I think I've finally overcome the infamous nail polish chipping. I've tried what seems like 100 different base coats and top coats all finding that they suck, pretty much. So I changed my method of manicuring. I normally would throw on a fast dry top coat just thinking of convenience since I paint my nails every two days or so but one night I actually did my polish leisurely and found the results to be fantastic!
First things first, make sure you have a couple hours to spare pampering yourself. When I take the time to make sure my polish will stay, I want to make sure I have the time to let that happen. Grab a good magazine or some books, stock up on shows and get your butt planted on your couch ready to veg.
You'll want to make sure your nails are prepped and ready to have the polish adhere. I like to remove all polish then soak in warm suddsy water with a hint of lavender oil to give my cuticles a little love. File the ends to your desired length (shorter is better in my book!) and buff out to remove any imperfections.
To apply your polish you'll start by placing a single thin coat of base coat. Let this dry completely! Next, add a thin layer of your polish of choice (Sinful Colors // Endless Blue is my favorite lately), again letting this dry completely before applying a second coat. Repeat. Lastly you'll top your dried nails with a top coat making sure it's a thin layer here too. I'm sure you can tell now but the most important thing about this process is to make sure each layer is 100% dried before applying the next. Slowly painting is your best friend here. The slower and thinner the coats are, the longer it will last.
Pretty simple, right? My nails normally chip within 12 hours of painting them because I'm so hard on them and they lasted me 6 days without chipping when I did this! Totally worth a night of indulging on the couch if you ask me.
shop my polish shown:
When I take the time to do this, mine lasts longer as well. I usually go the fast route though, since I like to change my polish a few days a week anyway.
ReplyDeleteIt's usually when I do a nude, white, or pale pink (basically, neutrals) that I take my time so I can wear it all week.
Sounds like a perfect afternoon!!!
ReplyDeleteHave you tried Seche Vite top coat by chance? It's fast drying, but also very durable. When I was a manicurist I swore by it, and still do. I use that, and Orly's Bonder (base coat) + 2 coats of my favorite color.
The biggest thing to get me is water - washing dishes/pans etc really takes a tole on your nails.
Also swiping your nails w/ rubbing alcohol or polish remover before starting to rid it of oils is a great base too (before base coat).
I love the tip of wait for each one to dry - SUCH a good thing when watching a movie!!! :)
PS as much of a pain as they are, rubber glove are a girl's manicure's best friend :)
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! I can't remember the last time I leisurely did anything beauty-related. :) My tip, though, is not to get nails or cuticles wet at all, I use rubbing alcohol on my nails before applying polish, it removes the natural oils that occur in the nail, which tends to make polish come off quicker. Apparently I have really oily nails (?!?!). So weird. Removing the oil from the surface of the nail with alcohol has totally changed how my polish stays. Even when I try to "relax", I always end up getting up to do stuff. I suck at relaxing. :) (Hmmm maybe I should work on that).
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Gayle | Grace for Gayle
you should see my thumb nail from last nite's paint job. i just don't have the patience and half of the polish is gone already while the rest look good. at least it's a light color!
ReplyDeletegoing to try these tips next time, especially planting my butt on the couch and vegging.
I am the worst at waiting until the last minute to do my nails & then messing them up. Definitely need to work on giving myself more time! Thanks for sharing this. Just ordered the 3 way glaze ;)
ReplyDeletexx | Jess
{ http://jmariesharp.blogspot.com }
This is totally the best way to paint your nails!
ReplyDeleteMeghan Silva's Blog
I have been using Essie No Chips Ahead & I absolutely love it!! Its perfect!
ReplyDeletexxS
i always make sure i have lots of time when i'm doing my nails. i'll either watch tv/movie while i'm waiting for them to dry or i'll do stuff on the computer (being careful with typing). i also find that if i do the topcoat the next day (so that my nails are definitely fully dry) that helps too. julep has an awesome topcoat that is almost like a gel that i think lasts really well. i also looooove seche vite. i'm a big nail girl too, as you can tell haha :)
ReplyDelete-- jackiejade.blogspot.com
-- please vote! shoe styling contest