How to perfectly apply nail polish: everything you should know
Professional and flawless nails can be achieved in a few simple steps from the comfort of your home without needing to go to a salon.
If you love nail art and enjoy painting your nails, follow this easy guide to get the best out of your nail polish and create enviable nails!
Prepping your nails
Before applying nail polish, you should dedicate some time to fully prepping your nails and pampering your hands as well.
First of all, remove any trace of nail polish so you will have a clean surface to work on.
Since you are planning to use nail polish, use an acetone-free remover like KIKO MILANO’s wipes to ease the application of the nail polish.
Once this step is done, wash your hands with lukewarm water which will help to soften up your cuticles. When you have dried your hands, you can still work on your cuticles by using a scrub pen which will smoothen the nails. If your nails do not need to be exfoliated you can use an oil pen, which will also nourish your nails.
Fully pamper yourself by using a hands mask for soft and velvety hands.
Now it’s time to reach for your nail filer and file your nails to get the shape you want: round, square, or almond. Once you have shaped them, buff them to create a smooth base for your nail polish.
How to apply nail polish
If your nails are not strong and chip easily, try the strengthener base coat to fortify your nails.
Once you have decided what shade to use, you can start applying your nail polish color.
Before transferring the product from the jar onto your nails, you may have to remove any excess on the brush by gently sliding it on the inside of the opening of the jar.
STEP ONE:
Place a dot of nail polish on the center of your nail slightly above your cuticle and push it down trying not to color the skin.
STEP TWO:
Starting from the dot, drag the brush upwards until you reach the tip of the nail to create a straight line.
STEP THREE:
Place your brush at the base of the nail and slide it along the right curve of your nail making sure to cover it with polish.
Repeat this same step on the left curve of your nail, and voilà, the first nail is coated!
A quick tip: Start from the pinkie finger and move inwards towards your thumb.
Follow the guidelines on each nail and allow the polish to dry before adding another coat.
The number of coats usually depends on the finish and intensity you want. If you want to give your nails that gel effect, KIKO MILANO’s gel lacquer only needs two coats to achieve flawless and shiny nails.
If some product ends up on your fingers or on the skin around your nails there is no need to panic, just wet a cotton swab with some nail polish remover and gently sweep it on the smudged area.
STEP FOUR:
For the final touch, use a clear top coat to protect the color of your nails while giving them a shiny finish.
If instead of shiny you would prefer a matte finish, you can try the matte top coat.
How long does nail polish take to dry and how long does it last?
The drying time of nail polish can depend on the type of polish you’re using and on the number of coats you have applied.
Generally, a good tip is to avoid using your hands for the 20/30 minutes that follow the application of nail polish. This way you are sure that it won’t smudge.
If you are in a hurry and want to speed up the drying process, you can use drying drops to reduce the waiting time.
Alternatively, you can choose to use a quick-drying nail polish that will set the color in just a few seconds.
Once you have applied your nail polish on all your nails, you may wonder how long will they last, and although this depends on your routine and on your habits, there is a way to extend the life of the color.
KIKO MILANO’s power pro nail lacquer formula will give you a professional finish that will last up 7 days.
Another way to make the polish last a bit longer is to always apply the base and the topcoat.
How to remove nail polish?
When the time comes to remove your nail polish, you will need to have nail polish remover and cotton disks.
The first thing you will have to do is to wet the cotton disk with the nail polish remover (no need for it to be completely soaked). Then, you can start by gently rubbing it in circular motions on your fingernails trying to remain within the borders.
If there is still product around the curves and you can’t get to it, you can try with a cotton swab and gently sweep to remove the product.
Once the nail polish is removed, you will have to wash your hands to remove any product residue.
Remember to also use hand cream to keep your hands and cuticles nourished and hydrated.
Nail polish is fun, colorful, and gives you a chance to express your creativity, try out different trends, and make a fashion statement!
Learning to perfectly apply it will be easy when following these simple steps, giving you professional and salon-proof nails!