How often do we take time out to care our hands? These body parts, which we use all day, everyday, from we wake up and wash our face until we turn out the lights at night before we go to bed, are often overlooked in our daily beauty regimen.

But we can have beautiful hands. First we have to keep them clean (it’s is amazing how many people walk around with scruffy dirty nails and hands). Use a nail brush and keep it near the sink so you can use it whenever you wash your hands. The bristles will remove dead cells that make your hands look dull. Also, moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! So always follow up with a hand cream or lotion.

If you want an overnight hand treatment, just get some thin cotton gloves, slather on hand cream, put the gloves on and feel the difference in the morning. The cotton will ensure that the cream stays off the sheets. You can do the same for your feet… with cotton socks and cream.

Now let’s nail it!

10 Steps to a manicure

1. Remove old nail polish thoroughly.
2. Soak hands in warm water for 10 or 15 minutes. Dry hands.
3. File nails in one direction only. Do not use a seesaw motion.
4. Push back cuticles. Use a cuticle moisturizer if they do not push back easily after soaking.
5. Massage your hands. Use a moisturizing lotion. Use an exfoliating lotion if your skin is dry and/or roughened.
6. Apply a base coat. Allow it to dry.
7. Apply polish. Clean any stray marks with a cotton swab dipped in polish remover.
8. Add a second coat for deeper color.
9. Finish the manicure with a top coat of clear polish.
10. Find an occasion to show off your new nails!