No cash for salon and really need professional look that lasts. Have new supplies but not getting results needed.

It depends on how much experience u have in doing ur nails...
The easiest ways to do the (almost) perfect nails (not even salons can do u perfectly) are:
- use an expensive nail enamel/polisher, because it is true they contain ingredients that make the nail polisher last longer & look perfect + may even influence strengthening of ur nails.
- just keep ur nails clean, than file & shape ur nails & at the end buff & polish ... u get perfectly shiny nails in no time & don't need 2 polish them... I am doing this lately cos I have no time 2 polish my nails every 3-4 days cos I like darker colors which fade & lose brightnes faster, and I too like the 'perfect look'...
- or use the 2 or 3 step french maniqure - I believe u can buy those in parfumeries where u live...

Here's the instruction that me and my friends use when we wanna primp! it's basically what they do at the manicures places, but you can do it yourself!

[ and i also agree - salons are wayy to pricey!! ]

http://ctct.essortment.com/howtomanicure_rtmg.htm

good luck! you can find most of those products at any beauty store such as sephora or even walmart / zellars!