Get A Shellac-like Manicure at Home!

Ever wondered if there was any way you could do your at-home manicure differently so it wouldn't chip as fast? All the time I am trying to come up with a new way or find a new topcoat that will seal in my freshly done mani for longer than 10 days. It wasn't until recently that I found myself doing my nails a little different than normal and started seeing a difference in how long my polish would last without chipping. With a few extra coats of topcoat and some simple tips you can increase the longevity of your manicure for 10+ days!

Of corse, I have only tried this method with the products I normally use myself and have not tried it using any other brand of basecoat/topcoat, so your own results might turn out a little different to mine. To start off, I will list the products that I would normally use on my nails below:

• Primer/Dehydrator (Acetone nail varnish remover will do the same job)
• Essence 24/7 base coat
• Sally Hansen Super Shine top coat
• Any nail varnish colour of your choice (mine is Essence Pink & Proud)

To prep the nails for a longer lasting manicure I always remove any residue of polish/dirt from the nails first. My next step is then to begin filing and buffing the nail into desired shape and then finish off by pushing back any unwanted cuticle I have. After I have done these few steps I like to wash my hands thoroughly and then apply my favourite hand cream/moisturiser and leave to dry for a few minutes.

To get started on my manicure, I have been using a primer to dehydrate the nail before I apply any polish on top. This is a fairly simple step which I have started doing recently. The reason for this is that I find the nail polish will stick better to the nail (you can also use normal acetone nail polish remover if you do not have a primer). Once this step has been completed I then go ahead and apply my base coat. This one by Essence I have been using leaves the nails with a velvety texture, making it easier for polish to stick to. I then let this dry for a few moments before I start to paint my nails in the colour of choice. After the first coat is done, I let it dry for 5 minutes and then go back over it with a second coat. Making sure my two coats of colour are dry, I then like to add my topcoat (don't worry about your polish not being opaque enough, as I like to add another coat of colour later). After my topcoat has been applied for about 3-5 minutes, I add my final layer of colour. Again, wait for this to dry and finish off with a second coat of topcoat to seal it all in.

If you decide to try this method out for yourself, then hopefully these few simple steps should help to make your manicure last that bit longer. When I paint my nails now I always try to do it this way if I have the time. A few little things to consider though.. be sure to take your time and try not to rush painting your nails as you will run the risk of smudging the layers of polish as it drys. Also, remember to paint and seal in the free edge of your nail as this is where chips will first start to appear. And finally, after about 2-3 days of wear, add another coat of topcoat to freshen up your nails and add some shine. Happy painting ladies!

Try out this method and let me know if it works for you!