Go ahead, give yourself a hand.
Wendy Allred, education manager for Bliss spas, knows just how to pamper hands — celebs like Rihanna, Liv Tyler and Molly Sims flock to Bliss when they're in need of a little R&R.
Follow her insider tips for an easy, DIY manicure.
— Remove old nail polish with gauze or cotton and a nail polish remover.
— Then, clip, file and shape the nails to your liking.
— Soften the cuticles with a "cream soak." Put two tablespoons of your favorite lotion (try the Bliss High Intensity Hand Cream, $18) in a plastic baggie. Insert your hands (be sure the lotion is on the cuticles) and "soak" them for 3 to 5 minutes.
— Remove hands, wipe off any extra lotion and apply cuticle remover to the area.
— Push back the cuticles and trim, if needed.
— Prep the nails for polish by dampening a piece of gauze or cotton with nail polish remover. Then rub the cotton over nails to thoroughly remove the oils; this helps your polish last longer.
— Apply one coat of base, two coats of color and finish with one coat of top coat. Let the polish dry in between the layer for better results.
Try these shades:
Zoya in Lisa, $7, zoya.com
Tracy Reese for Sally Hansen Complete Manicure in Wet Clay, $7, sallyhansen.com for stores
Sonia Kashuk for Target in Taunting Teal, $5, target.com
Sephora by OPI in Access 24/7, $9, sephora.com
