Nail polish has got to be every girl’s favourite accessory. You can apply nail polish in literally every colour available. You can go matte or glittery, the choice is yours. And the best part is you can change your nail polish every day, as long as you have the time and patience to do so. But before you go for a nail polish binge, here are a few things you need to know about nail polishes and how to keep that lovely paint job last.
Prepare your nails before a paint job
As a first rule before applying nail polish, always clean your nails. Dust, oil, or leftover polish will prevent the new nail polish from sticking, says an expert from Gloss & Co. So when cleaning your nails, make sure to get every nook and cranny as clean as possible. You can also swipe your nails with cotton balls soaked in nail polish remover to remove any stubborn oil or lotion residue. Pure acetone polish remover can get rid of residue faster but it can also be too drying so you might want to consider a non-acetone remover.
Always use a base coat and a top coat
To make your nail polish last, don’t forget to sue a base coat and a top coat. Studies show that a base coat adheres better to nails than nail polish, a base coat will serve as your foundation so your nail polish has something to latch onto. A top coat is just as important as your base coat. Use slow-setting top coats once your manicure is on. Don’t use quick dry top coats as these do not give the same protection. Slow-setting topcoats give your manicure a harder finish, thus providing more protection.
Paint in three strokes
Painting your nails can be a messy thing if not done right. Nail experts advise to always use three narrow, even strokes. Start in the middle and then followed by strokes on each side. Wait for two minutes before applying that second coat. Another important thing to remember is to apply in thin layers. Thicker nail polish applied has the tendency to peel faster.
Always use a non-toxic polish
A toxic free nail polish is labelled as free of formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP). Exposure to these three ingredients for a long period of time poses as a serious health risk. Always check the label and ingredients before buying nail polish. It’s always better safe than sorry.
