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How I Make My Manicure Last

Posted 09/20/11 at 08:13AM by Rebekah George

Anyone who has ever put a coat of paint on their walls knows what a big difference it can make. The same is true of applying nail polish. My theory is that a weekly manicure pulls your look together -- and keeps your hands soft and your nails in good condition. Whether you're shelling out money for a professional job or you're a do-it-yourself kind of girl, you want it to last. Here are my tips for getting polish to stay in place for a full seven days.

Step 1: Clean the nail bed. Always wipe your nails with nail polish remover when you're finished filing. If there is any residue on your nails, it will keep polish from sticking and causing chips.
Step 2: Apply a base coat. This is a must because it works like double-stick tape and helps your polish stick. (Psst ... I've also found it keeps your nails from yellowing.)
Step 3: Go light. Paint two light coats of polish. Thicker coats chip more quickly, so you're better off going with a couple very thin layers.
Step 4: Paint the underside of your nails. Make sure to polish the very tip of your nails, angling the brush slightly underneath.
Step 5: Finish it off with a good top coat. This works like an outer shell to prevent chips and cracks.
Step 6: Keep nails hydrated. You don't need a fancy "nail hydrator" to keep your nails moisturized. Just use your regular moisturizer at night and rub it into your nails and cuticles. The drier your nails, the more likely they are to crack.

Now that you know how to keep your nail polish in place, what about learning about which colors are hot for fall? No matter where you live -- whether it's a warm climate or chilly New York City -- fall is a great time to switch up your polish and go with the trendier shades of the season.

This year, it's about rich, classic shades -- think your favorite brown or green leather bag. The "ladylike" look is also in style, so seek out pearly pinks and soft grays.

For some colder weather beauty tricks, click here.
And the survey says...
1-6 of 11 Comments

  • Posted by EricaC123 on 12/30/12 at 06:37am

    Thanks

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  • Posted by beautybody on 03/25/12 at 11:11pm

    I never knew to do step 4 before.

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  • Posted by powerwoman033 on 03/15/12 at 04:33pm

    Step 4 is my secret weapon! Being as nail polish usually chips at the tips, applying the polish to the very tip and up under the nail really extends your manicure!

    Report Abuse

  • Posted by kiley_marie on 11/22/11 at 09:21am

    haha i was just about to do my nails! thanks!

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  • Posted by cwolfe10 on 10/09/11 at 07:00pm

    Please remember to use a hand cream with sunscreen if you're getting the shellac manicures that are set with a UV light. UV light = sun like exposure to skin on your hands.

    Report Abuse

  • Posted by taryn.romero on 10/04/11 at 12:36pm

    I love the shellac manicures. It seems to last a lot longer than the regular and my polish hasn't chipped and it's been almost a month.

    Report Abuse

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