A proper cuticle treatment is the underpinnings of a perfect manicure!

Vain creatures that we are, women tend to notice other women's nails. You've probably noticed that some women appear to have very short nail beds, making for a stumpy look that's not quite as attractive as the woman with long nail beds, which make her whole hand appear slim, delicate and oh-so feminine.

You may be surprised to learn what makes this crucial difference: it's the nail cuticle treatment. The well maintained cuticles make all the difference. Here's how to get that fine manicure every time.

Just like nails, your cuticles grow. If you've ever had a professional manicure, you've seen how the manicurist fusses with those cuticles in preparation for the manicure. Your cuticles grow at about the same rate as your nails.

Left untended, the cuticles inch up, eventually shortening your nail bed. Not treating cuticle regularly, you'll soon only be able to see slivers of the half moons on your nail bed, virtually obscured by the cuticle encroaching on your nail bed. The result of neglecting the regular treatment for cuticle? That unattractive, stubby look of a short nail base. No matter how long you grow your nails, the ratio of nail base to nail looks unbalanced and unkempt.

Here's the solution to beautiful nails. Tend to your cuticles once a week. If you've neglected them for some time, it will take a little while to whip them into shape. Before beginning your manicure, remove all nail polish and soak your hands in a bowl of warm, sudsy water for about 15-20 minutes. This serves to soften the cuticles.

Pat your hands dry with a soft towel. Use a cuticle softening cream (available at any drug store), applying a small amount with your fingers, rubbing the cream into the cuticles in a gentle circular motion. Allow the cream to remain on the cuticles for about 10-15 minutes.

Using an orange stick, gently push the cuticle back, a little at a time. Go over each nail in turn. Repeat, applying more cuticle softening cream as needed for especially hard, stubborn cuticles. For a proper cuticle care, it's important that this process be done gently.

If it hurts, you're damaging your nail bed. If your cuticles are overgrown, it may take a few weeks of treatment to get them in good shape. Have patience. With each treatment, you'll notice that you can see more of those half moons with each treatment.

When you've completed pushing back the cuticles, there will be a rim of excess cuticle at the base of your nail, which can be carefully trimmed off with a cuticle trimmer. Snip the excess cuticle away carefully. Soak your hands in warm, sudsy water again. Pat dry and then use a Q-tip to shape the nail bed, again, gently.

That's all there is to the best cuticle treatment. All that's left of your manicure is to trim and shape your nails, apply a base coat and your favorite shade of polish. Finis!