You can have perfect looking nails. All it takes is some determination, a little time and using the right techniques. Here are the six things you must do for a great manicure:
Get nails super-clean: Rub an old toothbrush or nail cleaning brush in a bar of hand soap and scrub nails thoroughly from top to bottom and underneath tips.
Prep the surface: Shape, remove rough edges and go over nails with polish removes before applying polish. you should also swipe clean nails with a cotton ball soaked in nail polish remover.
Use a basecoat: A base coat actually adheres to nails better than nail polish, and it gives the polish something to hold on to.
Apply polish correctly: Apply nail polish in three narrow, even strokes, one down the center and the others down each side of each nail. Be patient and wait until this coat is completely dry before applying a second, thin coat.
Seal with a topcoat: Once the second coat of polish is completely dry on, apply a slow-setting clear topcoat, which leaves a harder, more protective finish than the quick-setting variety to seal your manicure.
Protect the results: Protect your perfect manicure by wearing rubber gloves when you wash dishes or indulge in any activity that could chip your nail polish. Apply a new layer of quick-drying topcoat every other day to keep nails shiny and a cuticle oil to keep them moisturized on intervening days.