Want a perfect manicure? 10 tips to make your nail polish last longer

Have you ever left the nail salon with fresh fall nail art only to end up with chipped nails at the end of the day? If so, we understand your concern. Fortunately, there are many tips and tricks to make your nail polish last longer. All you need are a few changes to your beauty routine.

10 surefire ways to make your nail polish last longer

Before we jump into our list of tips for long-lasting nail polish, we need to answer the obvious question: how long does nail polish last without chipping? The truth is that it really depends. Since there are so many variables, it varies from person to person and manicure to manicure. Traditional varnishes can last a few days without being damaged. However, if you opt for extra strong formulas like gel polish, your manicure can look great for up to two weeks before chipping.

1. Wipe nails with vinegar

Did you know that wiping your bare nails with white vinegar helps remove excess oil and acts as a natural cleanser before a manicure? Treat each nail with vinegar using a cotton swab and let them air dry so you have a clean base. Then apply base coat, polish and top coat.

Also, if you don't want to use white vinegar, you can substitute isopropyl alcohol.

2. Don't put polish on your cuticles

Indeed, the paint on your skin is removed more quickly than that on your nails. If your polish is sealed between your skin and your nail, when the paint eventually peels off the cuticles, the polish on your nail will chip with it.

Mastering an error-free manicure is quite difficult. Try this trick for beautiful, smudge-free hands. Before applying your base coat, outline the perimeter of your nails with an oily balm, emphasizing the cuticles. The gel substance acts as a barrier between your skin and the nail, so if you smear some polish on your cuticles while you paint, it will rub off easily afterwards.

3. Push back your cuticles

When polish sticks to your cuticles, it's easy to peel it off and ruin your manicure. That said, gently pushing back the cuticles with a wooden stick or a cuticle pusher can help create enough space on the nails.

4. Use the right base coat to make your polish last longer

We all know it's what's on the inside that counts, right? While many are ready to blame polish or top coat for their manicure troubles, base coat is just as important, if not more so, and it's a step that many overlook completely. By using a tough, adherent base coat, you will dramatically extend the life and appearance of your nail art.

5. Use a tough topcoat

Topcoats do more than just provide shine. Buy a chip-resistant clear coat and it will prevent your color coat from fading over time. Even better, you can touch up the topcoat after a few days: the polish can start to wear off after a while, making the pigment vulnerable to scuffing. This is an important tip to keep your nails intact between two manicures.

6. Dry the nails in the fresh air

Speaking of which, you can speed up the drying time by using a fan or hair dryer. If you choose the latter, make sure it is set to cold. Indeed, the heat can cause the varnish to bubble, which facilitates its later flaking.

In addition, cold air acts faster and does not dry out the surrounding skin while heat can dry out the cuticle area. On the other hand, you spent a lot of time feeding her during the manicure.

7. Apply thin coats of polish

When it comes to making nail polish last, it's all about going back to basics – how it's applied matters. You can extend the life of your manicure by simply applying thin coats of polish. Indeed, thicker layers take longer to dry and the varnish flakes very easily.

8. Opt for short nails to make your nail polish last longer

Even though long nails hold a special place in our hearts, they can get in the way of a well-groomed manicure. Short fingernails don't tend to chip because they're less likely to be hit by objects (typing or cooking, for example).

9. Reapply the top coat every two or three days

It's easy to think that once you've applied the top coat, your manicure routine is done. However, if you really want your nails to look fresh from the salon, we recommend stepping up the maintenance. Be sure to reapply a top coat every few days for long-lasting results.

10. Hydrate after, not before

This is a common mistake. Many people tend to use cuticle oil before applying nail polish. When applying the latter, the nails must be clean, dry and oil-free. Therefore, you should use the oil or moisturizer after you have finished your manicure but not before.