Today's Secret's - 08/03/14 - Nails - Save money and make varnish last longer.

Important thing first - practise using your none dominant hand as you will need it to be able to paint both of your hands, alternatively make a pact with a good friend you can trust. They paint yours and you paint theirs.

Buy stencils and other aids or make them using masking tape. This is especially good for white tips.

Strengthen nails by rubbing a little oil into your cuticles every day, paint them with clear varnish to stop them splitting as they grow this also helps when filing. (always file in the same direction, don't saw at your nail)

Use felt pens for designs on top of a thick base coat, they are easier to use than paints and you can seal them if you are careful with clear nail varnish. Only paint the top coat on in one direction to stop the pattern being ruined.

To remove yellow tinges from your nails dip them in lemon juice. If you smoke try a little toothpaste scrubbed in. Remove ink with vinegar and salt or use nail varnish remover with acetone to get off tip-ex and glue.

A tip to save money, save the lint from your dryer and use it as cotton wool for removing varnish.

Avoid bubbles in varnish by never shaking it, roll it upside down between your palms.

Stop the top from sticking on the bottle by rubbing petroleum jelly around the tops before putting the lid on. If one is stuck try tapping it gently to loosen it or run it under hot water. If it is really stuck a little nail varnish remover dripped into the grove between bottle and lid can often help.

If nail varnish gets thick and clumpy drop a tiny bit of nail varnish remover into it and stir well. Try it and repeat if it not smooth enough yet.

Make short nails look longer by not painting to the edges and use a metallic varnish to help create the illusion of length.

Colour tips first, then apply as usual and varnish will last longer on the nail.

Keep varnish in the fridge and it will stay runny and fresh longer.

Use lollipop sticks to push back cuticles and scrape nails clean.

Save money and make a great hand cream with a mix of olive oil, Vaseline and a little lavender (or a smell you like) oil. Use sparingly.

Nail fungus can be treated with tea tree oil, avoid it by using antibacterial spray on your files and never sharing with a friend.

Olive oil and salt make a great exfoliator, massage in well and then rinse with warm water.

Metal nail files last a very long time and can be refreshed with a little rub with sand paper. It may be illegal to carry a metal nail file (check the length etc with your local police website) but I can say that one of my friends will not leave home without hers as it makes her feel a little safer walking home in the dark. Those suckers can be sharp and if you ever were attacked (I hope you never are) and happened to have one that you just happened to be holding then go for the eyes! lol.