Nail polish can hide a multiple of nail imperfections such as discolorations and ridges or uneven surfaces. But nail polish is one of the main culprits in causing nails to yellow or stain and an uneven or rough nail surface will only lead to early chipping and peeling of your nail polish.

There are a few simple tricks that can make nails brighter and smoother, and you don’t need to go to a nail salon.

To whiten nail tips, try soaking in lemon juice. Some women swear by effervescent denture cleaner tablets and still others use a whitening toothpaste, rubbed onto the nail. All of these methods work, it’s a matter of preference. One method I don’t recommend is soaking nails in a mild bleach solution. The bleach smell is hard to get rid of and it can be damaging and drying to skin. If you use the lemon solution, just be careful you don’t have any open cuts around your fingertips or you can expect a bit of stinging. Cutting a lemon in half and sticking your fingertips directly into the lemon for a few minutes also works.

Buffing the nails will smooth out uneven spots and give nails a high shine. Use a buffer specifically designed for the task. A buffer block with 4 sides is an excellent tool. Buff nail from cuticle to tip. Remember you are buffing for shine and smoothness, not trying to remove layers of nail. That will only leave nails thinner and more vulnerable to breaking, chipping and staining.

After whitening and buffing, you can apply a couple of coats of a shiny, clear top coat or apply one coat of a sheer pink or peach and follow with top coat. You will have an instant French manicure and a healthy, shiny look for nails.

Winter nails have never been easier to make beautiful. Dry and chapping skin is always a problem this time of year and hangnails multiply in spite of generous and frequent applications of hand lotion.

Avon’s Nail Experts Mira-Cuticle Vanishing Complex will keep cuticles soft and healthy while preventing buildup. This special moisturizing lotion contains both Vitamins A and E to nourish cuticles while banishing dryness and chapping. It truly is a miracle for cuticles.

And for the finishing touch in a fraction of the time it normally takes, try Avon’s Speed Dry nail enamel. Right now Avon is offering four new shades for a limited time only: Cherry Sensation, Chic Pink, Striking Pink and Velvet Berry.

Nails can be difficult to keep in good shape. We use our hands all the time in little ways we don’t even think will damage the nail. But housework, daily chores, even opening soda cans can damage nails.

Keeping nails short or medium length makes them easier to protect. Don’t file the sides of the nails, this weakens them. Do file nails in a blunt or square shape.

And it’s important to give nails a break from polish. Keeping polish on all the time doesn’t allow the nail to breathe. Dark polishes can stain nails if left on for a long time, but even light polishes can yellow nails. Take nail polish off, use a cuticle cream and let your nails breathe for a few days before your next manicure. Your nails will thank you for it.

This year, make a list of New Year’s Resolutions that you not only CAN keep but will enjoy keeping. Treat yourself to beauty, relaxation and luxury.

1. Resolve to exfoliate weekly at least. Get yourself a lush and aromatic scrub that clears pores, lifts dead skin cells and polishes skin and glow, glow, glow in 2007.

2. Resolve to fight lines and wrinkles before they start by moisturizing daily.

3. Resolve to treat yourself to a deliciously long soak in a warm bath once a week. Whether you use bath salts, a bath bomb or a foaming bath oil, make it a total experience. Play mood-setting music, burn scented candles, make it your time to unwind from the hectic pace of everyday life.

4. Get a makeover. Its a great way to try out a new look and discover new colors that you never knew would look great on you.

5. Update your hairstyle. If you’re bold enough, try a new cut or style. Look through magazines and on the net to see what cuts might suit your face and lifestyle. If you’re timid or like your hair the length it is, add some accessories to dress it up. Hairsticks, decorative hair pins and jeweled ponytail holders are a few of the ways to give hair some pizazz.

6. Get a professional manicure even if you usually do your own nails. It’s a great help to have them professionally shaped or try some nail tips. Go bold with a little nail art. You won’t believe the mood lift you get with a shiny coat of nail polish.

7. Check out our Beauty Store for great deals on some of the latest and best personal care products for a fragrant and gorgeous new year.