DIY manicure and pedicure

However, one can save the money and have your own beautiful manicures and pedicures right at the comfort at your home and make your nails look glamorous just as if they have been done at the nail salon.

All that you need is a few minutes and the following basic supplies which are readily available at home:

tub or basin
soaking salts or bubble bath
towels
cuticle oil
nail file, clipper and cuticle stick
pumice stone and foot file
polish -- a top/base coat and color
cotton pads (neater and more precise than cotton balls)
foot cream
nail polish remover

1. Remove Old Polish

It is surprising how many people leave polish on their nails, hoping it will eventually chip away. If left over time, old polish can cause nail discoloration and it is advisable to remove any old polish before starting your pedicure.

To help in this, one can either use acetone and non-acetone polish removers.

2. Soak your feet and hands

After you have removed the old polish, fill a small tub, bowl or basin with warm water and Epsom salts and then sit back as the skin softens and relaxes.

This softens your skin without turning you into a raisin and gives some moments to decadently relax without wasting too much time.

3. Give care for your cuticles

Soften your cuticles by rubbing a bit of oil on them. Push them back with an orangewood stick to get a really nice shape. You can also use this tool to clean and dirt from under the nail. Swipe the nail beds with non-acetone polish remover to remove any oil and moisturizer.

Trim your toenails straight across with nail clippers, then gently file the edges round to avoid ingrown nails. Moisturize the tops and soles your feet with your favorite hand lotion, massaging deeply in a circular motion to increase circulation and reduce swelling.

If you don't have cuticle cream to use on your cuticles, use mayonnaise instead! It will add moisture and protect you from getting hangnails.

4. Don't skip the important base coat

Apply the base coat, covering the nail with a clear base coat or nail hardener.

One thin coat is advisable. This will even out and ridges and unevenness that may still be on the nail, serve as a primer for the polish, help the polish to last longer, and keep the color from staining your nails.

This is the point at which you'd apply fake nails if you like.

5.Spread the nail polish away

Paint on two thin layers of polish, allowing your color to dry completely between each coat. One should the swipe polish down the center of the nail first, then on each side. The key is to make the layers of polish as thin as possible. This aids in longevity and helps the polish dry more quickly.

Angle the brush a little forward, press gently so the bristles spread out a little into a neat curve, and drag it gently and smoothly across the nail to paint it. Do not apply a blob of paint to the nail and spread it around.

Blobs or runs mean too much paint or painting too slowly; subtle ridges should smooth themselves out under gravity (self-level) but very thin spots mean too little paint or too much pressure. Fancy designs can be difficult, so stick with simple if it's important to get a good result the first time.

6. Shine on another layer on top of the top coat

Applying a top coat does more than add shine. To quickly refresh your manicure and pedicure throughout the week, add another layer of top coat. This makes a huge difference as compared to leaving it with the same layer.

7. Leave the polish to dry out completely

After applying the layers of polish, one should just chill and relax as you read your favorite novel or watch your best series or movie.

Resist the urge to apply another coat of polish and for a picture-perfect finish, add a few drops of Essie Quick-E Drying Drops onto the nails.

This is optional, however, it will speed up the drying process a whole lot more