10 Best Tips to Make Your Nail Polish Last Longer

Manicure is a pleasant part of a woman’s life. With a manicure, a woman looks more well-groomed and confident. But in addition to knowing how to apply nail polish correctly, there are secrets that will extend the life of your nail polish.

Strengthening the nail plate

Manicurists have a separate item in their price list – strengthening the nail plate. This is a useful option for women with thin and brittle nails.

Acrylic powder is used for strengthening, which has the following advantages:

• You don't need to undergo training to learn how to use it.
• Available in any cosmetic store.
• The thickness of the acrylic powder layer is adjusted. There will be no additional volume on the nails that can spoil the appearance of the nails.
• Provides good adhesion to varnish due to its rough texture. This is an excellent property for keeping gel polish on.
• Hides cracks and imperfections of the nail plate.

You can also strengthen the nail plate with various masks and baths.

Before using them, you need to clean the surface of the nail and wash your hands thoroughly with soap.

• The most common way to strengthen the nail plate is to take a salt bath. To do this, mix salt (2 tbsp), iodine (1 tsp), essential oil (3 drops) and 200 ml of water.
• It is better to use sea salt, as it has medicinal properties. Place your hands in the prepared solution for half an hour, and then lubricate the skin of your hands with a cream with nourishing properties.
• Carry out this procedure every week to strengthen the nail plate.

You can make effective masks using oil - coconut, olive, chamomile, eucalyptus, sandalwood or lemon. Use tea tree oil, which additionally has a disinfecting and anti-inflammatory effect.

Mix a few drops of different oils and apply the mixture to the nail plate. Rub the oil mixture thoroughly with massage movements and leave overnight. To avoid staining your bed linen, wear cotton gloves. Do it for 7 days.

How to fix regular nail polish so that it lasts for a long time: tips and tricks

It is not enough to fix the surface correctly; during application and after it is necessary to adhere to a certain technology. There are several tips that require an integrated approach.

Strengthen

Of course, this is a long process. However, if the plates are soft and thin, not a single product, even an expensive one, will remain in its original form for more than 1-3 days. It’s elementary: bend the tip of the plate and the coating will fly off.

To strengthen the plates, use healing recipes for strengthening. Before treatment, clean the surface and rinse your hands thoroughly.

• Salt bath:

Mix 2 tbsp in a bowl. spoons of salt, 1 teaspoon of 5% iodine, 3 drops of essential oil, add warm water (200 ml). Sea salt can be replaced with table salt. It is not advisable to use bath salts with fragrances and dyes. Duration 20-30 minutes, then lubricate your hands with nourishing cream. Repeat once every 7-9 days.

• Massage with oils:

You can buy any oil. Olive, jojoba, coconut, chamomile, tea tree, eucalyptus, avocado, lemon, sandalwood, and ylang-ylang are most often recommended. To enhance the effect, choose 3-4 drops of your choice, 4-5 drops each.

Rub the resulting mixture into the nail plates and skin with massage movements for 5-8 minutes. Afterwards, put on cotton mittens to avoid staining your underwear. Carry out the procedure weekly at night.

Grind

The advice is related to the previous one. On a flat surface, without bumps or pits, the coating will last much longer and will look neater. Therefore, take a Teflon or diamond file designed for polishing the required hardness - and go ahead.

Just without fanaticism! Since the procedure has disadvantages: it can weaken and thin the surface, especially prone to delamination. Experts recommend sanding no more than once a month if necessary.

Degrease

Nourishing masks and oily solutions nourish the cuticle and promote cell renewal, but for cosmetic products they are the worst enemies.

For degreasing, both a special cleanser and an antiseptic gel or salicylic alcohol are suitable. As a last resort, treat with nail polish remover without acetone, wash your hands with soap and pat dry with a towel. Also make sure that no dust or dirt adheres to the plate.

Use the base

Do not apply decorative special coating immediately. A special base was created to hide the remaining irregularities and protect the plate from the harmful effects of the dye.

To achieve the best results, professionals advise buying products from one manufacturer. Choose a base that restores and strengthens damaged, weak horny plates.

Only thin layers

The thinner the layer, the more firmly it clings to the nail. Do not hurry! Dry the row properly.

The maximum number of layers is 2. Dry the first one for 15-20 minutes before applying the next layer. It will take from 12 hours to a day until it dries completely. During this period, it is not recommended to perform work that could damage the coating.

Wear gloves

How to fix regular nail polish so that it lasts a long time if you wash dishes and clean without gloves? Nothing! It may be inconvenient, but you have to pay for beauty with comfort. If you are bothered by the rubber smell that remains on your hands, wipe your skin with lemon juice after doing household chores.

It is recommended to wear thick rubber gloves with cotton lining. Household chemicals and hot water will cause enormous harm to the health of your nails and the beauty of your manicure.

Technology

Avoid getting the varnish on the cuticle, it lifts the paint and leads to chipping. It is not necessary to cut it, just carefully push it away with an orange stick using softening oil. Base oils for cuticles: burdock, castor, wheat germ, apricot, almond.

If the varnish smudges or chips during painting, under no circumstances apply another layer on top. This action will make the surface uneven and unsightly. First, you need to smooth out the damaged area with a cotton swab, after moistening it in liquid with acetone. Apply a layer over the top after drying.

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Experts advise applying the final stage the next day after the cosmetic procedure. This way the manicure will last longer.

The durability and quality of the manicure depend on the properties of the top coat, so you can’t skimp on it. You can change it to a colorless varnish, but the effect will be worse. To give the impression of a fresh manicure, apply sealer every 2-3 days.

Follow the operating instructions

It is important to understand that varnish is primarily a cosmetic material that requires proper use and storage. A few simple rules:

• store in a cool, dark place;
• do not shake the bottle, as the air bubbles that form will quickly render your favorite red unusable;
• To mix the contents, roll the bottle between your palms.

Choose quality raw materials

You should not expect a lasting effect from a cheap product as from a professional one. There is no need to purchase expensive luxury brands, but low-quality brands should be left on the store shelf.

When selecting, pay attention to the bottle; the presence of defects is unacceptable; the bottom must be stable and level to avoid tipping over. Choose a specimen with metal balls inside. They are designed to mix the contents evenly.

The image of a manicure depends more on the brush than on the composition. A low-quality brush will leave streaks and lumps. Villi of the same length should fit snugly. Disheveled pile indicates poor quality or expired.

The contents should not emit a strong odor of acetone. It is used in production, but the aroma must be weak and light.

If the substance thickens during use, but the color turns out to be your favorite and it will be difficult to say goodbye, you can dilute it with a drop of acetone-based liquid. But this is a signal to replace the bottle.

Dry cool

Drying a freshly painted layer near a radiator or under a hot hair dryer is a bad idea. Such actions will only bring the moment of the next painting closer. The best option is to dry it naturally. In a difficult situation, keep your hands in cold water.

Polishing the nail plate

On a flat nail plate that has no bumps or pits, you can keep your nail polish on much longer. Diamond or Teflon coated files are more effective.

Try not to sand the nail plate too much so as not to thin the surface.

If your nails are prone to splitting, try to polish only once a month.

Option five: nail oil

How to coat the varnish to improve the health of the nail plate? In this case, a special medicinal oil is suitable.

Surely all women know that polish can have a negative effect on the health of their nails. Situations often arise when the nails simply turn yellow or lose their usual shape. This may be due to poor quality coating. In order to heal and restore the nail plate, you need to use a special oil.

When the polish is completely dry, take a soft brush and cover each nail with it. After this, you need to wait about ten minutes and only then proceed with your business. The oil has the ability to penetrate the nail coating and act on the nail. At the same time, remember that you cannot apply this product before varnish. Otherwise, the coating may not lie as desired. You can purchase this remedy at any pharmacy chain or store specializing in nail services.

Degrease your nails before applying polish

If you need skin cell regeneration, then oil solutions and nourishing masks are a useful option. However, they negatively affect the durability of nail polish. Before manicure, treat the nail plate with a special liquid. If any residual oil remains on the nails, it will prevent the polish from adhering to the surface of the nail.

To degrease the nail plate, you can use the products you have at home. A nail cleaner can replace a regular antiseptic or salicylic alcohol. Also use nail polish remover without acetone. After using nail polish remover, you should thoroughly wash your hands with soap and then wipe with a paper towel. White wine vinegar is also used to degrease the nail plate.

Manicure with regular polish at home

Prepare your nail. Polish the plate and file the free edge. The movements of the nail file are at the free edge from the edge to the center. Shape all your nails, making sure they are the same. Treat the cuticle. Cut off hangnails and apply cream to the skin around the nail. Before the procedure, you can steam your hands in a bath with salt and oils

ATTENTION! Steamed, wet nails cannot be painted or filed: the varnish will not stick, and the nail will be injured by the file. There are many ways: you can push the skin away with a pusher, the smooth metal end of a nail file, or an orange stick

If necessary, trim the cuticle with scissors, a machine, or a special socket (they are usually done at the opposite end of the nail file). Degrease the nail with alcohol, nail polish remover, or an alcohol-based lint-free wipe. Apply base. If you don't have one, a clear varnish will do. It is needed so that the colored layer does not stain the nail itself. Many bases contain vitamins for nails; they can be found at the pharmacy. Spread one layer of color. It must be thin, otherwise there is a high probability that it will not dry out and will become covered with bubbles. Push back the cuticle and apply polish directly underneath. The outer end (if the length of the nail allows) also needs to be painted over so that the varnish film does not lag behind the edge. Secure the colored coating with a topcoat. It can be glossy or matte, strengthening, with a diamond shine (if there are none, then replace it with colorless varnish). The top will make the manicure matte or more shiny and protect against wear.

Applying base before and after

The base layer is very important in manicure, since it helps to preserve the manicure for a long time. Nail base is a special product that cares for the nail plate, strengthens it and evens it out.

The base coat enhances the adhesion of the polish to the nail, so that the polish on the nails lasts longer; you need to select a quality product. If you paint your nails with regular polish at home, it is better to also apply a base coat. Regular nail polish doesn't last long, but a base coat will prevent your nail tips from chipping. It is better to apply 2 layers of base at the end to preserve the manicure longer - up to several weeks.

How to maintain a manicure for a long time - the secrets of well-groomed women

To make your manicure look neat, long and beautiful, you need to know some secrets of applying varnish.

• If the varnish has thickened, it can be applied in one layer. If the polish has thickened so much that you can’t paint your nails evenly, pour a special liquid into it.
• Before painting your nails, shake the bottle of polish and warm it in your palms. This way it will become uniform and cover your nails evenly.
• Nails begin to be painted from the little finger. Place your fingers on a flat surface (palm should hang down). The light on the nails should fall from the left and from above.
• Dip the brush completely into the bottle of varnish. Afterwards, remove excess varnish by wiping one side of the brush on the edge of the bottle.
• Mentally divide the nail into 3 parts. Step back 1 part from the cuticle so as not to stain it. With confident and quick movements, sweep the brush from the middle of the nail to the tip. Paint the edges of the nail. If there is not enough varnish on the brush, dip it into a bottle of varnish.
• Paint the rest of your nails in the same way.
• Leave your painted nails to dry.

Getting the right manicure isn't all that difficult—you just need to devote enough time to it. A quick manicure is unlikely to turn out neat and long.

Take care of your nails and hands, and then your look will always be complete and stylish.

Don't use too much varnish

Most women believe that if you paint your nails in more layers, they will last longer. However, this is a misconception. After just a few hours, you may notice unevenness in the coating. This is due to the fact that a large amount of varnish does not dry completely.

If you want the polish to have a rich color on your nails, you don't have to apply too much product.

Stick to the layering technique. It is better to apply regular varnish in several thin layers of varnish. Before each of them, wait a few minutes so that the solvent contained in the varnish evaporates. Otherwise, not only will the coating be weak, but you may also damage the nail plate. The maximum number of layers allowed for durable coating is 2 layers.

Each layer of varnish must dry well

In the process of painting nails, the varnish is applied, as a rule, in two colored layers. At the same time, it is worth making sure that each of them dries well - this allows you to make the manicure as long as possible.

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In beauty salons, where specialists use special lamps to dry varnish, it is possible to apply layers one after another. This is impossible at home - you will have to spend much more time in order to get a decent result - the break between coating should be at least 10 minutes.

By the way, a properly made coating consists of four layers: a base, two colored ones, and a fixative (top). Only if the manicure was done according to this scheme will it be durable. By the way, coloring done with a more expensive base and top coat will last much longer on your nails - you should never skimp on these elements.

Proper drying of nails

Most women know a life hack on how to fix nail polish in cold water. However, this method only gives an illusion effect. Ice water changes the consistency of the varnish and causes rapid chipping. Not the best way to preserve the beauty of a manicure for a long time is to blow on your nails. By doing this, you dry only the top layer, while the lower ones remain liquid. If you blow on the varnish, drops of saliva may settle on it. After this, small bubbles may appear.

It is best to use special products so that the manicure lasts and pleases you for as long as possible. They contain substances that oxidize the varnish from the inside. The varnish needs to be dried in layers. The first layer needs to dry for about 15 minutes. Then apply the next one. The coating dries completely within 12-24 hours. To preserve your nail polish, for 24 hours after a manicure it is better to refrain from doing work that could damage the coating.

The coating needs to be updated regularly

A couple of days after manicure and nail coloring, you should renew your top coat. This ensures not only the durability of the coating, but also its glossy shine.

It is important to ensure that the top is fresh and sufficiently liquid. If it thickens even a little, then the varnish, on the contrary, will peel off faster, since the overall layer will be too thick. In addition, the applied thick varnish does not look very aesthetically pleasing, since it is distributed unevenly over the surface.

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Daily nail and cuticle care

Remember to take care of your nails and cuticles every day, especially after you've had your nails done. It is best to use nourishing creams for hands and nails. You can use oils that restore the skin. Jojoba, shea and almond oils have proven themselves to be ideal. You can also rub vitamins C and E into the nail and cuticle area, which are sold in pharmacies at affordable prices.

Rub creams and oils in for 2-3 minutes, using massage movements. Literally after the first procedure, dryness and irritation will disappear.

If you take care of your nails and cuticles, the polish will not chip.

Types of fixatives

There are a huge number of types of nail polish fixer. They all differ not only in composition, but also in form. Let's look at the most current features of the product that helps fix the coating with decor.

By composition

An integral material for working with manicure exists in several variations. At first glance, it may seem that all bottles with clear liquid are the same, but this is far from the case.

There are several types of fixative:

1. Classic option. Usually comes without a sticky layer, requires additional drying.
2. Thick fixative. It has a dense consistency and has an increased protective effect against chips, cracks, scratches and fading. Perfectly strengthens manicure and all nails in general.
3. Glossy finish. The product is not always transparent, and even a little cloudy. Creates a soft and pleasant gloss effect on nails.
4. Mattifying. Helps reduce the brightness of the coating and gives it a special and noble matte effect.
5. Fixative with biological additives. It contains natural ingredients that strengthen and heal the nail plate. Not suitable for extended nails.

By properties and form

Finish coatings also differ in properties:

• For regular varnishes. The product is suitable for treating nails that are painted with the most common varnishes. This coating lasts about 5-7 days.
• For fixing gel polishes. The gel polish top helps protect your manicure for 2-3 weeks. It must be dried in a lamp for 30 seconds to 3 minutes, like the entire gel polish system.

If we talk about the form of fixatives, there are several of them:

• glass bottle with brush;
• spray;
• liquid form with pipette.

An overview of the best nail polish fixers can be seen in the video.

The best manufacturers

For you, we have collected popular products that have been tested not only by time, but also by a huge number of nail art masters. What is the best way to choose a nail polish fixer?

Wearing gloves

If you clean the house without protective gloves, then no varnish fixatives will preserve the coating. To remove the rubber smell, wipe the area with lemon juice. Try to buy gloves that have a cotton lining inside.

It is important to wear gloves during the cold season. They will help protect the skin from dryness and the formation of hangnails.

Alternative option

When asked what to use to cover the varnish, many women would answer that nothing. As it turned out, many ladies are opponents of the final coating. They believe that the more layers on the nails, the faster the base color chips. That is why some women prefer to simply coat their nails with varnish and patiently dry it.

There are also ladies who simply do not know about such wonderful remedies that help their manicure last longer.

We fix

Manicurists believe that applying a top coat to the varnish allows you to preserve the beautiful result of the procedure. It should be applied at the end of the procedure, since painting your nails without applying top coat means doing a poor-quality manicure.

It is very important to choose only high-quality top coatings. Naturally, they are not cheap. Some women cover their nails with clear varnish instead of topcoat, but this shortens the life of the manicure. How to make it seem to others that you always have a fresh manicure? Apply top every 2-3 days.

The top coat contains the following substances:

• Nitrocellulose. It fixes the varnish and also prevents delamination of the nail plate and varnish;
• Synthetic components. They can add shine to the coating, or, on the contrary, make it matte;
• Elastic substances. Basically, it is silicone or rubber. It creates a protective film on the nails;
• Biological components. They help the product adhere to the nail plate;
• Vitamins and mineral components. They are necessary for healthy nails.

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When the second color layer has dried, you should apply a transparent varnish (or a special fixative), which will finally fix the entire manicure. It is recommended to apply an additional coat of clear coat every couple of days to prevent chipping and add shine.

Mavala top coat nail polish fixative

How to choose raw materials?

When choosing a varnish, consider your financial capabilities. You should not think that a cheap varnish can compare with a professional one. Choose mid-priced products.

• Inspect the bottle carefully. If there are defects on it or the bottom is not very stable, refuse such a purchase. An unstable bottom will lead to the constant capsizing of the bottle, and defects (chips, cracks) will shorten the shelf life of the product. Choose raw materials that have metal balls inside. It is necessary for uniform mixing of the product.
• Inspect the brush. It must be of high quality. It is better if the fibers are the same length and tightly packed. Then, when applying varnish, there will be no streaks or lumps on the nails. If the pile is disheveled, it means the varnish is stitched or of poor quality. A good varnish will not have the strong smell of acetone. When the varnish thickens, you can add a little acetone to it, but it is better to purchase a new bottle. If you dilute the varnish once, it will no longer be as bright and durable as it was immediately after purchase.
• Consider texture. Products with glitter and small sparkles stay on the nails much longer. The coverage will last for 7-10 days. Sand varnishes give the nail plate an interesting texture. They also last quite a long time. If you need coverage for 10-14 days, choose varnishes with a craquelure effect.
• Consider the shade. Pearlescent varnishes adhere well to nails and are a very versatile product. Manicure with mother-of-pearl is a daily option. When painting your nails with bright or dark shades, even the smallest scratches can be noticeable. Light colors do not show damage to the coating.

It is possible to extend the durability of your manicure. How long the varnish lasts is a question that depends on the raw materials and the quality of application. It is also important to properly care for your nails and cuticles. Try not to apply polish to your cuticles as this will cause chipping very early on. If you cannot paint your nails evenly and beautifully on your own, ask a friend or contact a manicurist.

The best manufacturers

Opinions about varnishes, of course, vary greatly. To the owner of healthy nails, almost any varnish seems excellent. But those who have loose and uneven nail plates are much less fortunate.

• IsaDora is a well-known Swedish brand that offers a very rich range of colors. The secret of a good manicure from IsaDora is not only the quick drying of the product, but also a special wide brush.
• The famous American manufacturer Orly offers varnishes, base coats, dryers, etc. The Orly nail polish collection contains products enriched with vitamins.
• The Polish brand Belweder produces many medicinal products. The company's varnishes not only decorate nails but also strengthen them. Belweder products are easier to find in pharmacies than in salons.
• OPI – according to statistics, accounts for half of all varnishes sold in the country. The secret is the huge variety. And this applies to color, texture, and cost.
• Among the gel polishes, VINYLUX from CND stands out. The product is offered as a “weekly” varnish, and, judging by the reviews on the forum, it really is a record holder for “longevity”.
• The company's main rival is the famous Revlon. The products of this company do not need advertising.

Manicure ideas

Say no to quick-drying varnishes

Of course, a polish that dries quickly is every woman’s dream. And some of these are even on sale. But manicurist Simcha Whitehill recommends not using such products. “If you really care about your nails, you won't use anything containing acetone on them, unless it's nail polish remover. This drug causes your nails to dry out and peel,” she says.

But there is the following life hack to understand whether the polish has already dried: cuticle oil. Apply it as a barrier to cover your nail. As soon as the oil is completely absorbed, the varnish is dry.