Women’s Health shares some of-the-moment tips on how to get the most out of a pick-me-up manicure on bad hair and tight jean days. 

• Keep them short. Nails should be square with rounded corners and reach the end of the finger for a modern look. “Any color looks great on this length,” says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI’s executive vice president and artistic director.

• Soften Up. Some files can do more harm than good on nails, so opt for one with 240 grit count or higher.

• Skip the Soak. Avoid dunking fingers in a bowl of water during a manicure, as this makes it harder for polish to adhere, which results in chipping, says celebrity manicurist Elsbeth Shuetz.

• Choose a Flattering Hue. Light skin tones are enhanced with purples or reds like Essie’s Limited Addiction. Medium skin tones can wear blues or metallics, like SpaRitual’s Can You Dig It. Deep reds and golds, like OPI’s Glitzerland, are great for darker skin tones. Corals and grays are flattering on all skin tones.

• Make It Last. Try a gel-polish salon manicure, like CND’s Shellac UV Color Coat, for 14-day no-chip color with zero dry time. To get the look at home, try Sally Hansen’s 14 Day Nail Shields.

• Go Green. An eco-friendly cuticle cream is a great option that’s not only good for the environment, but also works wonders on cuticles. Use nightly for consistent moisture.

• Remove Right. To remove fall’s dark “It” colors, soak a good-quality cotton or rayon-blend pad with remover and press onto the nail for a few seconds before pulling up in one direction, says Schuetz.