Softer hands at a stroke; GIVE YOUR WORN-OUT HANDS A GENTLE TOUCH

THE PERFECT

MANICURE

1 Remove any existing polish from your nails, then wash your hands in warm soapy water and scrub nails thoroughly. Soak nails for a few minutes in a bowl of water.

2. Dry hands and using the smooth side of an emery board, file your nails to the desired shape. (The fashion for nails this season is short and square.) File the nail in one direction.

3 Using the blunt end of an orange-wood stick, roll it two to three times in cotton wool like candy floss. Soak the cotton tip in cuticle remover.

4. Gently work the cuticle remover into each nail base, using small circular movements. Never attempt to cut the cuticle away as this can cause infection. Ease the cuticle gently back from the nail. Repeat this process weekly for stubborn, thickened cuticles.

5 Apply a little nail polish remover to a cotton wool ball, then treat each nail to remove excess oil and dust.

6 Apply one coat of base polish, beginning just above the cuticle and covering the nail in three, clean, upward strokes. A shaky hand can be steadied by laying it on a towel placed on a table. Allow 10 minutes for the polish to dry.

7 Apply your chosen polish using the method described above. Don't overload your brush as this will result in a thick, smudged application. Extra depth can be given to varnish colour by applying a second or even third coat of polish. Allow 10 minutes drying time between applications.

8 Apply a top coat of polish to seal and protect your varnish. Remove smudges of polish on the fingers later.

NOTE: Nail polish can take up to an hour to set to a hard finish - despite what manufacturers may say. Even if your polish feels dry to the touch, the underneath may still be tacky.

Take my advice (and years of experience giving manicures): Keep your hands free for at least an hour. Finally - carefully clean up any smudges on your fingers with the pointed end of the orangewood stick, rolled two or three times in cotton wool and dipped in the nail polish remover. Re-apply a thin layer of top coat every few days to keep your varnish intact for longer.

THE GENTLE TOUCH

Don't despair if the wintry weather is playing havoc with your hands. Here are some of my favourite remedies:

Mix a few drops of Body Shop's almond oil with a teaspoon of salt and massage it into your hands for a few minutes. Rinse thoroughly, for a silky smooth finish. Alternatively, use a teaspoon of butter and sugar.

Use a soap-free hand-wash like Australian Bodycare. A 150ml bottle costs pounds 4.99. Call 01892 531 300 for your local stockist.

Use a good moisturiser like Nailoid hand and nail nourishment cream, available from Boots and Superdrug, price pounds 4.95.

Try these supplements for healthy nails: Nail Vit capsules, which contain calcium, iron, zinc and B vitamins. They cost pounds 6.49 for 30 capsules - call 0181 991 0035).

NASTY NAILS

If you are determined to stop biting your nails, try Let 'M Grow, from Nailoid Results.

Nail fungal infections can be treated with Australian Bodycare tea tree oil , (pounds 3.99, stockists as before).

Use a nail repair pen for split or broken nails and a buffing polish to smooth out ridges.

COLOUR CODING

This season's favourites are bold and beautiful. Among the coolest colours are: Max Factor's Madly Mocha polish (pounds 3.99), No.7's lasting nail enamel in Jamaica Rum (pounds 3.50), and hot on the heels of last season's vampish violets is Jessica's Midnite Sky (pounds 6.15).

WHAT THE STARS DO

Joan Collins tip: Always wear rubber gloves when your hands are in water for any length of time, doing washing up or laundry.

Barbara Windsor keeps her nails neat by having a weekly manicure.

READERS' OFFER

FREE! Your own personal colour chart for choosing a nail polish to complement your skin tone. PLUS a chance to win a luxury manicure with thermal mitten treatment from the "Jessica" range at The Natural Nail Company (salons nationwide). For your free chart and a chance to win a manicure call 0171 713 7793

Copyright 1996 MGN LTD
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