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1. Create your own colour by applying a coat of one shade and then a second coat of another.

Essie Weingarten,  president, Essie Cosmetics

2. To maintain a fresh polish, add a new layer of top coat every other day. Nail salon customer

3. When applying polish, be sure to bring it over the front edge of the nail and slightly under the tip. This helps prevent chipping. Candy Wong, general manager, TEN Perfect Nails

4. The cuticles are often neglected. Don't forget to apply cuticle cream nightly to maintain healthy nails. Fathima Jowharsha, beauty salon manager, Mandarin Oriental

5. Avoid long soaks in the tub as water can peel off the polish. Nail salon customer

6. Nail polish should be stored in the fridge.

Nail salon customer

7. If you are having difficulty growing your nails, have regular manicures as polish stops you from picking or biting your nails. When your nails look nice, you tend to leave them alone. Petra Roberts, Pure Spa

8. It is better to apply lots of thin coats of colour rather than one thick one. Thin coats dry more quickly and last longer. Nail salon customer

9. Don't like the shape of your fingernails? Consider getting gel nails. They can actually correct the shape of your nails over time. Justina Lo, Nailtech

10. When a nail breaks, the best thing to do is cut it off. But here's a trick if the break is low down (and  painful): cut a tiny strip of gauze from a teabag, place it over the tear and paint over with polish. Elizabeth Waverly, author, Your Guide to Beauty



10 tips from the buffs