Nail It: DIY Manicure Tips and Tricks

Claire Benoist

Slide 1 of 8

By Eleanor Langston

Lifting weights, playing sports and even gripping the elliptical can be tough on your tips. Our quick secrets will put softer skin and prettier nails in the palms of your hands.

Hand Helpers

Give ragged cuticles and rough spots some TLC with this at-home treatment from Donna Perillo, the owner of Sweet Lily Natural Nail Spa in New York City.

Step 1

Remove old polish and trim and file your nails into the desired shape and length.

Step 2

In a small bowl, combine one teaspoon of sea salt with one cup of chamomile tea that has steeped for five minutes. Soak your fingers for three minutes to soften cuticles.

Step 3

Mix together one teaspoon of sea salt, one teaspoon of olive oil, and a half teaspoon of chamomile tea leaves. Take a scoop of this scrub and rub it in a circular motion on your hands and fingers to soften rough spots. Rinse and apply a shea butter lotion. Our new favorite: St. Ives Intensive Healing Hand Cream ($4, drugstores).

Next: Top Coats

What do you think of this story? Leave a Comment.

Related Links

What do you think? Review this slideshow! >

gretacargo1 wrote:

Love the tips but wanted to BARF at the manicure/climbing rope photo. I've climbed for 30 years. GET REAL! If you don't climb on a regular basis, your hands don't get trashed. Mani tips are the best for climbing gals. If you want some cred with girls in the vertical space, do a specific article on hand skin care!

5/26/2012 02:04:14 PM Report Abuse