How to Apply Nail Polish so it Will Last a Long Time

Nail polish has a tendency to crack and chip, but there are ways to prevent to keep your nails looking freshly polished for several weeks. Items you need to purchase are a nail file and buffer, base coat polish, and top coat polish. You can get the file and buffer at the dollar store. The base coat and top coat polishes don't have to be a particular brand and you can find these at stores like Rite-Aid or Wal-Mart.

First, use the nail file to shape your nails. If you buy a filer with multiple sides you can get a very smooth edge that will keep your nails strong. Shaping them like a square will also strengthen them and keep them from breaking easily.

Next, buff your nails by running the buffer in circular motions over the entire nail. Some buffers have smooth sides that will make your nails shine as if they have polish on them. Use these multiple-sided buffers for the best results.

After you have filed and buffed your nails, wash your hands with soap and warm water to remove the filings. You want a clean surface to start painting. Dry your hands thoroughly and prepare to paint.

Apply one layer of the base coat and let it dry. Base coat dries quickly and as soon as it dries, apply another layer. Wait until this is completely dry before applying your color.

When you apply the color, be sure to apply one thin layer at a time. By painting your nails like this, you have a better control over the paint and where it ends up. After your first thin layer is dry, continue painting another thin layer. Once the second layer is dry, then paint a third thin layer. By this point, the color should appear rich on your nails. Give your nails plenty of time to dry without touching anything.

The top coat is applied last. It adds shine and protection to your nail color. It helps to keep your nail polish from chipping away and adds a professional touch to your at-home manicure. Allow the top coat to completely dry before you use your nails. Now sit back and admire your beautiful "handy" work.

If you accidentally mess up and paint your skin, use a cotton swab to remove the paint. Dip the cotton swab in nail polish remover and gently rub your skin. Be careful not to touch your nails with the remover or you may have to re-paint your entire nail.

If you mess up a nail, wait until the rest of your nails are completely dry before repairing the damage. Remove all the nail polish layers from the messed up nail, and start over by applying the base coat, the three layers of color, and the top coat. No one will ever know the difference.

Fingernails that are polished with this technique will stay new looking for up to two weeks. If your color polish starts to look dull but hasn't chipped yet is probably from the top coat wearing off. Just add another layer of top coat and you're good to go. Toenails painted in this way can last up to a month. Usually, toenails need to be re-painted because they grow. Toenail polish doesn't chip the way fingernail polish does because you use your fingers more than your toes.

Use this guide as the only guide for painting your nails as it follows a basic professional routine to getting beautifully painted nails. Once you've finished, you're going to love the way your nails look and how beautiful you feel.