5 Top Tips to Make Your Nail Polish Last Longer

How To Make Nail Polish Last Longer

There are some fab long-lasting gel polishes on the market. However, if you love a standard nail polish but hate the chipping, you can still make it last longer. It’s all in the application and aftercare.

1. Prepare Your Nails Properly

Clean nails means better adherence of nail polish and a chip-free finish. Grab a cotton pad and use some acetone-free nail polish remover to remove any leftover polish or oils from the nail.

2. Push Your Cuticles Back, File, and Buff

Nail polish always lifting after a couple of days? Overgrown cuticles might be the cause. To make nail polish last longer, push your cuticles back. This will give you more nail space to paint on and a tidier finish.

Now file and buff your nails. Filing your nails will give you a better result than painting ragged nails of different lengths. Think of buffing like sanding a surface before you paint it. It buffs away any roughness that will prevent you from achieving a smooth result.

3. Time For Your Base Coat

You probably know that a good base coat like OPI Nail Polish Base Coat protects your nails. Well it also helps your nail polish last longer by giving it something to adhere to.

Apply a thin layer of base coat in three strokes, starting with one down the centre and one on either side of the nail.

4. Now For Your Nail Polish

Once your base coat is dry, it’s time to apply your nail polish. Just like you did with the base coat, apply it in three thin, even strokes. Thin layers are less likely to lift or chip. Don’t forget to paint the free edge of the nail to ‘seal’ in the manicure and make it lost longer. Wait until the polish is dry then apply a thin second coat.

5. Remember the Top Coat

Don’t be tempted to skip this step if you want to make nail polish last longer. Fed up of your polish peeling or looking dull after a few days? Invest in a top coat like OPI Infinite Shine Gloss Top Coat. Apply a thin layer for high-definition shine and a chip-free manicure.

You know the golden rule too: don’t be tempted to fish in your handbag or do anything until your nails are completely dry.

Make Nail Polish Last Longer-Do’s and Don’ts

DO:

Do apply cuticle oil to nourish your nails and use a good hand cream. Healthier nails mean longer lasting manicures that don’t flake and chip.

Do file away any areas that have chipped near the free edge of your nails. Add another layer of top coat to smooth things over.

DON’T:

Expose your nails to water. This means wearing gloves when you wash the dishes! Moisture makes your nails expand and once your nails have returned to normal, your nail polish can chip.

Use cleaning products without protecting your hands. Wear gloves if you’re using chemicals to protect your skin and nails. Chemicals in cleaning products are not only bad for skin, they can cause your nail polish to chip and crack.

Don’t apply your nail polish in thick layers. If you want to make nail polish last longer, thin coats are the name of the game. Thick coats are more likely to smudge and chip.

Want to Up Your Manicure Game?

Find base coats, top coats, long-lasting nail polishes, and everything you need for the perfect manicure in our range.

Hello, chip and smudge-free nails!