Shape nails with a nail file and in one direction.  Never file back and forth as that weakens the nail and can cause peeling.
Nail File Suggestion: Burton’s Crystal Nail Files

Buff the surface of the nails lightly with a buffing tool to smooth ridges and add shine.
Buffer suggestion: Sally Hansen Ridge Reducer & Buffer

Soak fingers of one hand in a bowl of warm soapy water for about 5 minutes then pat away excess moisture. 

Push cuticles back very gently with a cuticle pusher.
Cuticle Pusher Suggestion: Tweezerman Pushy with Nail Cleaner

Massage hands with an exfoliating scrub.  Rinse and pat dry.
Scrub Suggestion: One Minute Manicure Spa Treatment Moisture Scrub

Massage cuticle oil into the cuticles  and then with a rich hand cream.
Cuticle Oil Suggestion: Avoplex Cuticle Oil to Go from OPI
Hand Cream Suggestion: Biotherm Biomains Age Delaying Hand and Nail Treatment

Swipe nail surface with a polish remover-soaked cotton pad to remove cream residue. 

Apply a thin coat of base coat, which prevents staining of some polishes and makes your polish last longer.
Base Coat Recommendation: OPI Start-to-Finish

Add a coat of polish, allow to dry and apply a second coat.
Polish Recommendations: Maybelline Salon Expert Nail Colour, Nars Nail Polish, Dior Rouge Nail Enamel

Finish with a layer of top coat to add shine and protect polish from chipping.
Top Coat Recommendation: Essie Everyday Top Coat

DONE!

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Home Manicure: How To