Are there easy ways to make nail polish last? Fortunately, there are lots of ways to make your nail polish last longer.
Do you ever leave the nail salon with a new manicure only to find your nails have chipped after a few hours? If so, I can relate. Whether or not you like it, almost everyone has experienced short-lived manicures.
Even if you are already diligent about taking care of your nails, you may wonder what the secret is to long-lasting nail polish. All it takes are a few tips, tricks, and tweaks to your routine. Here are eleven tips to keep your nail polish lasting as long as possible.
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1. Don’t Shake, Rattle, But Roll Your Nail Polish Bottle
Most people like to shake the nail polish bottle to distribute the color evenly, but this may not be the best method for your nails. You can create air bubbles, causing the manicure to chip in areas where the air tries to escape. Rather than shaking the bottle, roll it between your hands to get the same effect bubble-free.
2. Apply Cuticle Oil And Cream To Your Nails
If you are not currently using cuticle oil or cream, you should start. Nails that are thirsty for moisture are prone to wear and tear. After a manicure, add a drop of cuticle oil to the base of your nails to pamper them. If you wash your hands frequently, your nails may chip faster. To boost moisture, follow up with Bioderma Atoderm hands and nails cream. Maintain healthy hands and nails by adding this step to your daily skincare routine.
3. Don’t Soak Your Nails
Soaking your fingernails in water will cause them to expand. Therefore, the soak can distort the nails and widen their shape. When you put polish over them, and they dry, this can cause the polish to chip prematurely. While soaking can soften the coarser skin on your feet, it is not necessary for the delicate skin on your fingertips.
In addition, you should avoid soaking your fingertips after a manicure, including soaking in warm water, washing dishes, and so on. Not only does water cause your nails to expand and contract, which can lift the color, but it can also dry out your nails and make them brittle over time.
4. Go For Short Nails
While long nails look great, they can interfere with a perfectly polished manicure. In contrast, short nails are less likely to chip or peel since they are less likely to bump into things. If you find short nails boring, jazz them up with fun nail designs or bright colors.
5. Apply Your Nail Polish In Thin Layers
For long-lasting nail polish, stick to the basics. However, how well you also apply matters. By using thin coats of nail polish, you can extend the life of your manicure. In other words, thicker coats take longer to dry and make it easier for the polish to peel off.
6. Avoid Getting Nail Polish On Your Cuticles
While it may be difficult, try your best to stay within the lines. It might seem that a stray swipe of polish is not a big deal, but you do not want the polish to settle onto your cuticles.
If your polish dries between your skin and nail, when the color eventually lifts off your cuticles, the polish on your nails will chip along with it. Luckily, you can fix this pretty quickly. By soaking a cotton swab in nail polish remover, you can carefully remove any polish that should not be on your cuticles.
Tip: Use an oily balm or pure vitamin e oil to trace the edges of your nails before you apply your base coat. Make sure you work it into your cuticles. Essentially, it acts as a barrier between your skin and nails. If you smudge a little polish onto your cuticles while painting, you can easily wipe it away.
7. Paint The Edge Of Your Nails
Most of us probably start by painting our nails with a stripe down the center, curving the brush, and going over the sides. However, you might be skipping an important step. First, seal your manicure by using nail polish around the edges. Next, paint each fingernail from the tip to the underside to cover the entire nail. This simple technique will make your manicure last longer.
8. Always Apply A Top Coat
Choose a formula that offers chip-resistance protection and strengthening. Bonus points if it contains hydrating properties. After your nail polish has dried, apply a top coat to make it last longer and to give your nails a glossy sheen. Always keep a clear topcoat handy whenever you are using nail polish.
9. Let Your Nail Polish Dry Completely
Nail polish drying is about as slow as molasses. But you must endure it if you want to preserve your manicure. Did you know that most nail polishes are not completely dry for nearly an hour after application? It was a surprise to me too.
Although they may feel dry to the touch after a few minutes, they have not fully hardened and settled yet. So keep this in mind and move carefully while your nails are still drying.
10. Reapply Your Top Coat Every 2-3 Days
Despite popular belief, the top coat is not a set-it-and-forget-it type of application. However, keeping it looking good requires regular maintenance. For best results, reapply your top coat every two to three days.
11. Wear Rubber Gloves During Housework
When doing housework, be sure to wear rubber gloves to protect your nails. Constant contact with soap and water can wear off your nail polish. Rubber gloves will ensure that your polish stays intact for a longer time without causing damage to your nails.
Do you have a nail-care routine? Would you mind sharing? We’d love to hear about it.
Here are a few more tips you might find helpful:
