Watching your wallet can mean cutting back on salon-chair time, and only high-maintenance types like The Sitch need weekly (daily?) nail touch-ups. Celeb manicurist Skyy Hadley, owner of As U Wish Nail Spa in Hoboken, New Jersey, translates some of her professional know-how into tips for an easy D.I.Y. manicure.

•Leave cuticle cutting to the pro's. "One wrong clip and you can infect yourself and spend the day in the hospital instead of on the beach in the sun." For a neat look, use cuticle oil or cream and rub with a buffer.

•Know the best shape. A squared-off oval (or squoval) is the shape de rigueur and won't risk breaking as fast as a square will.

•Prep for sun. If your summer plans involve the ocean or pool, don't forget protection for your nails. "Add an extra clear top coat to seal in the color and protect it from chipping too soon", suggests Hadley, and skip any proteins or nail strengthening solutions as they can cause color to crack.

Nail Polish to Try
	SPONSORED Illamasqua Nail Varnish $14.00 sephora.com		SPONSORED Essie Nail Polish $8.00 drugstore.com		SPONSORED POP Beauty Nail Glam Nail Polish $10.00 drugstore.com
Try:      Beige Nail Polish · Dark Nail Polish

For the latest beauty news, freebies, and more, become a fan of Real Beauty on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!