Take off those gloves, ladies, because winter is almost over! If your hands are looking less than fabulous, fear not. We have compiled the best tricks to transform your hands from dry and damaged to smooth and sleek before springs arrives.

In the age of saving money, do it yourself manicures have skyrocketed in popularity. The daunting reality, however, is that manicure tool kits are often as complicated as surgical instrument trays. The good news is that you only need a few essential items for a professional quality at home manicure.

• Nail clipper – This no frills, staple item is the best way to trim and prepare nails for their pampering. Check out any beauty supply or drugstore for a variety of colors, sizes, and styles. Pink leopard print could make this routine process a bit more appealing.
• Nail file – Traditionally, nail files come in the form of emery boards, which need to be replaced frequently. Metal files are more durable and therefore have a longer life span. Some new nail file trends include glass, ceramic, porcelain, or even crystal files. How glamorous!• Buffers – These come in all shapes and sizes and are essential for smooth polish application.
• Cuticle oil – True professionals know that the secret to a great manicure starts with the cuticles. Cuticle scissors come with most manicure kits, but we recommend that you leave the scissors wielding to a pro and use a cuticle oil, such as Sephora Brand Healing Eucalyptus Cuticle Oil ($12). Once softened, cuticles can be pushed back easily with a cuticle pusher. Try Studio 35 Beauty Cuticle Pusher ($2.99), available at Walgreens.
• Nail polish remover – Be sure to remove old polish completely before applying a new color.

And while we’re on the subject of nail polish remover, what is the difference between acetone and non-acetone? Quite simply, acetone is faster. Acetone, an organic substance that can also be found in paint thinner, removes polish efficiently, but may also dry out nail beds and strip them of essential oils. Non-acetone remover will take a bit longer to work with, but since it’s a diluted substance, it’s gentler on your nails.

Style mavens will be sporting nude and natural nails for spring. “The new OPI collection has a lot of lilacs, light pinks, and neutrals” says Dana of Prizms Salon and Day Spa in Bethlehem, “but you can never go wrong with the classic French manicure.” Going natural demands well moisturized hands and nails. Try keeping a mini hand moisturizer in your bag or on your desk for periodical applications throughout the day. We love Bliss High Intensity Hand Cream ($18). On a budget? Try Vaseline Intensive Care Healthy Hand & Nail Conditioning Lotion ($4.79). Dana also recommends using OPI Papaya Pineapple Scrub ($14) for some serious softening. “This scrub leaves hands incredibly smooth,” she raves.

Now your nail polish is off, your hands are softened, and you’re ready to start. But wait! Winter’s dark nail polish hues have left your nails yucky yellow! First, to avoid this problem in the future, always apply a basecoat prior to applying any dark polish. If the damage is done, there are several remedies for this situation. We have seen tips that range from soaking nails in anything from lemon juice to dissolved denture tablets. The best at home remedy, however, can be made from some things you may already have in the cupboard:

1. Mix 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide with 2 ½ tablespoons of baking soda (these items combined will form a paste)
2. Apply to nails for 3 to 4 minutes
3. Rinse with warm water

If you don’t feel like playing chemist, try Sally Hansen InstaBrite Nail Whitener ($5.95), available at your local drugstore.

At last, it’s time for the polish. For the perfect spring neutral, try Revlon Nail Enamel in Sheer Nude ($5). Complete your flawless manicure with the following easy steps:

1. Remove old polish.
2. File nails to desired shape. The trend for spring is short, slightly squared nails that are flat across the top with rounded corners.
3. Buff nails with buffer.
4. Soak in soapy water for a few minutes to soften cuticles.
5. Apply cuticle oil and push back cuticles
6. Moisturize.
7. Wipe excess lotion from nails.
8. Apply a base coat. Let dry for one minute.
9. Apply two coats of polish. Be sure to apply polish by starting on the side of the nail, covering the entire nail in three easy strokes.
10. Apply a topcoat.

Are your nails brittle or prone to breaking? Vitamin supplements are all the rage for a variety of purposes, and nail improvement is no exception. While a range of options is available, we advise you to stick with a classic – Biotin, the “hair, skin, and nail” pill. It can be easily found at any drug store and dramatically improves the strength and length of your nails.

And finally, if you have no time for a full manicure, Sephora sells an awesome Nail Whitening Pencil ($4). Simply sweep this little tool under your nail tips for instant brightening. The pencil cap is slanted to use as a cuticle pusher on the go. Brilliant!