How to paint your nails yourself, and make it last 10+ days!

I love all things spa, including mani-pedis, but in this tight economy, not all of us can afford to keep up with regular nail appointments. I've painted my nails myself off and on but always did it the lazy way with just one or two coats of polish and no base or top coat. Without fail, I have chips within days (thanks to doing the dishes!), but I finally tried things the right way, and it worked!

I'm going to skip over all of the cutting, filing, cuticle oil, buffing stuff because it's nice to do but some of us just don't have tons of time to spare. Here's what I've been doing that has gotten me nearly 2 weeks of chipless nails without the cost of a manicure:

• Start out with a clear base coat (I use Sally Hansen Maximum Growth as base & top coat for good shine AND nail strengthening qualities), apply one coat to nails and also lightly cover tip of nails (do this with every coat, it helps prevent those tip chips!) Let dry completely. At this point I'll catch up on some e-mails  or something, it'll dry fast.
• Using a fairly NEW nail color (I'm in love with Sephora by OPI in Metro Chic!), apply one coat to nails again also covering the tips. Let dry completely. I sometimes will do these 2 steps in the AM then finish up at lunch or the end of the day, just to make absolutely sure the first 2 coats are dry and because I don't have time to sit around and watch my nails dry! =)
• Apply a second coat of nail color, again covering tips, and allow to dry.
• Apply a clear top coat (I will again use Sally Hansen Maximum Growth), cover tips once more. Once dry, voila! You have a pretty new manicure that will last! Clean up any goofs with a q-tip dipped in acetone.

Let me know if these tips work for you!

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