Step one: File. Make sure to start with dry nails and file in one direction. Filing nails in two different directions can weaken them.
Step two: Apply your favourite hand moisturizer and then soak your nails in soapy water. I do one hand at a time so I can sip wine and browse instagram. Obviously! ;)
Step three: Push your cuticles back. I ended up using my nail file, but if you have a cuticle tool, then use that. However, my method worked just as well!
Step four: Use a quick dab of nail polish remover to remove any excess oils. This will help the polish last longer.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsukyCsnuHNjI9TMZ6KJlFn0njs_r0oWiF46OVI6CRrij1gAjZvc2DqHiHpdWp3oJzkM8oCK9mQlbClhyC8SbPAf-heU-8EUcEw-Lec6DUM9QvFjgyWGmrMEyR3tNpcuZq4quFkpo9oaY/s650/manicureimage3.jpg)
Step five: Brush on two even coats of polish, but not too thick. Quick tip? I love using metallic colours because I find they are much less prone to chipping.
Step six: Last step, apply your top coat. This will extend your polish for days. To help improve the lifespan of my manicure, I also avoid long baths for 24 hours. Keep your hands dry, as it allows the polish to set. Lastly, I apply a second top coat the next day!
If you have any tips of your own, please share! I'm determined to keep perfecting my skills! xo
Products Used:
Nail polish: Sally Hansen, Diamond Strength in Champagne Toast
Top coat: Revlon, No Chip Top Coat
Hand cream: L'Occitane Hand Creams
Hand soak: Philosophy, Amazing Grace Bath/Shower Gel
I've actually nearly given up on painting my nails because it annoys me so much when they chip in only a few hours! I an definitely going to your tips out! My nail polish collection will be thanking you!
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you mean!! I stopped painting my nails for the very same reason!! So this manicure has come as such a relief. I now to tend to re-paint only once a week! xoxo
DeleteMe too. I've been painting only my toenails for years because I get to frustrated with chips by the next day. Now my nails only get painted for special occasions.
Deletethis looks so professional! i have never heard of adding a second coat of topcoat but it makes total sense :) thanks for the great tips.
ReplyDeleteThese are great tips! I get so frustrated with my manicures that I usually just end up with gels, but I'll definitely try these tips next time I do them myself :)
ReplyDeleteNice step-by-step breakdown. :-)
ReplyDeleteMy DIY manis usually start chipping around the 5/6 day mark, but by then I'm secretly glad for the excuse to change the colour. Is that weird?
Haha, no not at all. 5-6 days is a totally decent time frame to start craving a new colour!! I'm already dreaming of a light lavender next!! <3
DeleteDearest Veronika...how I wish I could make a polish application last for a whole seven days!! Actually, on my toes it's no problem (they usually look great for about three weeks!) but I think - because of my job - that I just wash my hands waaay too often for any polish tricks to work!! I've resigned myself to going "Carrie Bradshaw"...short and bare!!
ReplyDeletewww.StyleIsMyPudding.com
I love that you chose such a neutral colour. When I do wear nailpolish, I'm all about the neutrals. Unfortunately, working in food and coffee, I simply cannot have finger nail polish. I'll have to dress up my toes!
ReplyDeletewww.thecommoncreative.blogspot.com
It's crazy how much my nails chip. Granted I would not advise anyone to clean the house without gloves 24hs after your manicure, either. But I'm definitely trying this out.
ReplyDeleteDo you think adding the base coat would help even more or do you consider it not important?
Great blog, always a great read :)
A base coat would definitley help the polish adhere better and it also prevents the nail bed from yellowing. I'm hoping to try it next!! xo
DeleteYou did such an amazing job! I love the addition of doing one hand at a time to sip wine and browse Instagram haha! I want to start cutting back on manicure costs so these tips are perfectly timed haha x E
ReplyDeletehttp://www.elizabethvictoriaclark.com/
You are so good! I get a gel manicure every two weeks because I just can't do my own good enough!
ReplyDeletexo Amy
www.urbanfrill.com
gorgeous! love your tips! i just started using the x factor sephora line and full system with cleanser and top coat and it has been working wonders as well. i always love to soak my hands too!
ReplyDeleteladies in navy
this is a pretty nail polish color..love it so much!! and thanks for your nail tips!!
ReplyDeletexo josephine
www.joselovincolors.com
Such a pretty color! Seriously in love with your blog.
ReplyDeleteWhat camera do you use?
I'm a new reader and I absolutely love your blog! :)
ReplyDeletewww.faithfullymarissa.blogspot.com