by Cindy Viesselman

Created on: July 01, 2008

A job interview, meeting a new client, attending a wedding or other special event or any time you want to put your best foot forward (no pun intended), knowing your fingernails and toenails look their best can give you a boost of confidence. And while beautiful nails make a good first impression, professional manicures and pedicures can be expensive. And who hasn't heard nail salon horror stories of unsanitized equipment and resulting infections?

A do-it-yourself manicure and pedicure can be the answer if you want to save time, money, and avoid health issues. Here's how to get expert results at home:

(Note: The same steps apply for both manicures and pedicures.)

1. Gather all materials necessary to complete the manicure and/or pedicure:
Nail clipper
Nail file/emery board
Heel file
Bottle of nail polish remover
Several cotton balls or cosmetic pads
Towels
Bowl or tub for soaking fingers/toes
Warm water
OPI brand natural nail base coat
OPI brand nail lacquer in the color of your choice
OPI brand rapid dry top coat
Hand and/or body lotion
Television show or movie to watch while nails dry
Glass of wine

2. Shape your nails using a fingernail clipper and emery board.

3. Remove your old nail polish.

4. Soak your nails in a bowl or tub of warm water for a several minutes. Use the heel file on your feet if you are doing a pedicure.

5. Dry your nails.

6. Push your cuticles back and clip, if necessary.

7. Put a base coat on all nails. It generally works best to put three strokes of polish on each nail beginning with one stroke of polish down the middle followed by another stroke on each side of the nail.

8. Put a coat of nail lacquer (color) on your nails.

9. Put a second coat of nail lacquer on your nails.

10. Apply the Rapid Dry Top Coat.

VERY IMPORTANT: Apply the base coat, both coats of lacquer and the top coat on your nails one after the other without waiting for each coat to dry.

11. Be patient! Sit still and let your nails dry for at least half an hour. Watch a movie or tv show and allow your nails to dry to a hard finish. Have a glass of wine while you wait.

12. When nails are dry, apply lotion liberally to hands and/or feet.

13. Enjoy your beautiful, professional-looking manicure or pedicure.

I recommend using OPI brand nail products. I've seen OPI brand products used in several different nail salons, and I find it produces the longest lasting results.

Don't be discouraged if your first attempt at a do-it yourself manicure or pedicure leaves something to be desired. Practice makes perfect. And just think how much fun you could have with an extra $50 per week!

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