Shaking the bottle of polish before painting creates bubbles. Instead, roll it between your hands.

If you’re not a dab hand at painting, use a pale colour – mishaps and chips aren’t as obvious.

Small nails appear bigger when painted with sheer or metallic polish.

To get the right amount of polish on the brush, dip it into the bottle and drag it up along the side of the bottle’s opening.

After applying colour, wipe excess polish from across the tip of the nail to protect the edge.

Revive thick or gluey polish with a few drops of polish thinner – don’t use nail polish remover, as it breaks down the formula.

If you want the look of a salon-style manicure or pedicure at home, the key is to shape the nails into a square and push back your cuticles with an orange stick or warm cloth.