[Hooman Ghayouri]

How to nail the perfect manicure

Here are some interesting facts. In a recent survey conducted by a leading nail polish brand, the biggest dislike respondents had with nail varnish was that it chips too easily.

However, the fact that 30% said they didn't see the point in base and top coats suggests many just aren't aware how important these products are when it comes to preventing chipping.

The scariest bit?  31% stated they wouldn't recruit someone with unsightly nails, and 40% of respondents admitted to having judged someone's age by looking at their hands and nails.

Despite the above, the sad truth is that manicures can be tricky to carry off, and while we'd all love to have our own personal manicurist on speed dial, in reality, it's often a case of slicking a quick coat of polish onto our gnawed nails seconds before rushing out the door on a Friday night.

So with that in mind, we've consulted to the experts – in this case, top manicurist Jessica Hoffman – to put together your very own manicure master class.

Nail it!

First, the obvious. "If you're wearing nail polish, remove it," says Jessica. "Dip a cotton pad in nail polish remover and swipe it over your nail, pressing down firmly, until all the polish is gone.

Next, decide what length and shape you want. If your nails need trimming, cut from one corner of the nail to the other, using small, even snips. Never start with a large cut in the middle which can cause your nails to crack or spilt."

Now it's time to file the nails. First, make sure you're using the right type of file. Generally, files come with four different surfaces – fine, medium, coarse and extra coarse. Fine surfaces are for nails that split easily, whilst medium will suit most nail types. Coarse surfaces are for naturally thick nails, whilst extra coarse files are designed to be used on sculpted, acrylic nails.

"Don't use short motions when filing your nails – this can cause weak nails to split," warns Jessica. "Once your nails are an even shape it's time for buffing. Take a buffing block and using the rough side, gently stroke the surface of the nail, removing any ridges. Then use the softer side to create a smooth finish."

Cuticle care

It's easy to forget about cuticles, but neglecting them can leave your talons looking less than perfect. Pushing back cuticles can also give the impression of length, so if you're a manic nail nibbler, it's one stage of a manicure that shouldn't be skipped.

"Add soap to a bowl of warm water and dip in the fingers moisten nails," suggests Jessica. "Remove and lightly towel off any excess moisture and using a cuticle pusher or orange stick, gently push your cuticle away from the nail."

Now for the best bit – applying the polish. The bad news? If you're a one-slick-of-polish kind of girl, now's the time to change your ways. Applying a base coat will give your nail polish real staying power whilst preventing chips and ensuring a smooth, flawless finish.

Look for quick-drying formulas such as Sally Hansen's Diamond Shine Top and Base Coat (£8.63, Boots.com), Estee Lauder's Pure Colour Ridge Filler Treatment Base Coat, (£12.50, Boots.com) or Essie's Protein Base Coat (£10.50, lookfantastic.com).

"Apply a thin layer of base coat to each finger, one hand at a time," suggests Jessica. "Use wide, even strokes from base to tip and let it dry completely – this can take up to 3-5 minutes."

Back to black

Now it's time to choose your topcoat. These days, we're truly spoilt for choice, with holographic, magnetic and "shatter effect" nail polishes becoming the latest must-haves for your talons. However when it comes to colour, one thing's for sure – this Autumn will be all about dark shades, from gold-shot blacks to murky shades of purple, navy, brown and red.

Keep an eye out for Strangebeautiful's Library of Colour Volume V (£55, Liberty.co.uk), which is inspired by the colour of a healing bruise, the deliciously dark Midnight Red polish from Maybelline (£4.09, Boots) or, if you can wait until August, the muddy tones of OPI's Get In The Expresso Lane (£10.50, lenawhite.co.uk).

 "Apply the first thin coat using wide, even strokes," says Jessica. "Once the first coat has dried, repeat the process for a second and, if possible, third time. When the colour has dried completely, apply a thin layer of topcoat to each finger. If you're in a rush, apply a few drops of Sally Hansen's Insta-Dri Speed Dry Drops to each nail - it will dry your polish in 30 seconds and will also condition cuticles and nails

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