How To: prevent painted nails from chipping

Hiya everybody!

We girls (or some boys, I don't judge) know how difficult it can be to keep that fresh manicure pretty. 

I sure do, my nail polish sometimes start to chip after like 2 days and I really hate it because it looks awful.

So here are some tips to keep those freshly painted nails clean, 

it may take some more time, but is worth it!

1. Avoid (hot)water
   
   
   Water makes your hands and nails softer, making the nail polish getting lose. So as a solution you can use gloves when you are doing the dishing or need to clean something else. Also take shorter and colder showers (no not freezing cold!, just lower temperature than hot hot water).
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Base coat
   
   
   Always use a base coat, it makes the nail polish stick on better and prevents your nails from turning yellow because of the chemicals in the nail polish.
   
   
   
   
   
3. Wrap the tip
   
   
   Yes you read it well. First polish a horizontal line on the tip of your nails, directly put on your first coat of nail polish after it to prevent getting a thick layer of nail polish on the tip of your nails. Wrapping the tip this way creates a stronger coat that prevents chipping ;)
   
   
   
   
   
4. Sandwich it!
   
   
   I know it sounds funny and I don't mean sticking your freshly painted nails between a bun no. Put after each layer of nail polish a layer base coat again, so this will give base coat-nail polish-base coat- nail polish- top coat. This way you seal in your nail polish better which prevents it from chipping. You can also use a top coat instead of a base coat. With glitter coats I recommend a top coat sandwich because it makes the glitter pop more. 
   
   
   
   
   
5. Not a toolbox
   
   
   Your nails aren't a toolbox girls. I often open packaging with my nails ending up screwing my manicure. To open letters use letter opener, To open packaging use scissors or a knife. I know it's time consuming to look for tools, but it will keep your manicure a lot prettier.
   
   
   
   
   
6. File it
   
   File your nails instead of cutting them with a nail scissor. This prevents cracks or ripped nails, so it prevents a chipped manicure. 
   
   
   
   
   
7. Invest
   
   Invest in long wear nail polishes. I really like the brands O.P.I, Essie, Rimmel, Catrice and NYC. The may cost a little bit extra (I try to buy O.P.I in sale because I find them very expensive for my student budget), but it is worth to spend a little more if they stay on so much better.

So I hope you can enjoy your manicure a lot longer now :)

Lots of love