Gather nail polish remover, cotton pads, nail clippers, nail file, buffer, cuticle pusher, cuticle oil, hand cream, base coat, nail polish, and top coat
Remove old polish with nail polish remover
Wash and dry your hands
Trim nails to your desired length
File nails into your preferred shape
Gently push back cuticles
Buff the nail surface lightly
Wipe nails clean to remove dust and oil
Apply a thin layer of base coat
Let the base coat dry
Apply the first thin coat of nail polish
Let it dry
Apply a second thin coat of nail polish
Let it dry
Apply top coat
Let it dry completely
Clean up any polish on the skin with a small brush or cotton swab dipped in remover
Apply cuticle oil
Apply hand cream
Avoid heavy use of your hands until nails are fully dry