How to apply nail polish in 5 steps and some useful tricks - part II

{In the first part Here, I showed you the steps I use to apply nail polish, and now I will share some useful tricks and tips for an almost perfect manicure}

Many people are under the impression that a manicure is limited to a layer of nail polish applied in a hurry and their nails will look like after a visit to the salon. The reality, however, is different and if you'd like your nail polish to not only look better, but also be more long lasting, here are some tips that will help (remember that nothing good is done quickly, without patience and without a smidgen of interest):

1. The first thing that comes to my mind is related to the quality of the polish. Do not expect a cheap, no name, nail polish from an obscure kiosk to be opaque, easy to use and durable (not to mention how harmful it can be for your health). Of course, an expensive nail polish will not guarantee it will last longer, it's all about trying polishes till you find something that works for you and also there are polishes from the same brand that have differences in quality (BUT a nail polish from a well known brand is less harmful for your health, because these companies are subject to laws, regulations, restrictions and are required to write the ingredients – remember the case of the "Toxic Trio" consisting of Formaldehyde, Dibutyl Phthalate or DBP and Toluene - I know that O.P.I. completely eliminated these toxins, this is why I prefer this brand, the base coat from Revlon does not contain these substances, other companies I do not know, you need to investigate, you need and should read the ingredients list).

2. Before applying the base coat, I recommend you take a cotton pad and pour a little acetone on it and gently swipe all your nails. This will remove possible traces of grease, which can ruin the final appearance of the polish.

3. Never shake the nail polish bottle, because this might incorporate air into the varnish and tiny air bubbles can appear when the polish dries on your nails. Try to twist the nail polish bottle between your hands, so the polish gets mixed, but it also warms up enough to be more easier to work with.

Not like this!

Like this!

4. If the nail polish becomes too thick, don’t use acetone to dilute it. There is a special solution called "thinner", that will not destroy your polish afterwards.

5. If your nail polish is not opaque enough, it’s better to apply three thin layers of nail polish than one or two thick ones. This way they’ll dry quicker and without bubbles forming under the polish.

6. When applying the layers, especially the top coat, try not to press the brush too hard on the nail. This way, you’ll avoid streaks left by the brush and your nail polish will look more even.

7. Also, I apply my nail polish in a certain way to avoid passing too much with the brush on the nail and to avoid ruining the layers or the designs. How I apply nail polish:

    a) I remove the brush from the bottle and wipe only one side of the brush. Then place the brush at a bit of a distance from the cuticle.
    b) Carefully push the brush up close to the cuticle, without touching it.
    c) Then move the brush down, towards the tip of the nail.
    d) Repeat the previous steps, only this time, move the brush to the edge of the nail with a slightly curved motion.
    e) Do the same on the other side of the nail.
    f) At the end, I pass one more time trough the middle of the nail and done.

8. When applying the final coat of nail polish and then the top coat, with what I have left on the brush, I pass on the very tip (edge of the tip) of the nail and this will help seal the nail polish.

 9. To use your non-dominant hand, it’s easier to move your dominant hand as needed, than to drag the brush in all directions with your non-dominant hand.

See how I’m moving my right hand (the one that is painted on)

to make as few moves (mistakes) as possible

with my left hand (the one that holds the brush)

10. After I finish and after the top coat dried, I go and wash my hands gently with soap and cold water and let the cold water run over each nail. This way, you further harden your polish and remove that sticky film that some top coats can have.

11. If you use a nail polish corrector pen and you notice that it no longer does the job or the tip is dirty, don’t throw it away. There are individual backups for the tips, and under the place where these tips are inserted, there is a space that can be filled with acetone, if it dried out, or  you can soak the tip directly in acetone and use the pen like that.

12. And most importantly, DO NOT use your nails as tools!!! Do not open objects with them, do not scratch different things with them, do not force them in any way (I used to peal oranges with them) and so on. Just NO!

These are a few things that some may know and maybe are not sharing, so now you know too.

Make time for yourself, pamper yourself, take care of yourself, relax, and you will be able to resume your daily activities with a different outlook on life, with more energy, more joy and more confidence in yourself.

We are all special, we all deserve to enjoy life, just that sometimes in the chaos of our daily responsibilities we forget to love ourselves. And what greater evidence of self-esteem is there if not to love yourself just the way you are, with everything that makes you unique?!

So, I wish you love ... you know which I mean! :)

See you next time!