How to apply nail polish

The question of how to apply nail polish properly has been asked many times over. Some people may see this as a “no brainer” question but for many people who have never given themselves pedicures (or manicures), the question of nail polish application is totally legitimate. Some people who claim to have mastered the art of applying nail polish still don’t get it right. Often times you can see the “results” of their supposed “mastery” sitting right there on there toenails or fingernails for others to ridicule.

Preliminary Steps for nail polish application

Firstly, mix it up…
To begin the proper application of nail polish, you must first ensure that the nail polish is uniform in mixture because they have a tendency to settle over time. This is very true of metallic or glittery polishes that have particles or heavy metals in them. The ingredients in some nail polishes tend to separate as well so properly mixing them is a necessity in order for the polish to look how it should. This is the reason for the small metal (normally stainless steel) ball to help mix the polish.

Don’t shake the polish though as this may create tiny air bubbles that will affect the finish and give an uneven look. Instead roll the polish in between the palms gently several times then let it sit for a minute for two.

Secondly, prepare a clean canvas
As preached in the pedicure guide, make sure the nail plates (for all ten toes), are clean and free of lotions, oils or other residues. Any residue can impede the polishes ability to adhere and cause it to flake up.

Preparing a clean nail canvas to paint on is accomplished by running some nail polish remover over each nail plate using cotton, a lint free cotton cloth or whichever material you have chosen to apply nail polish remover. Be sure to allow the remover to evaporate fully, which should take a few seconds before beginning to apply any basecoat or polish. Having a clean canvas can be a crucial step in how to apply nail polish.

Thirdly, always apply BASE COAT before polish!
Remember to always use a base coat before applying any nail enamel or polish to your nails. The base coat helps to protect your nail plate from the staining effects of some darker shaded polishes. It also provides a nice, smooth surface for the polish. Much like how primer works for nice and shiny automobile paint, consider this as a primer for your nails. Be sure to allow the basecoat to completely dry before beginning to paint your nails.

Nail Polish application

Tips:

• Always use long, continuous, even strokes. Don’t dab.
  
• Wipe off excess polish on the neck of the bottle before painting
  
• Apply two (or more) coats for greater coverage and to give the polish an even, uniform look
  
• Use a top coat (or clear nail enamel) to prevent chipping, give a gloss shine and to help the polish last longer
  
• Paint a bit on the edge of the nail as well to help prevent chipping and flaking

Picture guide showing how to apply nail polish.

a.)Begin by testing a bit of polish on the tip of the nail to check its uniformity. This should give you a good idea of how to judge your strokes and how much polish to leave on the brush before painting.

b.)Next, paint a thin strip down the center of the nail beginning from a fraction above the cuticle straight to the tip of the nail.

c.) Now, just above the cuticle, at the base of the nail plate, apply polish across the lower portion of the nail.

d.) Then, stroke on one side of the nail from where you just applied polish at the base of the nail right to the tip of the nail.

e.) Finish, by stroking the other side of the nail from nail base to nail tip.

As mentioned before, a top coat can help to add shine to your polish and a protective barrier. If any polish has gotten on to the surrounding skin you can wait for it to dry then you can use a cotton wrapped implement such as a cuticle pusher/ orangewood stick dipped in polish remover to remove it.

Now when asked how to apply nail polish, you can have a definite answer or just link people to this page!

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