The Top Coat Rule To Follow To Prevent Your Nail Polish From Lifting
Is there anything quite as frustrating as spending so much time on getting the perfect manicure, only for it to start peeling and lifting the next day? Obviously, manicures aren't meant to last forever, especially if you are using regular nail polish, which won't go past a week. However, that doesn't make it any less irritating to see your perfect nails ruined after only a few hours. For those who work often with their hands or do any type of household chores like washing dishes, chipped nail polish is just something you get used to. Thankfully, products like top coat can help extend the life of your manicure by a few days. But like any beauty product, there's a right and wrong way to apply a top coat.
Nail polish can be a tricky situation to deal with, especially with regular polish. Gel nail polish tends to have an extra stay to them, but they all still require the help of a top coat. If applied incorrectly, it can be the source of your lifted and chipped polish. No matter how many layers of top coat you apply, the incorrect application will cause your nail polish to lift every time. To prevent your top coat from ruining your nails, you'll need to cover the polish, and only the polish, for the best coverage.
Avoid applying top coat on the cuticles
Whenever it comes to the health and appearance of your nails, you want to focus on the cuticles. As underestimated as they are, the cuticles are where you can find the answer to most of your nail issues. When applying top coat, you want to avoid covering the cuticles, if you want a long-lasting manicure. Orly Beauty recommends using quick and small strokes when applying the top coat, to avoid it from covering the cuticles. While we are all used to covering the entire nail with a top coat, applying it on the cuticle allows the nail polish to lift at the slightest chance.
Just like the top coat, you want to avoid applying the base coat on your cuticles. The problem with applying the product over your cuticles is that it will easily open up the area, causing the polish to flake off more easily. The same can happen with your nail edges, meaning it's best to cap the edge of your nail with top coat to make sure your polish is firmly sealed.
Getting long-lasting nails with top coat
To get the maximum time out of your manicure, you need to do more than just apply a top coat to your nails. Before you begin, apply a layer of base coat to give the nail polish something to stick onto. Sandwiching your nail polish between a base and top coat will give it the best chance of protection. Before applying any polish, buff out and shape your nails. Buffing out your nails will give them more texture and grip, making it easier for your nail products to stick. Shape your nail carefully and thoroughly to avoid any hangnails. Having a sharp nail edge or hangnail can make it easier for it to get caught onto something and therefore break your nail.
Taking care of your cuticles is also essential if you want nails that will take well to the polish. Regularly applying cuticle oil to dry hands ensures that they remain hydrated, clean, and healthy. The healthier your nail grows, the less fragile it will be and the less likely it is that you will have nails that break all the time. If you're a fan of gel manicures, a nail strengthener can also help to give your nails some extra help in a matter of days.