Beauty tips: At-home manicure

I always like a good fashion/beauty connection. Here’s one: Clutch bags show no sign of abating as an evening accessory. What’s the beauty upshot? They put the spotlight firmly on groomed hands and nails.

Recently I had the treat of seeing the new Tiffany bag collection by Lambertson Truex (an example is pictured here), which included an array of enchanting red-carpet clutches that gave me a whole new appreciation for the evening bag. Each one was a gem’some with prices to match.

To clutch or not to clutch usually generates some heated debate, though. I find it hard to have something tucked in my hand and hold a drink’and eating a canapé? Forget it. (Tiffany solved that problem with a charming bracelet-handle bag.)

But back to nails. Has there every been so much obsession? I appreciated seeing these D.I.Y. manicure tips from Dana Caruso, Sally Hansen Global Beauty Expert’or, "how to achieve salon-quality manicure in the comfort of your home at a fraction of the price."

Start with a warm soak and clean under hands and nails with a srub brush. Once dried, shape nails to desired length.
If you need to take the length down, use the Sally Hansen Clip ‘N Catch Control Grip Clipper with Catcher for a neat, clean cut.
Step two: File your nails to a flattering shape. "Curved nail beds look great with rounded tips and flat nail beds are suited to squared-off edges," says Caruso. To achieve the popular "squoval," shape an oval at the centre of our tips and then softly square the edges of you nails.
When filing in general, start in one direction from the edges and work toward the centre to help prevent nails from breaking.
Step 3: Ready for polish? This fall, "make room for deep shades, metallics and jewel tones," says Caruso. She recommends Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure, which is five steps in one bottle: Base coat, strengthener, growth treatment, color and top coat.
Now, your fingers will be ready for their close up.

Related:
‘ Natural home remedies: Nail problems
‘ How to stay healthy at the salon
‘ Beauty trend: The half-moon manicure