All of the tools, tips, and techniques you'll need for a DIY mani

Whether you need a few minutes of self-care or you simply don't want to spend the cash in a salon this month, mastering the art of the at-home mani/pedi will never be wasted.

Make sure you have the right tools and polishes and you're half way there.

Clean up

First things first, remove the remains of any previous manicure or pedicure, as well as any oil that may be on your nails.

We love the Corine de Farme Disolvent Express that banishes even the most stubborn colours. Soak some cotton wool in remover and gently rub. In seconds you'll be immaculate and ready for that manicure.

Soak it up

An at-home foot and/or hand soak is an easy way to relax and recharge after a long day. It's also the perfect way to take your at-home mani/pedi from sofa to spa standards.

A DIY soak recipes is simple enough to whip together at a moment’s notice, yet luxurious enough for you to feel as if you’ve indulged.

Be sure to have these basics:

• Tub. For each soak, you’ll want a bathtub, a large, shallow washbasin, or foot tub.
• Towel. Have a towel or bath mat (or both) on hand.
• Time. Soak for 15 to 60 minutes.
• Warm water. Have some additional hot water available to freshen up the water.
• Cool water. Finish each foot soak with a cool water rinse.

Stimulate your blood circulation, relieve stagnation, and bring your body into balance with this invigorating foot soak.

Add some essential oils to get your blood flowing, ease tension, and boost your mood, while the hot water helps to relieve inflammation.

Invigorating foot soak

1. Add 100g of ground or freshly grated ginger to a bowl of boiling water.
2. Slowly add it to the tub of water you will soak your paws in.
3. Combine 5–20 drops of essential oil of choice, such as lemon, lemongrass, or clary sage.
4. Add 6 teaspoons of carrier oil.

Clip and file

File and shape your nails to the shape you prefer. Make sure they are completely dry before you begin because filing wet nails can cause splitting.

Remember, around 90 per cent of your shape comes from your nail clipper, and only 10 per cent from filing

Make sure you clip the majority of the nail (especially if they are long to begin with) before beginning to file and create your shape. File the sides as well as the top.

Buff and scrub

Buff your nails in order to create a smooth surface on which you'll be painting. Glide a nail buffer across each nail for a few seconds, until each is smooth.

Painting your nails without this step will have a noticeable effect on the way your polish turns out.

Using a bowl of warm water, scrub off any dead skin from across the sides, toes, ball and heel parts of your feet. Use a scrub with exfoliating beads inside for extra effect.

Replace moisture

Take the time to massage some thick moisturiser into your hands, nails and cuticles and allow to rest for 5-10 minutes, if time allows.

It is then extremely important to go over each nail with a cotton wool pad and a dab of nail polish remover, to make sure you remove any excess oil from the nail bed before applying varnish.

Paint and polish

Now for the most fun, and also arguably the most difficult, part. Painting your nails can be a challenge, especially when applying colour to the most dominant hand.

Always apply two coats of colour, waiting several minutes between each coat to prevent dents and bubbles. Try and start in the middle of the nail bed and work your way to the sides in thin, even layers.

Painting the tip of the nail, across the top, can also really help to seal the colour, which often means the manicure or pedicure will last longer.

Can't be bothered?

Nope, this doesn't mean get the professionals on speed dial. Try these stick on nails and you'll never look back, especially if you're in need of a quick fix.

Ultra sticky, easy to use and one size fits all, as they come in various widths and lengths. Easy-peasy!