Yes, help!
I've never had a problem with chipping nail polish from at-home manicures--mine last about 7-9 days before I get the first chips along the edges. I use Sally Hansen Hard as Nails as a base and top coat and either OPI or Maybelline Express Finish for color.
Try OPI nail envy. It will last, try and get the shiney one not the matte.
Good Luck!
I get my manicures at a salon, and the most they've lasted is a week without chipping -- but usually more like 4 days. I bring my own stuff -- nailtique for base and top coat, and Clinique Tutu Pink (I think) which is a really nice soft pearly pink. For my toes I use Clinique Pinkini, a darker, rich pink.
I don't think the products or the manicurist are the problem -- my nails are very soft and split and break easily -- and I'm also a clutz. I've tried Sally Hansen and Nailtique works better. Maybe I'll try OPI next.
Hi, Real Girl! If you get your nails wrapped your maincure will last until it grows out, but that's hard on the nails. It's really the only way to make a manicure last for two weeks, though.
For natural nails, I like OPI Chip Skip which is textured like rubbing alcohol. Follow with Orly Rubberized base coat, and a thin coat or two of whatever color you want - brand doesn't matter. I use Orly Second Dry as a top coat because it prevents the smudgy problem and dries in a flash, but it gets thick and goopy. It still works: it's like plastic. Paint the top coat slightly over the top edge and under the nail and REAPPLY EVERY TWO DAYS. That's the only way to have a chance at a seven-day-natural-nail-at-home manicure.
The biggest trick? Soak your nails before polishing like they do in the salon. I don't know why this makes a difference, but it does. I can generally just blow the polish off my nails, but this really seems effective.
Wow! Clearly we've found a nail expert! Can't wait to try out everyone's great naildvice.
And also to make up more new words. Like nailcommendations. Nailggestions. Nailtips. Hey wait. Nail tips is how we got here in the first place!
xx
I bring my own stuff to the nail salon and I sometimes do my own nails too...
BY FAR, the best combo:
OPI Chip Skip (plain ol acetone nail polish applied with a qtip works too!) because it helps remove traces of oil that keep polish from gripping
Base coat of Stickey by Creative Nail Design (LOVE LOVE LOVE this stuff). It's realy sticky and polish adheres to it better than anything else.
2 coats of whatever OPI or ESSIE polish I am in the mood for (almost always sheers, lately OPI Sweetheart)
Top coat of Seche Vite Fast Dry Top Coat. Somehow, wondrously, this stuff penetrates all the layers and adheres amazingly well. It wears off, rather than chips off. I can keep decent looking nails for - check it out - 5 DAYS. More than ever before. New manicure record! Other than having acrylics on, this is by far the best combo I have ever tried. I wasn't a fan of the Revlon Always-On stuff, but this is my Holy Grail combo.
BTW - I meant AT LEAST 5 days.... sometimes longer...
So, Real Girl and all you do-it-yourself nailxperts, what's your secret? I can never get the polish evenly spread -- it's always too thick, or too thin, or streaky -- especially when I'm doing my right hand with my left.
So please, some tips on how to apply all these undercoats, coats, and top coats oneself. I must be doing something wrong!
Hmm. Maybe you've got too much polish on the brush? Maybe you're not waiting until each coat is dry? I think practice and trial and error might help most.
And by the way, an update for all on the Revlon Colorstay Always On (eh) Nail Enamel: My God it's hard to take off! Nail polish remover barely did the trick after rubbing at my nails over and over with a dripping cotton ball. I can't imagine that's good for your nails...
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