Nail Know-How

If a manicure can be one of life's finer pleasures, make the benefits last. The Nail Bar in London says a good start is to always paint over the tips of the nails with both polish and top coat -- "the manicure will last longer."

Also, avoid putting your hands in water for the first couple of hours after a manicure because the liquid can get under the polish causing it to peel. What's worse? Hot water. It's genrally bad for both manis and pedis, so keep hands and feet above water while bathing.

Naked nails should also be banned, recommends The Nail Bar. Even after you've removed polish, the Bar says you should cover yourself with a base coat. After about two or three minutes, the nails should be "touch-dry." Put a drop of oil on the base of each nail and rub it lightly into the surface to protect the nails while the manicure sets.