We have all been there: We’ve chosen the perfect colour, gathered all the tools we need (or we think so), started applying the nail polish, and then, mysteriously, it gets messed up. What happened?
Although it seems easy, giving yourself a manicure is not a trouble-free task. It’s safe to say at some point or another we’ve all been disappointed with the final result on our nails, without knowing why or how to fix it.
But brilliant DIY nails are not utopias. You can definitely get a perfect at-home manicure if you watch out for some common nail polish mistakes:
PAINTING YOUR NAILS WHEN THEY’RE DIRTY
You won’t get those shiny, smudge-free nails if there is any trace of dust, moisture, or leftover polish. The reason is that oil or dirt on the nail surface creates a barrier that keeps the new nail polish from sticking. Get the surface super-clean. You can ‘squeak’ the nail with a cotton pad soaked in remover or even use an old toothbrush with hand soap. Remember to get into the corners, into the cuticle area and side walls, and under nail tips.
SKIPPING, TOPCOAT, BASE COAT OR BOTH
Again, a big no-no. Skipping a top or base coat not only cuts down on the shellac-like finish; it also shortens the longevity of the manicure and might affect the health of your nails in the long run. Base coat prevents polish stains on the nails, improves adhesion of the polish to the nail, and smooths the surface for a flawless finish. Top coat acts as a sealer to the coloured polish, prevents chips and peeling, and gives the shade its beautiful high gloss shine… the perfect final touch!
PAINTING THICK COATS OF NAIL POLISH
To get the colour as it appears in the bottle, you probably require more than one layer. Apply nail polish like a pro by using 2 or 3 very thin layers, and curing each one properly before continuing with the next. You might think that thick layers save you time, but they don’t. They are harder to cure and mush more likely to cause problems. With Bluesky gel polish, it rarely takes more than 2 coats to achieve the perfect coverage, so stick to the thin coats for the best results.