10 Long-Lasting Nail Care Tips for a Perfect Manicure

2. Base Coat Application Secrets

Serving as the basic layer bridging your natural nail and coloured paint, a premium base coat is your friend in manicures and the secret to great durability. Start by choosing a base coat that fits your type of nail: either they need additional strength or they are prone to peeling or splitting. Among the specialised formulas the market provides are hydrating base coats for dry, brittle nails, strengthening base coats for weak nails, and ridge-filling base coatings for uneven nails. Cap the free edge of every nail as you apply the base coat in thin, uniform strokes. Considered "wrapping the tip," this method greatly increases wear time and stops polish from lifting. Before moving on, let every layer dry totally for at least two minutes; hurrying this stage could ruin the whole manicure.

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Apply two thin layers of base coat for best durability, particularly on troublesome nails or areas prone to easy chip-off. Additionally acting as a protective layer, the base coat smooths the surface for colour application and stops nail discolouration. Apply the base coat especially carefully to any ridges or flaws in your nail so that they are correctly filled and polished out. Store your base coat correctly to keep it free from direct sunlight and heat, therefore preserving its efficacy. As the formula might thicken and become less effective over time, regular renewal of your base coat every three to four months guarantees best effectiveness.