Tips on How To Keep Your Nail Polish Manicure Lasting Longer

I always feel good when my nails are painted with pretty shades. I'm someone who doesn't have Gel nails done anymore. I used to find the procedure damaged my nails profusely, so I opt for nail polish whenever I want my nails to look pretty. I know nail polish brings with it's negative views -

"It chips after a few hours"

"It takes too long to apply"

"I have to reapply after a couple of days"

Listen, I've been there, and I got the T-shirt...It is frustrating when the nail polish you've so meticulously applied chips after a couple of days. Over the years I've been using nail polish, I've learned some valuable tips for making my nail polish last longer between coats.

It doesn't matter what brand of nail polish you use; these tips I've found to be effective no matter what:

1) Remove excess oil or dirt from nails

Nail polish will not adhere to nails that have any dirt on them. I clean them with nail polish remover before applying as it degreases them and gives me a clean nail surface to work with. There is a misconception that you need to apply a hand cream or lotion before doing a manicure - please don't! This can effectively allow your nail polish to simply slide off and chip after a matter of days, maybe even hours! I'm all for moisturising hands and using hand cream daily, but please wait until after the manicure before using it. 

2) File and buff your nails 

Something I wished I had started doing years ago. Filing, shaping, buffing and polishing as well as cleaning them, really helps your manicure to stay chip-free, but it also allows the nail polish to glide on effortlessly. Filing your nails is key, as uneven nail shapes can make nail polish chip more quickly. Take the time to cut your nails with nail scissors or clippers (whatever your preference) and file them to an even shape for nail polish to be applied to. Buffing your nails is a must because it smooths out your nails, which results in a smoother nail surface. I use this *ColourBurst 4 Way Nail Buffing Block to do this.

3) Always apply a base coat

A base coat is a necessity when painting your nails. Not only does it help the manicure stay chip-free for longer, but it also prevents the discolouration of the natural nail. Applying a clear base coat allows the polish to grip your nails, so it's definitely worth doing. 

4) Push the cuticles back

I find this step very satisfying; let's be honest. Before you file, buff, shape and polish your nails, soak your fingers in some water - this makes the cuticles easier to push back and cut. There are simple cuticle tools to buy and use to complete this step, *like this set from Amazon. If your nail polish dries on the cuticles, it will lift and drag the rest of your nail polish off with it. So please push the cuticles back before even applying the base coat! Another key area relating to cuticles is the use of cuticle oil. Applying a cuticle oil is key for keeping your cuticles healthy and keeping your manicure fresh for longer. I use this one from *Rimmel and it works a treat!

5) Apply thin coats of polish

Something I have been guilty of doing in the past is applying thick coats of polish. I believed that thin coats would chip more easily - how wrong was I?! Thick coats of nail polish don't completely dry on the bottom, allowing the increased risk of smudges, bubbles and creases. The key is to apply a thin coat, then once that's dry, apply another thin coat.

6) Make sure you apply a top coat

Applying a clear top coat allows the manicure to be sealed and decreases the risk of chipping. One coat of that should be fine. After about 2-3 days, apply another thin top coat to keep the manicure fresh and chip-free for longer. Nail chipping always starts at the nail tips, so sealing them with a top coat is always a good idea. 

7) Wear gloves when washing up

Soaking your nails when washing up your plates increases the risk of chipping. Invest in a pair of marigolds or any other rubber gloves to decrease the risk of chipping while doing the dishes. 

These are my go-to tips for keeping my nail polish manicure lasting longer!

People may not reach for the nail polish after reading this post. However, it's good to know that if you need to, these tips for getting the most out of your nail polish can help it remain chip-free for longer.  

Let me know your thoughts on this!

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