Nail Polish Techniques

[KatieD]

Could somebody please instruct me in the art of applying nail varnish? I really am clueless, and useless! Are there special techniques? Thankyou

 

[Jane Loves Marc]

ohmygod i know, it's so hard! i get it just everywhere! how do you apply it so it's smooth and slick and perfect?

 

[gracey]

i've heard:
do a base coat of clear polish. for your color, start in the middle, then do the sides. use no more than three strokes. don't put too much polish on the brush. it's better to do several thin coats than one thick one. let each coat dry in between. then do a top coat of clear polish; helps it last longer. practice makes perfect. oh, and have a q-tip and some nail polish remover nearby, to catch any messups.

or better yet, go to a salon and let someone do it for you! :-P

 

[pavement]

I went to the store looking for a base coat and a top coat, but they were all base+top coat combos.

Aren't they supposed to do different things? I thought the base coat made the polish stick, while the top coat hardened it. Should I still look for them seperately?

 

[Blondes]

I went to the store looking for a base coat and a top coat, but they were all base+top coat combos.

Aren't they supposed to do different things? I thought the base coat made the polish stick, while the top coat hardened it. Should I still look for them seperately?

It's not rocket science, so you'll probably fine with the combo product.

 

[KatieD]

or better yet, go to a salon and let someone do it for you! :-P

I normally do, but I just feel useless not knowing how to do it myself. I'd like to be able to put it on just whenever I feel like it, for a spontaneous night out or something!

Do you go right to the sides? Or right down to the bottom of the nail? Or is it better to leave a small gap between the polish and the sides and bottom?

 

[Sylwiasta]

Do you go right to the sides? Or right down to the bottom of the nail? Or is it better to leave a small gap between the polish and the sides and bottom?

I think a lot depends on the shape of the nail, mine are of "almond" shape, but I try not to make the edges round but more square - if you know what I mean (I think it looks more modern? )
I tend to leave several milimeters free of nailvarnish on the sides of the nails (not in case of toes, though )
I try to leave a tiny gap between this place where the nail starts to grow (so it could breathe) and the place where the nailvarnish starts.It also helps the manicure to last longer (with a base > Colorwear by Sally Hansen, which is THE BEST when you are using dark colors, it prevents your nails from going yellow). I take a lot of care about my cuticules - I wear mostly dark reds/violets and in case of these colors your cuticules have to be IMPECCABLE!
I do my manis and pedis myself and I am more satisfied with them, than with professional ones (mind you I do them regularly, so I usually do not have to cheesel cuticules out or things like that ). I also have so called "sure hand" and my manis and pedis are very precised (no patterns! just pure glossy non sparkly color ) and beautifuly done B)

 

[KatieD]

That sounds lovely Sylwiasta. Thanks for the tips, and for answering my questions so precisely! I will be sure to try the Sally Hansen base and do it the way you say. By the way, do you leave gaps when you apply the base as well?