How to Make a Manicure Last

Few things frustrate a person like finding a chipped or smudged nail soon after a manicure. For the time and effort it takes to create a beautiful manicure, most people want them to last as long as possible in their unblemished state. Here are some ways to make sure that your manicure stays perfect for as long as possible.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Make sure nails are clean and dry before applying polish by going over all nails with nail polish remover. Any oils or residue on nails makes it more difficult for polish to adhere to the nail.

2. Push back cuticle skin with a wooden tool found at any pharmacy or beauty supply shop (often called “orange sticks”). Polish peels if it is applied on top of cuticles.

3. Apply a base coat before applying your color polish. Base coats help polish adhere to the nail.

4. Cover entire nail with a thin coat of color polish. Too much polish takes too long to dry and increases the risk of smudging the smooth finish.

5. Allow the first coat of color polish to dry thoroughly before adding the second coat.

6. Apply the top coat or “clear coat” to completely dried nails for an extra layer of strength and protection.

7. Protect your manicure by wearing gloves when engaging in physical activities that may potentially damage your manicure, such as gardening and washing the dishes.

Tips & Warnings

• Use cuticle oil to make cuticles more pliable. Warm olive oil can be substituted for cuticle oil. Apply after hands have soaked in warm water for a few minutes.
• If your nails are especially long, try picking things up with the pads of your fingertips instead of using your nails in order to prevent chipping or breaking.
• Do not cut cuticle skin. This can lead to infection and even thicker skin growing back to replace it.

Resources

• YGo Nailcare has great tips on nail care.

[kmwaters]

on 8/27/2008 Great tips! I'll incorporate those into my manicures too! I recently posted on my blog giving some additional tips:

http://buzz.prevention.com/community/kmwaters/782