Few things are more cathartic than painting your own nails – and more infuriating than to have them chip or smudge minutes later. It’s frustrating, to say the least. Keeping the hands and nails in good condition is so much a part of good grooming. Applying nail polish and ensuring that the effect lasts longer are also part of nail care.
When you apply nail varnish, use smooth strokes, from the base of the nails to the tip. Three long strokes should be adequate to cover each nail. First apply it in the middle of the nail and then on either side. The most important is your base coat because that is what touches your nail and seeping into the skin.
Before applying your base coat, trace the perimeter of your nails with an oily balm, especially working it into those cuticles. The jelly substance acts as a barrier between your skin and the nail, so if you smudge a little polish into your cuticles while you paint, it’ll wipe off afterward with ease. When you finish applying your topcoat, dip a thin cleanup brush in nail polish remover and lightly skim around the outer edge of the nail to remove excess lacquer.
You can extend the life of your manicure just by applying thin coats of nail polish. Thicker coats take longer to dry and make it super easy for the polish to peel off. Make sure to reapply a top coat every two to three days for long-lasting results. This will help keep pesky chipped nails and peeling polish at bay.
Two coats of colour will be needed for an even finish. First apply one coat of colour on all the nails. Wait for it to dry and then apply the second coat. The longer you wait between coats, the more it’ll keep your colour locked in.
Load just enough polish on the brush to cover your nail in one coat. Small and short nails can look longer if you apply light-coloured nail polish.
The polish usually takes around 10 minutes to dry, be it with a fan (electric or paper) or a hairdryer. If you choose the latter, make sure to keep the setting on cool: Heat can cause the polish to bubble, which makes it easier for it to chip down the line.
Nails soaked in water can cause them to expand and this affects their shape, besides distorting and widening the nails. Not only does the water cause the nails to expand and contract, but it can also lift the pigment and make the nails dry and brittle over time.
After filing and shaping the nails, remember to buff them with a piece of chamois leather. This helps make the nails smooth and allow easier application of nail polish. This also helps to make the polish last longer.
Also, apply cream or almond oil and massage it on the skin and cuticles around the nails. Applying cream or oil makes it easier to wipe off the polish even if it gets on the cuticle.
It is worthwhile to buy a good quality base coat, as it helps to protect the polish itself from chipping. It is also better to use toulene-free nail polish. Wear rubber gloves while doing the dishes to ensure the polish stays intact for a long time.
It has become standard practice to shake a bottle of nail polish in order to get an even colour. Instead, mix the polish by holding it upright and rolling it in your hands to get the same effect sans the bubbles.