How to apply nail polish and make it last longer?

1. Remove old nail polish with nail polish remover. I prefer the acetone one, because it works faster.
2. Moisturize and push your cuticles.  I use cuticle pen with pusher. That is very portable, no mess, fits in you makeup purse and you can give yourself treatment anywhere you go. In case you do not have any cuticle care products you can use just simple olive oil.

For better results do it few times a week. If your cuticles dry really fast you can do it every day. 

I had experience to cut mine for a few years. And than more i did it, than faster cuticle grow and became more dry. I was tired from doing it and switch it to non-cut mani. It works 100% better, there is no way to bring infection and my nails looks so much healthier.

3.Make all you nails are the same length and shape. I like to use glass nail file for shaping my nails, it seems my nails brittle less after it.

4. Buffer all your nails. That is very important step because than smother you nail than better nail polish will stay on it. I like to use 7 way nail buffer. It take your nails from coarse to very smooth and polished  finish. It is color coordinated for easy step by step use.

You want to make sure that your nails have absolutely even surface and  do nor peel anywhere. That is the main reason of this step. Because if you will have brittle nail - that is will be the spot which will chips first.

5. Clean your nails with nail polish remover. Your nails produce natural oils which need to be removed for nail polish to stick and not peel later. 

6. Apply 1 thin layer of base coat . Lock your base coat by applying it from the tip of your nails to under your nails. This will create a "cover" over your edges and hence, delay it from chipping.

If your nails are weak and soft apply special nail hardener as base coat.

7. Apply thin layer of nail polish. Let it dry.   

What is important, then thinner layers of your polish then better it will stay in your nails. Thick layers tend to pill off faster.

 Here is the picture how to apply nail polish:  

original source of the pic http://www.makeupalley.com/account/vn.asp?u=faintlymacabre#cuticlegaptutorial

8. Apply another thin layer on nail polish. 

9. Apply a layer of top coat.

10. I like to use enamel dryer spray after all . The one from DeMert works great for me and it cost only 3 $  at Sally's for a big bottle. It smells surprisingly good and contain organic protein , mink oil and d-pantenol which conditions cuticles and nails. 

                                    

11. And last tip... Apply top coat every other day after you did your nails and every other week for your toe nails. 

P.S.  i have heard that if you will clean your nails with vinegar before the applying base coat it will helps your polish stay longer. Does anybody try it? Tell me how it works. 

Do you have your own tips for long stay manicure?  Share it with me! i am always ready for new experiments!