What's the best way to apply nail polish so it will last?

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First soak your hands in some soapy water (or after a bath will work.) Then trim, file, and buff your nails. Then use a product to moisturize your cuticles - Sally Hansens is great. Then push back and trim your cuticles. Next wash hands very well with a nail brush (or an old toothbrush will work) to remove all oils. Dry them very well. Apply a thin base coat and take it over the tips of your nails. Then apply two thin coats of your favorite color. Make sure you roll and don't shake your color. Allow each coat to dry completely about 5-10 minutes depending on the brand. Make sure your polish is fresh and not thick on the brush. After applying the color finish with a top coat and again take it over the tips of your nails. Wait about five minutes and use Sally Hansens quick dry or baby oil over the tops.

My favorite brands are Sally for base and top coats and Revlon for color. They can last a year or even more if you keep the lid on tight and don't leave the brush out for too long at a time. I've found that the Quick Dry type don't last as long, if you are really worried about longevity. Just throw it out when it looks thick on the brush - you can try adding nail polish remover but it'll never be the same, it looses its luster. Good luck....Show more

What's the best way to apply nail polish so it will last?
Apply base coat, then 2 coats of color, then top coat. Let the polish dry completely between coats
What brands are best? Max Factor, Revlon, Avon
How long does polish last in the bottle? 1 1/2 years
I've had trouble with polish that looks okay when I apply it, but after a few hours it has small bumps in it.
This is because you are not letting it dry between coats or you are putting it on too thick and it is not dry under the surface...Show more

Best Clear Nail Polish...Show more

Make sure you nails are clean and dry. Then apply a base coat, let it dry, roll the bottle of polish in your hands, don't shake it. Then apply 1 coat, let it dry then apply a 2nd coat, let it dry. I would apply a no chip top coat or a quick drying top coat. Also make sure you paint the tip of the nail, this will help the polish wear better.
I wear OPI, China Glaze and Creative nail colors. Polish should last you about 1 year. The bumps could have been air bubbles. Make sure when you apply the polish you're not putting it on too thick, that will cause issues as well....Show more

before you begin, make sure your nails are clean and dry. they should be free of all oils and residue. i wipe mine with a little alcohol on a cotton ball.

then, apply a base coat. make sure the bottle says base coat. use a thin layer.

follow with 2 coats of your color. make sure the layers are thin but even.

allow to completely dry, then apply 1 coat of top coat.

some better brands that i've noticed last longer are opi, nicole, sally hansen, mary kay, and avon. some of the cheaper ones peel off. but an important thing to know is that polish will never last as long on natural nails as it does on artificial nails. this is because your nails will secrete oils and moisture that eventually loosens the polish.

if you are getting bubbles on the nail surface, then maybe the layers are applied too thick, the polish is old, or the nails got too hot while waiting to dry. try buying a nail dryer to use at home. you can get the little blower type, or a spray on or brush on. also if your polish starts to get thick or clumpy you need to throw it out. keep it stored in a cool dry place. in summertime if it gets really hot in the house it can affect the polish. i have bottles that have been around for several years and they still work fine, but when one does go bad i just toss it and buy a new one.

good luck!...Show more