Beauty

Tools and tips for a perfect at-home manicure

Save yourself a salon trip and get professional-looking digits at home.

By Chatelaine Updated June 25, 2015

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Trim and proper

Our top tips for your top tips:

1. Pack your manicure tool kit with the following: nail clippers, nail files, ridge filler (or base coat), polish and a good topcoat.

2. Clip and file nails, and then apply a base coat or ridge filler to smooth nails and prevent staining.

3. Swipe on two coats of polish. Make sure to allow a few minutes of drying time between coats.

4. Finish with a thin layer of clear topcoat and let your mani dry for at least 10 minutes.

PRO TIP: Protect hands from the sun by applying cuticle oil and a hand lotion with SPF daily.