How To Keep Your Manicure Fresh and Pristine

So here’s a weird question I get asked a lot on Snapchat: how do you keep your manicure looking so shiny?

Well as you can imagine I’m very SPECIFIC but in the easiest way possible.

The whole thing is down to a system at this point really.

Firstly I am not posh & bougie about my manicure.

Like I go to this hole in the wall which probably isn’t the most hygienic. It’s a real, real hole in the wall.

How To Keep Your Manicure Fresh

…In fact, I don’t usually get a manicure.

Here’s trick #1: typically I skip the mani & go for a polish change.

You can count on me running late so this is efficient.

Plus a polish change is SO EASY GUYS. You basically run in & like 7 minutes later you’re out the door. It’s usually $6 bucks ( plus a tip! ) & I pay the extra buck to have my nails filed VERY VERY VERY square & short ( do whatever flatters your hand, everyone’s hands are different so cuts/lengths should flatter the hand  – always file your nails ). After they quickly add a base coat & paint my nails ( usually using one of these colors ).

I pull out trick #2: my own top coat.

Right now it’s a tie between two…I’m still debating. My two favorites are: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Nail Coat & CND Vinylux Top Coat.

One is kept in my car for the nail salon ( Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Nail Coat ) & the other is kept at-home for trick #3 (CND Vinylux Top Coat ).

The reason trick #3: the first one is ideal for immediately after & the other one is great 2 days later to preserve the manicure.

That’s the big trick: two days after the manicure or polish change paint over it to keep your nails super, SUPER shiny with CND Vinylux Top Coat. I’m telling you I bring this shit on vacation. It’s a game-changer; can’t live without it on my nails two days after applying polish ( this is why I think I get asked this question ). You just need a thin layer of topcoat.

trick #4: Don’t soak nails before painting them

Do not soak nails before applying paint and coat for nails retain water and tends to shrink when painted and your polish will no longer fit your nails.  Use cuticle oil instead.

Last nail salon tip: paint the edge of the nail

Ask the person who’s painting your nails to paint the edge of the nail ( this is hard to explain without a visual so bear with me ). The edge meaning like the tip & then downward towards the tip of your finger. It’s like the smallest thing ever but having the nail polish on that area prevents chips. If this doesn’t make sense, let me know.

♡ ♡♡ The Skinny Confidential Nail Tips & Tricks ♡ ♡ ♡

Always spray tan before a nail salon visit, never after. The spray tan ruins the nail color & kind of yellows it.

Avoid putting your hands in the sun- it ruins nail polish…& your skin!

Also I try to stay away from lots of lotions/makeup on my nails. Use a beautyBlender to apply makeup & this makeup palette to keep it off your nails.

Avoid exposure to wind when applying polish for it will cause air bubbles.

I like to bring my own nail polish too, fresh polish is always best.

It’s ok if you like to do your nails at home too. Just make sure you GET A NAIL POLISH REMOVER PEN. It’s so good for mistakes.  Alternatively, you can wipe your nails with white vinegar to remove nail polish before applying new coat.

If you want a manicure to last: AVOID MATTES. They chip and peel quick.

Oh ya if you’re in a pinch with a chipped nail & have no time, just add silver glitter nail polish to the tips of them. VOILA, festive nails.

Wait as long as possible to wash your hands. Make sure the polish is completely dry.  I’ve found water screws up the polish change.

Gels…I don’t love them because I feel like they ruin my nails & they look so bad ( yellow ) when they grow out. Going to the nail salon once a week for a polish change works best for me.

If you’re ever using neons make sure to start with a white coat of polish. This will make the neons pop  ; ).

Having a nail polish will extend the life of your manicure but protects the nails as well.

OK THAT IT IS.

AND if you’re wondering: when Michael asks me to itch him, I use my chihuahua’s claws to brush through his hair instead of my fresh nails. He has no idea. Don’t believe me? Go watch it go down on Snapchat: @laurynevarts.

HA! That’s really all. Going to eat some watermelon jerky & read my latest book: The End of Normal: A Wife’s Anguish, A Widow’s New Life by Stephanie Madoff Mack ( Bernie Madoff’s son’s wife, VERY interesting read so far- I highly recommend ).

Kiss, kiss- lauryn x

+ nail polish color favs | pc via

MY NAIL ESSENTIALS: