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.

For a little extra attention at this year’s holiday party, try a little glimmer. Your hands will sparkle and entice as you reach for that glass of champagne if you add a little shimmer to your regular manicure.

Revlon Glimmer Gloss can be worn alone, in layers or simply brushed over your regular nail color for an added shine and dazzle. There are eight shimmering shades to choose from, one just right for your holiday look.

Have you ever removed your nail polish to find that the nails underneath had turned yellow?

Typically, dark or red shades of nail polish can stain nails due to the yellow pigments in the color. If you favor red shades and tend to leave your polish on for long periods of time without changing the color, you may find that your nails have taken on a yellowish tint.

So, what to do? You can try rubbing hydrogen peroxide on the nails with a cotton ball to take some of the yellow off. You can also leave your nails natural and unpolished and eventually the yellow will grow out. You don’t have to give up your favorite shade of nail polish but you do need to apply a base coat to keep the polish from staining your nails. Even a coat of clear polish applied under the color will do the trick.

Sometimes yellow nails can be caused by health problems. If you have left your nails unpolished and they continue to grow in with a yellow tint, seek the advice of a health professional.

The French Manicure is a popular look for nails because it looks natural, only better. The white tips and neutral beige or pink topcoat leaves the nails looking clean, bright and shiny. It’s a great everyday look.

The French Manicure can be easily achieved at home, especially with the use of one of the many kits on the market. Usually the kit will supply the white polish and either a beige or pink topcoat. This kit by Sephora has three polishes in a clutch bag for easy storage.

For help in applying the white polish at the tips you can purchase stick-on stencils to give you a guide and prevent mistakes. The French Manicure is also great for hiding minor length differences in nails. Just place the stencils at the same distance from the end of the nail regardless of how much of the real white edge you have.

Sally Hansen makes a kit that comes with an easy-to-apply white nail polish pen. The 5 Minute French Manicure Pen Kit comes with the nail pen, nail guides, sheer blush or sheer natural polish and a growth treatment for nails.