easy to do your own nails (unlike, say, a Brazilian bikini wax).

Step 1: Prep
Smooth nails with a buffer. Then rub a bit of olive oil over your cuticles to soften them, and gently push back with one of those wood cuticle pushers (find 'em at drugstores). Swipe away residue with polish remover. Next put on a base coat: "A lot of women skip it and end up with streaks," says Claudia Vieira, a nail pro at Salon Capri in Boston. "It creates a smooth surface for color to cling to."

Step 2: Paint
Apply two coats of polish with light-handed strokes. "Hold the brush midcap, not at the top -- you'll have more control," says celeb manicurist Dana Caruso. Finish with topcoat.

Step 3: Patience!
Wait for your nails to dry on their own; blowing on them creates bubbles. And skip those fast-dry oils and sprays, adds Vieira: "They make polish prone to peeling."

And just in case you do goof...
Got a chip? Dot polish onto the nicked spot, let dry and sweep topcoat over the entire nail.

Your Pedi
We know, polishing your toenails isn't exactly the most comfortable activity, but we've got help for that.

Step 1: Soften
Slough away calluses with a foot file in the shower. "It's much easier to do when skin is moist," says Vieira. Once feet are dry, slather on foot balm or cream. A rich body lotion works too.

Step 2: Trim
Cut your toenails to a length that hits just the tip of your toe; if you go any shorter, you risk ingrowns. Gently nudge cuticles down, then swab nails with polish remover.

Step 3: Position
Sit in a chair and put your foot up on a desk or table so you can easily reach every toe.

Step 4: Paint
Do a base coat, then two layers of color. "The brighter the better -- even yellow looks great peeking out of sandals!" says Caruso. Add topcoat. Save your big toe for last so you'll be less likely to smear it when you do the others.

And just in case you do goof...
Color on your toe cuticles? Dip a wood cuticle pusher in remover. Or, relax! Only you will notice anyway.