It can be lovely to visit the manicurist, but doing your own nails at home can be very enjoyable and achieve fantastic results too. And as long as you follow some simple steps and focus on the job in hand (see what we did there?) you never need to worry that your nails will let you down.

Before you start make sure you have all your equipment. You need a basic manicure set as well as some products to use and color your nails. It is important to choose a good quality brand in order to get good results.

We like Zoya because this company specializes in professional nail care products so you can rely on their quality. A good place to start is with the Zoya Naked Manicure Travel Kit, because this provides a selection of color polishes, plus the base coat and top coat perfector.

Step 1: Clean your nails with nail polish remover. Even if you are not wearing any nail polish, doing this will remove any oils or dirt that could spoil the final finish.

Step 2:  Now clip and file your nails to get them into shape and then use a buffer. A buffer creates a smooth surface and removes any ridges, making your nails look more youthful. 

Step 3: Work on your cuticles. First use an oil-based cuticle softener to soften dry and dead skin. Then push the cuticles back with a cuticle stick. You can use this stick to remove any dirt trapped under the nails. Then wash your hands and nails and dry them. 

Step 4: Moisturise your hands and cuticles. This is a nice way to feel luxurious and give your hands some TLC. Once you have finished clean your nails again with nail varnish remover to ensure there is no residue 

Step 5:  Now it is time to apply a base coat to your nails. This will protect your nails from chipping, as well as hydrate your nails. Zoya Naked Base is a good choice for this as it is easy to apply and a great neutral color. 

Step 6: Apply the first color coat. Always keep the layer thin and make sure you get the brush right down to the cuticle and in all corners of the nail and although the coat to dry thoroughly. You have a fantastic range of colors to choose from. Check out the Zoya range for some color inspiration.

Step 7: With a thin layer of polish already in place, the second coat should be easy to apply. Again keep this layer thin and if you are choosing a light or pastel shade, bear in mind you may have to add another layer. It takes around 2 minutes for each layer to dry so set your timer.

Step 8: Once the color is how you like it, fix your work with a top coat sealer. If you don’t do this your nails are likely to chip so this important step prolongs the lifespan and keeps your nails looking good for much longer than otherwise. Be extremely careful with this stage. Because the top coat will shrink when it is dry, it may cause unsightly ridges if it is not applied carefully. 

Step 9: Now clean up! Remove any splodges or wobbly edges around your nails with a ball of cotton wool soaked in nail varnish remover and wrapped around a cuticle stick. This will enable you to achieve straight lines and clear away any imperfections.