How to Apply the Top Coat for a French Manicure

The finishing touch to a French manicure is a clear top coat. The top coat blends the nail coat and white tip together for a smooth appearance and shine. Top coat polish may be specifically formulated to give long-lasting shine and to help prevent the white tip polish from chipping.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Clear top coat polish
• Cotton swab
• Nail polish remover
• Nail drying spray (optional)

1. Allow the nail coat to dry for five minutes before applying a top coat to the nails.

2. Dip the nail brush into the top coat polish and dab off any excess on the neck of the bottle. The nail brush should have enough polish on it to apply an even coat without dripping.

3. Apply the top coat using downward strokes from the base of each nail to the tip. The first stroke should be down the middle of the nail, followed by one stroke on each side of the nail.

4. Remove any smudges from the skin along the sides of or underneath the nail by using a cotton swab dipped in nail polish remover.

5. Wait 10 to 15 minutes for the top coat to set. A nail drying spray can help nails dry faster and provide a glossier finish.

Tips & Warnings

• Get the smoothest top coat by applying enough polish in one stroke to cover the section of nail evenly without being too thick.
• Help your manicure last longer by applying a fresh top coat to nails every other day to clean, dry nails. Nails can also be "shined" by using a soft towel to remove any soap or lotion buildup.

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