Hands are undeniably every woman's calling card, and we all pay attention to them. Besides skincare treatments, exfoliation, and regular use of moisturizing creams, a beautiful manicure adds elegance and class. Therefore, it's important to have it polished and done correctly so you can enjoy flawless nails for as long as possible – even if you're not a fan of long-lasting gel polishes.
1. Preparing your nails
Before you begin painting, prepare your nails and shape them appropriately. It's best to use a glass file, which is very delicate and has smooth edges. Switching from metal or paper files to glass files reduces splitting and breakage. Avoid oiling your nails. Leave oiling for a moment after removing the nail polish to nourish the cuticles and nail plate and counteract the drying effects of acetone or nail polish remover. Otherwise, these substances can adversely affect the durability of the polish, causing it to chip more quickly than usual.
2. Steady hand
The most important rule when applying nail polish is hand stability. Place your entire hand, including your elbow, on the desk or table where you're preparing your manicure. This will prevent your cuticles from getting wet, prevent uneven nail polish distribution, and allow for easy correction of minor mistakes later. Applying nail polish on the fly doesn't contribute to the aesthetics, so it's worth setting aside a little more time for a thorough manicure.
3. The right amount of varnish on the brush and application
The most common mistake women make is applying too much polish to the brush, which causes it to splatter, creating layers that are too thick, and taking longer to dry. It's also difficult to control the distance from the cuticles, which can result in an unsightly manicure. Before applying each subsequent layer, carefully wipe off any excess on the neck of the bottle, ensuring a uniform, bubble-free surface with each brush stroke. This is also crucial if you're using gel polishes, as each subsequent layer must be perfectly set under a UV lamp.
4. Amendments
If you're still learning how to perfectly shape your cuticle polish, the first thing you need to do is prepare your nails properly. Before applying nail polish, whether classic or hybrid, don't wet your nails. You can easily tackle hard, dry cuticles with a suitable product that will soften them and allow you to push them back without damaging the nail matrix. When cuticles are not growing, it's much easier to create a beautiful manicure. Before applying nail polish, thoroughly degrease the nail plate. You can touch up any imperfections with a thin nail art brush.
5. Shiny top coat
The final step, often overlooked by fans of classic nail polishes, is applying a nail dryer or product that will seal all layers, add shine, and extend the life of the manicure. This finish makes the polish last longer, creates a shine that's deceptively similar to gel polish, and minimizes chipping. Currently, there are also matte polishes available on the market. These can transform even a classic cream color and give your nails a unique, eye-catching look.
Paulina Czuchaj has been running alteregoblog.pl for four years. Outside of online activities, she spends her time studying, reading, and strength training. She's a fan of long hair, natural skincare, and bold lips.
