Let me set the scene ... it's 3 o'clock on a beautiful, sunny day. You're at your desk and suddenly "bing", an email pops up. OMG! It's Mr. "I wish we could be more than friends" and he wants to meet YOU after work for drinks! Wahoo! You anxiously wait the appropriate "I'm not desperate" five minutes and as you begin to type your response you catch sight of your less-than-kept hands. Holy $%^&! You haven't had a manicure in weeks and it shows. There's certainly not enough time to go to the salon — SO NOW WHAT? 

We've all been there ladies (and well kept gentlemen). But, in an un-polished pinch, you can get salon-style nails in less than a minute (well ... def not more than five). All you need is a 4-in-1 nail buffer and some cuticle cream. Just stash' em in your desk for those emergencies. And the best part is, they cost less than a quickie trip to the salon. 

When you get the invite for some after-work fun (which seems to happen EVERY night in the summertime), simply file your nails into your desired shape. This works especially well if you keep your nails short. Then follow the steps on the buffing block, using all four sides. For a "just polished" finish, be sure to use the rubber side last. Your nails will look as though you've applied a clear top coat. 

After you've shaped and buffed, rub in some cuticle cream  I love this cuticle pen from Sephora because it's easy to use, easy to stash in your desk or purse, and there's absolutely NO MESS.

Now, if you have the time, there's nothing like a salon manicure. And for those budget conscious beauties out there, we have an entire "Do-It-Yourself" series so you can do your own mani's, pedi's, and even spa facials at home!

Of course, if you don't want to worry about your polish chipping, or wait around for them to dry, this trick will get you out the door pretty and (seemingly) polished.