Manicure and pedicures

Summer is a time for showing off and if nothing else, it's likely you'll have your fingers on toes on display to all and sundry. Obviously the ideal scenario is to head to a good nail salon for a paint and shape but if you haven't got time it's just as easy to have a go yourself.

Manicure

Make sure your hands and nails are squeeky clean to start. Take a good-quality emery board and file your nails with a sweeping movement (ie don't saw backwards and forwards) until they are the shape that you require. If you have a 3-way buffer use this to even out the nail bed. Apply a cuticle oil or cream to your cuticles and push them back. Apply a base coat, two layers of your chosen colour and then a top coat. Make sure you leave at least half an hour for your nails to dry.

Pedicure

Soak your feet in hot water for ten minutes then give them a scrub using a footfile. Moisturise with a good foot cream. Trim your nails so that they are cut square across and file to take off any rough edges. Use a 3-way buffer to even out the nail bed and then apply a cuticle oil or cream. Using a toe-separator, apply a base coat, two layers of your chosen colour (bright colours look fabulous on toes in the summer) and then a top coat. Make sure you leave at least half an hour for your nails to dry and before putting on your flip flops.

Tica London sells the best colour Essie nail polishes online or from its central London bikini shop.