1Remove old polish with a non-acetone polish remover.

2File your nails into shape. The most protective and elongating shape is the squoval, where the sides are straight but the top is curved. To prevent damaging the nail layers you should file in only one direction, preferably from the outside into the middle.

3Soak your nails in a little warm water to soften the remaining cuticles and then gentlely push them back with an orange stick. The first time you do this you may have a lot of cuticle; in this case, apply a cuticle remover to each nail. Leave to work for two to three minutes, then wipe off. This will remove any excess without harming the nail bed. Wash your hand again and dry well.

4Apply hand cream to the hands and nails and wait for two to three minutes. Now wipe each nail with a tissue to remove any excess.

5Apply the base coat and leave to dry. Then apply polish. The best way to do this is with two or three thin coats. Start at the base of the nail and sweep up in one easy movement. Cover the middle of the nail first, then the edges. Any spills over the side can be wiped off with the orange stick dipped in a little nail polish remover.

6Wait for the colour to dry, then cover the nail with a top coat. To help your colour last longer, apply this under the nail tip and along the nail tip as well. Leave for at least half and hour before touching - and remember, polish takes four to five hours to dry completely.