We all want soft, smooth and youthful hands - and with some of the best nail technicians in the world's advice lined up below, we now all can !

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[edit] Steps

SOAK IT UP – “For hands that are smooth and wrinkle free, soak them in a bowl of warm water for five minutes, before drying and applying your favourite hand cream. The water soaks into the skin and the cream forms a barrier, locking it in and easing aches and pains at the same time.” – Esme Floyd, 1001 little beauty miracles
MOISTURIZE- “Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize - you can never over do it! This applies for face & body moisturizers and also hand creams. Always carry a hand cream with you and apply frequently especially in the winter months when cold weather can dry out the hands.” – Leighton Denny, Nail Technician of the Year Judge
PREVENTION IS THE BEST CURE – “Nails are porous so become weak when they are over exposed to water and chemicals, rubber gloves are a must - its old advice but it really works.” – Andrea Fullerton, Celebrity Nail Technician
ALWAYS APPLY A BASECOAT- “Many women skip it, but they shouldn’t. Basecoat is like double sided tape for your nails – it holds polish in place so it lasts longer.” – Shawn Bingen, Zano Salon & Day Spa manicurist
ALWAYS APPLY A TOP COAT- “Always give your nails a topcoat of clear polish to help protect the paint that little bit longer.” – Victoria Beckham, celebrity
FAKE A FRENCHIE- “Massage cuticle oil into the nail beds to camouflage dry skin then run a white pencil under the rims of your nails. You’ll look like you have a French manicure.” – Lisa Postma, Katherine Heigl’s manicurist
HAND IN GLOVE- “Night time is the right time to give your hands a more intense winter warmer. Use a good quality cream, and apply really thickly. Then using some cotton gloves, wrap up your mitts and let the cream work its magic overnight.” – Marian Newman, nail expert
SHORT AND CHIC- “A lot of women think they have to have long nails to wear colours. I recommend keeping them short and not too square. Filing the edges into an oval shape makes your nails and your fingers look longer and more elegant." – Deborah Lippmann, New York based Celebrity Manicurist
REVIVE YOUR NAILS – “Cleansing lemon and nourishing sweet almond oil will help to revitalize weary nails. Heat 2 tsp of beeswax in a small ceramic bowl over simmering water. When runny, mix in two drops of lemon essential and blend thoroughly. Then gradually add 2 tbsp of sweet almond oil. Once hardened, the beeswax should still be pliable. Place it in a small jar. Apply to fingertips, massage into cuticles morning and evening, and keep handy if you work with paper, as this can cause torn, dry cuticles.” – Kirsty McLeod, Chelsea based manicurist
BRONZE HANDS TOO- “After tanning your body, wash hands with a bar of soap – it’s more concentrated than liquid hand washes. Make sure all the product is gone, then to tan the backs of your hands and the tops of your feet use a cotton pad dipped in tanner to smooth the colour on.” – Leanne Warrick, beauty writer for More Magazine