How To Do A Five Minute Manicure

Just because you don't have much time for your beauty regime, doesn't mean you can't have flawless, manicured nails. We asked nail expert Jessica Hoffman for her tips on how to get your nails looking great in a flash.

Jessica is a professional manicurist with over 13 years experience in both the UK and US who has worked on Vogue, Marie Claire, Tatler, and Harper's Bazaar, as well as tending the hands and feet of celebrities including Kate Winslet, Cate Blanchett, and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Step 1: Clean Nails

Firstly, remove all traces of nail colour and treatments with nail polish remover.

Step 2: File & Shape Nails

If your nails are very long, trim them to even lengths with a nail clipper.

Then file the edges smooth with a nail file or emery board. Always file the nails in one direction, from each side of the nail towards the centre, to help prevent the nails from splitting.

Step 3: Groom & Buff

To soften the cuticles, apply a cuticle cream.

While the cuticle cream is working, buff the nails gently.

Next, gently push back the cuticles with a cotton-wrapped cuticle stick or cuticle pusher.

Finally, remove the cuticle cream thoroughly.

Step 4: Treat & Shine

You may need to apply a nail treatment to help strengthen or repair damaged nails.

If your nails are healthy, apply a top coat to seal the nails and give a glossy finish, or a finishing product for a soft sheen.

For a natural finish, use HAN Nylon in natural pink, which also protects and strengthens nails.

Step 5: Hydrate Cuticles

Once the topcoat is dry, hydrate your cuticles with some cuticle oil.