No Fail Mood Boosters
By Tera Moore

In these tough economic times we are all trying to find ways to cut financial corners. ModelsDesired.com is going to show you step-by-step an inexpensive way to get a high-end manicured look at home.

Step 1:
Remove all residues on your nails with cotton ball sutured with a nail polish remover containing acetone.

Step 2:
Avoid the nail but massage the nail bed with oil. Olive oil straight from your kitchen cabinet will do. Gently push back your cuticles with an orange stick or a plain nail stick with a bit of cotton ball at the top.

Step 3:
If you want the nail polish to stay in place, go back over the nail with the orange stick soaked with nail polish remover to remove residual oil.

Step 4:
Use a clipper to trim nails (if needed). Then file to smooth edges. Remember only file your nail in one direction so as not to split the nail.

Step 5:
Take a buffing block and go over your nails to smooth nail surface ridges. Wipe off any remaining dust or grit with a cloth or napkin.

Step 6: Apply a base coat to your nails to fill in remaining ridges and prevent discoloration.

If you wish, add a coat of your favorite color and then a top coat.

Viola! A salon manicure for pennies!

Source: Ladies' Home Journal June 2009