Applying Nail Polish With a Nail Polish Set

A nail polish set makes the perfect gift for any friend or family member who loves a fresh manicure. These sets come with all the necessary tools for a professional nail look at home, including a nail file, q-tips and cuticle sticks.

If you’re shopping for a youngster, opt for a nail art kit that includes glow-in-the-dark polishes. And don’t forget to add a specialized base coat to help their nails stay strong and chip-free longer.

1. Wash Your Hands

Before applying any nail polish, it’s important to wash your hands to remove any dirt or oil. This will help ensure that your nails are clean and ready for polish, which will result in a more even manicure.

It’s also a good idea to use a nail file to get your nails into shape before painting them. This will not only help them look nicer but can also help prevent chipping.

Finally, it’s a good idea to apply cuticle oil to your nails and skin before painting them. This will keep the polish from drying on your cuticles and make it easier to clean up if it does happen.

If you don’t have cuticle oil, you can use a regular hand lotion instead. Once your hands are dry, you’re ready to start applying the nail polish. When you’re done, let the polish dry completely before touching it again. This typically painting nail polish set takes a few minutes but be sure to check the product’s instructions for specific drying times.

2. Dry Your Hands

While it may be tempting to run your hands under cold water after applying nail polish, experts say this doesn’t help the process. Running your hands under cold water will only harden the top layer of polish, leaving you vulnerable to smudges.

Instead, you should use a hair dryer to dry your nails. The cool air can harden the polish and help it set quickly.

Another trick for drying your nails faster is to apply cuticle oil. This helps your nails and cuticles stay healthy, which can lead to a longer-lasting manicure.

You can also try using a quick-dry product, such as a specialized spray or a UV nail lamp. These products are typically available at nail salons and can help your manicure or pedicure dry quickly.

Another easy way to speed up the drying process is to place ice cubes in a bowl of water after you’ve painted your nails. Soaking your fingers in ice water can shock the polish, making it dry much faster. Just be careful not to touch the ice cubes with your fingernails, as this could dent or smudge the polish.

3. Apply a Thin Coat of Polish

Using a fine brush, apply a thin coat of your chosen nail polish to each nail. This helps you get a neater polish line and extends the life of your manicure by helping prevent chipping. Leaving a small gap between the nail color and your cuticles also helps to avoid smudging and gives a professional finish. You can “cap” the free edge of each nail with a quick swipe of the brush to add a finishing touch and extend the life of your nails.

Use three strokes of the brush to apply an even coat, starting from the base near your cuticle and working toward the tip. Be careful not to over-brush, as this can cause streaks or uneven patches of polish.

Let the first coat dry for a minute before applying your second coat of polish. As the polish dries, it will begin to set and become less tacky. To test the dryness of your polish, gently tap the back of your pinky nails together. If they come apart easily with no tackiness, your polish is dry and you can start to use your hands again.

4. Wait for It to Dry

Nail polish takes time to dry, especially if you’ve applied multiple coats or thick layers. But even the best manicure can go wrong when you reach for your phone or accidentally snag your nails on something. There’s nothing more frustrating than smudging a fresh manicure just when you want to show off.

A few key nail-polish hacks can help speed up drying times and get your nails ready to go in no time. Applying thin coats, using a quality top coat, and utilizing drying drops can all contribute to a quicker nail-polish set.

Keeping a bowl of ice water near your painting station is another handy trick for quick polish drying. Once your nails are painted, simply dip them into the cold water and wait a few minutes until you see that the polish has dried. Then, you can resume your day or night with a compliment-worthy manicure.

5. Apply a Final Coat of Polish

After the color is fully dry, apply a final top coat to seal your manicure and extend its longevity. The best top coats dry quickly to minimize waiting time and risk of smudging.

You can test the dryness of your nails by gently tapping them or attempting to separate them. If the backs of your nails come apart easily without any tackiness, then Pearl Embossing Gel wholesale they’re dry and ready for you to start using your hands. Remember to avoid over-buffing your nails as this can weaken them over time.

For a smooth and even finish, lightly sweep the brush along each nail to “wrap” the tips. This protects the vulnerable tip area and prevents chipping.

The final step is to apply a clear polish to seal your manicure. A top coat protects your nails from damage and keeps them looking shiny and healthy for up to 24 hours. Look for a fast-drying formula that is free of toluene, formaldehyde, camphor, methyl tosylamide, ethyl tosylamide, butyl acetate, acetone, parabens, and phthalates. It’s also a good idea to apply a clear gel base coat before applying any regular polishes.