Applying neat, even layers of nail polish is extremely tricky. Getting a clean and crisp nail polish line takes practice, patience, and a steady hand. If you happen to paint outside the lines, you can always clean up your mistakes!

In order to produce a neat and even manicure, you must first remove any old polish from your nails. Acetone nail polish removers dry out your nail, and cuticle. If possible, use a non-acetone nail polish remover over an acetone nail polish remover.
Place a cotton swab or ball over the opening of your nail polish remover. Make sure it is completely covering the opening of the bottle.
Tip the bottle upside down and wait a few seconds for the cotton swab or ball to become saturated with the remover.
Rub the saturated cotton swab or ball over your nails to remove the polish.
Re-saturate your cotton swab or ball as needed.

After removing your old nail polish, devote some time to clipping, shaping, and buffing your nails. Locate nail clippers, emery board, and a gentle buffer.
Use the clippers to trim your nails, if needed.
Smooth the edges of your nails with an emery board nail file. File your nails into a round, square, or rounded-square shape.
Run over each nail with a slightly abrasive buffer to even out the surface of your nails.

Once your nails are clipped, shaped, and buffed, take a moment to relax and pamper yourself. Retrieve a basin and fill it with warm water and a squirt of your gentle facial cleanser. Use a gentle body scrub to exfoliate your hands before soaking them.

Submerge your hands in the warm, soapy water to remove the body scrub. Soak your hands for three minutes. Remove your hands from the basin and dry them on a clean towel.