For diligent ladies who paint their nails at home, there’s nothing more frustrating than having dry and brittle nail polish or not being able to achieve a smooth and glossy nail finish like in the salon. In fact, just like other cosmetics, nail polish needs to be stored and used in a very specific way. Let us give you some tips on what to do and what not to do when painting your nails at home!
1. Dilute nail polish
Do not: Absolutely do not use nail polish remover to dilute your hardened nail polish. You may find this method to be temporarily effective. However, in the long run, this acetone-containing liquid is also the leading cause of color fading and deterioration of nail polish.
Do: Using a specialized diluent is the ideal solution in this case. However, don’t go overboard, 2-3 drops for one bottle of nail polish will suffice.
2. Storage and preservation
Do not: Avoid storing your nail polish bottles in the bathroom. Typically, each bottle has a lifespan of about 2 years. Therefore, do not let the unstable temperature and light in this damp place shorten their shelf life.
Do: The most suitable “home” for your nail arsenal is still a discreet and cool place like a drawer or a closed box on the dressing table, where minimal light is present.
3. Nail care before painting
Do not: In most nail salons, they often apply a layer of lotion or ask you to wash your hands before applying a new coat of polish. However, besides the extra softness it provides, this step is actually useless. Washing your hands will dilute or create bubbles on the fresh polish. Meanwhile, applying lotion creates a barrier that prevents the new nail polish from adhering well and easily flakes off in patches.
Do: After removing nail polish, wait for 3 minutes and then use a cotton pad soaked in nail polish remover to remove any residue, creating the perfect base for the next coat.
4. Keep nail polish bottles upright
Do not: Letting the nail polish bottle tilt is the first reason why the polish spills, dries up, and causes the cap to clog, making it difficult to open.
Do: You might think that your meager collection of nail polish doesn’t need to be stored carefully on a glass shelf like in a salon? You’re mistaken. At the very least, stand the nail polish bottle upright if you don’t want to ruin it too soon.
5. Apply a base coat
Do not: The base coat is more important than you think. It will provide the necessary nutrients, moisturize and enhance the smoothness of the new coat. Therefore, “forgetting” this magical layer is something you should never do!
Do: Of course, if you still have the habit of skipping this step, then add it immediately. And don’t forget to finish with a top coat to make your new manicure last longer!
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