How To : Keep Your Manicure Longer

Very few things are as frustrating as having your manicure chip a day or two after you've forked out money for it at the salon. After numerous impractical attempts to keep my hands away from anything remotely strenuous, I burrowed into the internet, did some experimenting and found tips that all together extend the life of my manicure even to the point where I do my own nails at home without fear of chipping.

Here are some easy tips:

1. Hair Spray & Cold Water : As soon as you get home, spray a little hair spray on your fingers and dunk them in a bowl of cold water for sixty seconds. This is said to seal the ends of the polish and prevent lifting, smudges and dings. 
   
2. Moisturize your Cuticles : Ever notice that when your cuticles are dry they tend to peel? Same thing will happen with your nail polish. So be sure to grab a few squirts of lotion during the day and rub into your cuticles. Before you bed you can use your favourite oil and gently rub it in.
3. Every two/three days apply a THIN clear coat on top of the polish to help seal it in further. Don't do this for more than a week though as it will just end up gooping up your manicure .                                               
4. Wear Gloves:  Let gloves be your best friends. Anytime you are using chemicals or immersing your hands in water longer than sixty seconds, wear gloves. Not only will you preserve your manicure but this will also help to keep your hands soft.
5. Make sure that your nail tech uses a good top coat. My personal favourite is Essie's No Chips Ahead top coat- my manicure can last up to 9 days with this thing! See my review on it here . Other favourites in the beauty community include Seche Vite and Sally Hansen.

That's it ladies! Let me know how it works out for you.

Till later,

*Jane