Tips for at Home Manicure?

Start by removing all traces of old polish --next use cuticle remover and an orange stick to gently puch back cuticles --under nails also -- wash hands and use a brush on nails use warm soapy water. dry well

Next use clear nail polish or nail strengther -- Nail Magic is best -- let polish dry completely apply 2-3 thin coats of colored polish --let each layer dry completely --top with 2 coats of clear polish again thin coats -- top with Nail Magic.

Use rubber gloves while cleaning and doing dishes. If polish chips during the week patch with color top with clear.

Darker nail polishes will make your fingers look shorter and snubby or fat. if you nails are really short keep polish lighter until nails grow out.

I'm a former hand model -- became an expert on nail polish and home manicures. I have never had my nails done by anyone but myself.

You should do a manicure once a week. Non acetone remover is best. I also found out that "Pretty Nails" remover in the little jar with a sponge that you dip you nails in and rub off polish on sponge works the best.

Make sure you start with clean, dry nails.
Be sure to use a base coat.
Apply at least 2 coats of color. Each coat should be thin, don't worry if the first coat doesn't look very good and has a few streeks.
Make sure polish dries between coats.
Apply a top coat.

when I paint my toenails, I use fast drying polish. I don't worry if some of it gets on the skin around my toenails because after it has finished drying, I soak my feet in hot water and the excess polish just peels off the skin but stays on the nail.

Protect your hands while washing and don't use hot water to wash your hands. You can take all the steps in the world but it's after the mani/pedi that you need to worry about.

But while you are doing it, many thin layers are less likely to peel than a thick layer. Wash your hands and nails so you strip it of oils before hand (oil may keep the polish from sticking well).