So you have the gorgeous new nail varnish, the top coat and all the other bits and bobs… but your nails are still short, broken and generally looking a bit crap. What's a gal to do?

Irish beauty blogger Deirdre Foley of Viva Adonis is a cosmetics addict and nail care fanatic, and we chased her down for a few tips on getting the perfect at-home manicure.

Here goes…

I've tried everything, but my nails just won't grow. What am I doing wrong?
As far as I can make out, nail growth is down to health, genes, and just a little bit of luck. Mine are generally okay – they grow faster in the summer, but can be a lot more brittle and thin come winter. The best strengthener I’ve used has to be OPI Nail Envy, €21.95 from Cloud10Beauty and Boots. This has been my base coat of choice for many years, and I always miss it when it runs out.

What’s the best nail routine to follow?
Good tools are a must – a glass file, clippers, and buffers. Hit up your local chemist or salon supplier like Terrisales, Flair or Sally’s to get the goods.

Soaking nails & cuticles in warm water and then using a cuticle remover like the gel one from Sally Hansen is a great way to make your nails look that little bit more tidy and groomed.  Regular use of Clarins hand cream & CND Solar Oil will also go a long way towards softer, healthier hands and nail beds.

I've been thinking about acrylics. Should I go for it or are they a big no-no?
They're fine the odd time. Too much of anything is rarely good news. I have friends that have been horribly addicted to acrylics, and the results haven’t been pretty. If your nails are in a serious state, it could be worth investing in the Micro Nail, an electronic buffer that will leave bare nails looking seriously shiny and healthy without the need for polish. Leaving nails bare for a while, with the odd top-up of Nail Envy or a similar product, should speed up the recovery process.

I love gel polish as you get the longevity without quite as much damage. A good Shellac or Gelish manicure shouldn’t punish nails too much – just remember not to pick it off! Make sure to get it removed professionally or else DIY with some acetone and tinfoil.

Deirdre Foley is a history grad, sceptic, wearer of red lipstick and self-confessed 'beauty maniac'. She is also the co-founder of fabulous Irish beauty blog, Viva Adonis.