With UK women said to be spending almost £500 a year on their nails*, it’s no wonder many savvy shoppers are now on a quest to perfect their manicure at home. It doesn’t have to be as tricky as it seems, though, just follow our eight simple steps.

Remove existing nail polish by soaking a cotton pad in an acetone-free nail polish remover (gentler, so you don’t damage or dehydrate your nails) and gently wipe over each nail until the nail bed is completely clean.

Slather your hands in a rich, moisturising hand lotion, paying particular attention to your cuticles. An oil-free cream is a great choice, as traces of oil will prevent your polish from staying put on your nails – hello chipped manicure.

Using an orange stick, gently push back your cuticles. Try not to push too far though – damaging the skin around the nails could prevent future growth.

Be careful about trimming cuticles. It’s a hotly contested topic, but most experts agree it’s not a good idea to cut excess skin off. A poor job can result in fraying of the cuticle, or even cause infection.

With your nails moisturised, use a file to gently form your desired shape. Metal can cause nails to splinter, so a glass file which is not so abrasive is the ideal choice. If you’re feeling brave and have nails long enough, why not try the nail shape of the season – coffin nails.

After you’ve filed your nails into shape, it’s time to buff them. Go gentle, as your polish may not adhere so well on a completely smooth surface, which means all your effort could be short lived.

Next comes the polish. Start with a strengthening base coat, which will prevent your nails staining and breaking easily. When you’ve chosen your colour, apply it in thin layers, with two coats for the best finish. If it’s your first time attempting a DIY manicure, start with a lighter colour, as it’s easier to hide any mistakes.

Finally, add some shine and sparkle, as well as another layer of protection, with a coat of clear varnish. To make your manicure last longer, repeat this process every couple of days, and keep moisturising too.