How to Make Your Mani Last (and Last)
by Glamour
No joke: We got a manicure from backstage nail guru Jin Soon Choi and it lasted three weeks. Here's how.
1. Skip the Soak
It feels nice, but letting hands sit in a bowl of soapy water can actually reduce the bond between your polish and nails. Instead, give nails a good wipe-down with a remover-soaked pad.
2. Prep the Surface
The newest base coats do more than fill in ridges and bumps; they make nail polish adhere better. We like Jin Soon Power Coat, $18, shop.glamour.com.
See more: 10 Wardrobe Essentials Every Woman Should Own
3. Finish With Gel
To lock in color and shine, paint your nails as you normally would, then finish with a gel topcoat. You'll get long-lasting gloss minus the time-consuming removal process of a salon gel manicure.
4. Seal the Edges
Don't skip this step--it's the key to getting polish to last. After applying a topcoat, run the brush along the tips to prevent chipping. Do an extra layer on thumbs and index fingernails, which tend to chip first.
See more: 13 Sneaky Habits That Can Cause Acne
5. Use Cuticle Oil
Keep a bottle (try Orly Argan Cuticle Oil Drops, $15, ulta.com) in your purse and apply it frequently to freshen up your mani. When your cuticles are moisturized, your nails look better, says Choi.
And that's it! Do you have any nail secrets? If so, spill!
More from Glamour:
25 Celebrity Hairstyles That Will Make You Want Bangs
10 Most Wearable Spring 2014 Fashion Trends
5 Things You Should Probably Not Say on a First Date
10 Beauty Tricks That Make Guys Melt