IT’S the long month of watching your post-Christmas budget and praying for payday.

And it’s likely you’ve had to cut back on luxuries, such as getting your nails done.

It’s likely you’ve had to cut back on luxuries, such as getting your nails done

6

It’s likely you’ve had to cut back on luxuries, such as getting your nails doneCredit: Getty

But that doesn’t mean you can’t give yourself the perfect home manicure.

We spoke to Maisey Gray, from the Beauty Barn, Herts, and Tara Lalvani, founder of beauty tools brand Beautifect, for their top tips so you can save on trips to the salon . . . 

CUTTING IT: Maisey says: “Try to cut your nails at an angle, or use a clipper that follows the curve of your nail. Straight edges are more likely to cause splits.”

BETTER SHAPE UP: When it comes to nail files, you’ll want to avoid anything that’s too coarse, the experts say. Glass nail files (also known as crystal files) are popular because they have a fine grain that is great for precision. They are also gentle on your nails and they last much longer than emery boards. Beautifect has one for £14.50.

PICK A POLISH: Maisey likes polishes from OPI and Sally Hansen, which she says are salon quality. Look Fantastic has some shades of Sally Hansen complete salon manicure 3.0 keratin strong nail polish (14.7ml) on sale for £3.20, down from £7.99. It also has the OPI nail polish DTLA collection nail polish gift set with four shades (3.74ml each) for £12.53, RRP £16.70.

SAVE: Up to £4.79

Most read in Money

BRUSH ’N’ GO: Maisey says: “Paint your dominant hand first as it’s the hardest because you have to use your weaker hand. If you leave it until last you’re more likely to run out of patience and slip up.” She adds: Make sure you use a top coat so that your polish lasts longer.”

DON’T PICK OR PEEL: Picking off your nail colour can be damaging to your nails. Tara says that products such as Shellac must be handled with care. She explains: “If not removed correctly it can strip away the top layer of your nail leaving you with brittle nails.”

Prices correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.

Deal of the day

Slip into these Skechers Cozy Campfire slippers

6

Slip into these Skechers Cozy Campfire slippers

SLIP into these Skechers Cozy Campfire slippers, reduced at Shoe Zone from £29.99 to £24.99.

SAVE: £5

Cheap treat

Grab a Tesco Clubcard deal on Mr Kipling reduced-sugar Viennese Whirls

6

Grab a Tesco Clubcard deal on Mr Kipling reduced-sugar Viennese Whirls

GRAB a Tesco Clubcard deal on Mr Kipling reduced-sugar Viennese Whirls, 87p for a pack of six.

SCENT AN OFFER

TREAT a loved one with a fragrance on offer in the Valentine’s Day Sale at The Perfume Shop. Deals include 50ml Boss Woman, reduced from £47 to £29.99, saving you £17.01.

Top swap

Pack it away in this £32 Moss basket, left, from made.com, or save with the wire hamper, right, for £14 at B&M

6

Pack it away in this £32 Moss basket, left, from made.com, or save with the wire hamper, right, for £14 at B&M

DON’T let your dirty laundry get the better of you. Pack it away in this £32 Moss basket from made.com. Or save with the wire hamper for £14 at B&M.

SAVE: £18

Shop & save

Stock up on Sudocrem antiseptic cream at Asda

6

Stock up on Sudocrem antiseptic cream at Asda

STOCK up on Sudocrem antiseptic cream at Asda, now £5 for a 400g tub, down from £6.

SAVE: £1

LEAH’S LITTLE HELPER

PAPA Johns has released a promo code offering 60 per cent off its pizza and sides this month. Simply enter the code FEEDME60 at checkout.

T&Cs apply. Available until January 31. See papajohns.co.uk.

Hot right now

FROM Wednesday, Boots has a 20 per cent discount on Kelo-Cote products. Includes scar gel (6g) for £15.59, down from £19.49

Play now to win £100

Join thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle

6

Join thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle

JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle.

Every month we’re giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers – whether you’re saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered.

Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket. The more codes you enter, the more tickets you’ll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!

To take part go to sunsavers.co.uk or open the Sun Savers app.

With Sun Savers, we give you the best hacks, deals and tips to save money every single day.

TO JOIN: Don’t worry, folks — joining takes just 30 seconds, in three steps.

Martin Lewis explains how working Brits are missing out on FREE cash support

This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk

You May Also Like

Thousands on low incomes could get FREE emergency cash to cover bills

THOUSANDS of low income households can get free emergency cash to help…

House price boom at risk as demand slows

UK house prices have continued to hit record highs this month.  But…

Exact date thousands of households MUST apply for £145 free cash – you’ll need to be quick or you’ll miss out

HOUSEHOLDS have just weeks just left to apply for £145 free cash…

SMALL CAP SHARE IDEAS: Mining royalty company Anglo Pacific Group

Two major factors underpin the case for Anglo Pacific Group, London’s longest…