Nail polish is only one way to make your fingernails look terrific. Using sanding blocks to shape and buff your nails is a natural way to get good-looking fingernails without all the chemicals and additives from polish. Sanding blocks are easy to use and can save you from having to do expensive manicures to keep your nails in good condition.

Remove nail polish and wash your hands in warm, soapy water, drying thoroughly. Make sure to get any oils and dirt off your fingernails.

Trim nails with the nail clippers. Push back your cuticles gently and trim excess skin with the cuticle scissors.

Use the rough side of a sanding block to help shape your nails along the edge. Be careful not to take off too much length.

Buff along the top of your nails gently to remove surface ridges. Don't press too hard, or you will buff away too much and weaken your nails.

Use the medium grit side of the sanding block to further buff along the top of your nails to remove any scratches that may remain from the first buffing. Again, work slowly and gently. Buff along the ends of your nails with the medium side of the sanding block.

Buff your nails with the smoothest side of the sanding block until they are glassy-smooth and shiny. You can use nail rouge, which is available in beauty supply stores. This adds shine and a hint of color. Dab a tiny bit of rouge on each nail before you buff with the smooth side of the sanding block. Your nails will end up looking like you coated them with glossy, clear nail polish.

Rub a small amount of olive oil mixed with hand lotion into the surface of your nails, cuticles and hands to moisten and complete your new look. Repeat the buffing procedure whenever the shine starts to look dull or new ridges appear on your nails.