Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my nail polish always peel off after a few days?
If your fresh manicure starts lifting after only a few days, the polish might not be to blame. According to Voloshyna, the health of your nails can play a role. “One reason may be a very soft or flexible natural nail,” she says. “When the nail bends, the layer of polish can crack or separate more quickly.” Peeling at the tips can also take some of the polish along with it, while frequent water exposure and using your nails to open, scrape, or pick at things can put additional stress on the free edge.
But before you resign yourself to perpetually chipped polish, take a closer look at your prep, says Swan. Any lingering oil, lotion, moisture, or cuticle on the nail plate can prevent polish from adhering properly. Swan also cautions against applying overly thick layers: “Two thin coats are always better than one heavy coat.” For the best shot at a longer-lasting manicure, start with completely clean, dry nails, avoid painting immediately after prolonged water exposure, keep polish off the surrounding skin and cuticles, and try not to use your fingertips as tools (so, use an orange stick to remove excess polish from around the nail bed, for instance).
Is it possible to make nail polish dry more quickly?
Yes—which means you don’t necessarily have to spend the next hour afraid to touch anything. “There are quick-dry sprays and drying drops that can help speed up the drying process,” says De Los Santos. She’s also a fan of a quick-dry topcoat, which can help accelerate drying while giving your manicure that glossy, freshly painted finish.
Your application technique matters, too. Applying thin, even coats rather than thick layers doesn’t just help prevent cracks or chipping, but it also “allows each layer of polish to dry more efficiently and can help cut down on your overall drying time,” De Los Santos says. So keep those layers light and reach for a quick-dry topcoat when time (or patience!) is running low.
How can I make my nail polish last longer?
According to Belakhlef, prepping your nails before applying nail lacquer is key to extending the life of your at-home manicure’s color. Her words of wisdom: Always follow the directions of the system you are using, and, if you’re going to use a gel polish, make sure your gel lamp is compatible with the products you need to cure, as under-curing could lead to skin irritation. “Do not over-buff your nail plate as the damage will also affect your nail’s ability to hold the polish in place,” she adds.
New York City-based nail artist Elle Gerstein adds that ensuring your nails are clean of dirt, lint, and oil is key for a long-lasting, smooth finish. “Begin by scrubbing your nails with an antibacterial soap and think of it like washing your face—be thorough,” she says. “Let the nails dry and then use isopropyl alcohol (75% and up) to cleanse the nail.” She says doing this will act like an astringent and eliminate any dust and debris from your nailbed. “This will create a flawless, ultra-glossy, long-lasting, and fast-drying manicure,” she says. Before you reach for a bottle of acetone-based nail polish remover to cleanse your nails, Gerstein notes that acetone can leave debris on the nail and cause polishes to chip faster or not dry. “It’s like painting on oil, which never dries,” she says.
After prepping, using a proper base coat that has a sticky, rubbery base will latch the polish onto your nails for longer, according to Gerstein (she recommends Orly’s Bonder Rubberized Base Coat, by the way). For an ultra-shiny finish and added barrier of protection against scuffing, swipe on a top coat like the Allure Best of Beauty Award-winning CND Vinylux Long Wear Top Coat, let your look dry, and take on the world and all it has to throw at your perfectly manicured hands.
Meet the experts
- Erica De Los Santos, a New Jersey and New York City-based nail artist and educator
- Vikki Swan, a Los Angeles-based award-winning nail educator, international nail competition judge, and founder of Vikki Swan Nail Academy
- Viktoriia Voloshyna, a Beverly Hills-based international judge, award-winning nail educator, and founder of Tory Pro Nails Studio
- Sonya Belakhlef, a New York City-based nail artist
- Julie Kandalec, a New York City-based nail artist
- Elle Gerstein, a New York City-based nail artist
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After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
