Do your attempts at painting your nails end in frustration and poor results? Do you wish you dropped less money at the salon and could achieve a similar look at home? Do you envy other women with seemingly perfect nails? We'll teach you the healthy and beautiful ways that you can make your nails look like a million bucks... even if it only costs a couple.

1. Regular, good upkeep. Don't pick at your nails, and don't cut your cuticles. Simply push back cuticles and regularly trim nails to avoid the problems caused by grown out nails splitting and chipping. 

2. Moisturize. Use cuticle oil to help prevent dryness and cracking of the cuticles. Use a deep moisturizer on your hands every day, and rub the lotion into your cuticles. Cuticles that aren't dry won't crack as easily, and it will be easier to maintain healthy and vibrant-looking nails.

3. Buff and file. Buff each nail for about 15 seconds before you apply polish. If you buff too much, you will thin your nail. Buffing will help get rid of ridges and will make your nail surface look more even. File the tips of your nails to get a nice, smooth edge. Check out this tip on how to correctly file your nails!

4. Color. Choose a color that flatters your skin tone. If you have dark skin, wear a light color that really pops. Similarly, if you're pale-skinned, wear a darker or brighter color for a bold statement. Everyone can pull off pinks and red, but pick a more daring color to really get everyone's attention.

5. Repair. Did you smudge a nail? Try buffing out the smudge after the polish is dry, repainting the area, and then applying a top coat. Lots of times, you don't have to redo the whole nail! In the future, make your nails dry faster with this tip.