Get a product like one minute manicure.  It is salt and oils that will exfoliate and moisturize at the same time.  You can do a "home" version by mixing table salt (kosher is better) and olive oil.  Mix a scent in if you like!  Rub on your hands for 1 minute, concentrating on dry areas and cuticles.  Rinse well.  Pat dry.  Lotion.  Push back your cuticles with a pusher or your nail.  File your nails in one direction, side to center and then the other side to center.  If you have tough cuticles, try to push them back after a bath or shower when they are most pliable.  When you polish, use a base coat to keep polish on longer and help prevent chipping.  Clean the nail with polish remover or vinegar before base coating then apply base, 2 thin coats of color and a top coat.  Or just 2 coats of a nail strengthener.

Hope this helps.