There is one thing we all want from our home manicures and that is to make nail polish last. It’s a different kind of struggle bus, but we all have monthly metro cards if ya know what I’m sayin’. Lately I have noticed there are two simple simple things that make absolutely the biggest difference, and I shall share them with you today because I’m just a freakin’ doll. 😉

Before the tips let me say one thing, the best way to make nail polish last is to have strong, healthy nails. If your nails themselves are damaged or weak and bendy please read THIS and THIS first. I promise that will help more.

If your nails are already in good shape then these two new tips are for you. Tip number one is beyond simple…

Use a fairly fresh bottle of top coat. It’s as simple as that. I don’ know why, but once a top coat has gotten a bit old and thick it chips MUCH faster. Using a nail polish thinner helps it a bit, but it’s still never as long lasting as it originally was. I know it’s annoying and it seems wasteful not to use some of the polish once it has thickened, but I don’t make the rules. It just chips faster.

How do you know when it’s gotten too thick? You’ll know when you’re applying it, because it makes it much harder to get an even coat as well.

The second tip is also top coat related and it’s also super duper insanely simple…

When you are applying your top coat wrap it over the end of the nail. Doing that will seal the free edge, and make it less likely that the colored polish underneath will chip. Just swipe the brush over the end after you apply it to the rest of the nail and boom, all sealed up. It seems silly but I find that it really makes a huge difference.

Those are the things I’ve been doing lately to make nail polish last longer. Sometimes it’s the little things that make all the difference. If you have any tips on the subject feel free to share with the class, and by share with the class I mean leave a comment below, I would love to hear your tips!