Who doesn’t enjoy going to the salon to be pampered? I love sitting at the manicure table and having my hands massaged and my nails done. However, a basic manicure on average can run you $15 to $20. If you figure you go every two weeks to get your nails done you’re looking at a cost (on the cheap end) of almost $400 per year – and that doesn’t include the tip! It really isn’t as difficult as you might think to give yourself a salon quality manicure at home. Here’s what you do:

1. If you have a desk lamp, set it on your kitchen or dining room table.
2. Prepare a bowl with dish washing liquid and warm water.
3. Have all of your manicure utensils, cotton balls, nail polish remover and polish on the table as well.
4. Place a dish towel on the surface of the table.
5. Remove the polish from both hands.
6. File your nails, if necessary.
7. Using a Q-tip dipped in the water, clean under the fingernails.
8. Place one hand in the bowl first, then after a few minutes take the orange stick and push back your cuticles.
9. Follow the same procedure with the other hand.
10. Use your cuticle utensil to remove dead skin.
11. Place your each hand back into the bowl; then wipe dry.
12. Massage your hands with moisturizer before you begin polishing.
13. Apply nail hardener to the right hand first; then the left (unless you are left handed, and then you would apply the hardener to the left hand first).
14. Apply the polish to the right hand next; then the left. (lefties see above)
15. Apply a top coat of nail hardener to the right hand; then the left. (lefties see above)
16. Wait until polish is completely dry; about 30 minutes.

Pamper yourself a bit this weekend – give yourself a manicure at home!