Tips to Ultimate Polish Perfection

Posted 2 Jul '23

Whether you're a nail polish newbie or a seasoned lacquer lover, we've got you covered with an arsenal of preparation and application tips for ultimate polish perfection. Get ready to paint the town red, black, blue or with any colour you desire!

Bold Nails, Fearless Prep!

• Start by removing any old nail polish using a gentle nail polish remover.
• Trim your nails to your desired length and shape them using a nail file. If your nails are prone to breaking, consider keeping them shorter to prevent damage.
• Use a cuticle stick (also known as an orange stick) or pusher tool to gently push back your cuticles. Remember to be gentle to avoid damaging your nail beds.
• PRO TIP! Don’t soak your cuticles or nails while prepping or before applying nail polish. When you soak your nails, they absorb water and expand. If you paint your nails while they are still semi-swollen from the water, your nails contract back once they dry which can lead to chipping and lifting of your polish. This also applies to showering etc. Wait a couple of hours to apply nail polish after showering, bathing or swimming!
• It’s ideal to have a smooth surface before applying nail polish. Buff the surface of your nails lightly with a nail buffer to create a smooth canvas. Avoid over-buffing, as it can weaken your nails over time.
• Remember to cleanse and dehydrate! Wipe your nails with nail polish remover, acetone or rubbing alcohol to remove any oils or residues that could interfere with polish adhesion. This step helps the polish adhere better and last longer.

It’s All About That Base!

Always use a base coat. Applying a base coat is essential for polish to last. It creates a barrier between your nails and the polish which prevents staining (especially for darker colours) and helps the colour adhere better. Our Epic Instant Ridge Filling Base coat is perfect for this.

The Main Event

• Start by wiping off excess polish from the brush and apply a thin, even layer down the centre of your nail. Then, repeat on each side to cover your entire nail. Pro Tip - Avoid shaking your nail polish bottles as it can create air bubbles. Instead, roll it gently between your palms to mix the formula. If you paint air bubbles onto your nails, they'll chip faster.
• Apply 2-3 thin coats of nail polish rather than one thick coat. Thin coats dry faster, last longer, and give you better control over the colour intensity. You’ll know once each layer of nail polish is dry enough because it will have lost a small amount of its shine.
• Don't skip the free edge of your nails! Run the base coat, colour, and top coat around the edge to ensure your entire nail is sealed.
• PRO TIP! When applying nail polish to very short nails, cap the free edge first by pulling down on the skin away from the edge. Then apply the remaining nail polish as usual.
• Avoid getting nail polish on your cuticles, which lifts the paint from the nail and leads to chipping.
• If you accidentally paint outside your nails, use a small, flat brush dipped in nail polish remover to clean up the edges for a professional finish.
• Don't rush the drying process. Allow each coat of polish to dry completely before applying the next layer. If you rush the process, the layers may not adhere properly, resulting in premature chipping.

Always Seal the Deal!

• Once your colour is dry, finish your manicure with one of our high-quality top coats. A top coat adds shine, protects the colour, and enhances the durability of your nail polish.

Patience is a Virtue

• Be mindful of your newly polished nails for the first few hours after application. Avoid activities that may cause chipping, such as washing dishes without gloves or opening cans.
• If you chip or smudge a nail, smooth the polish ridge with a cotton pad dipped in polish remover. Otherwise, if you just paint over it without smoothing it out, you'll get a bumpy finish.
• The fastest way to ruin your newly polished nails is to submerge them in hot water and harsh cleaning chemicals. So, if you needed an excuse not to do the dishes, there you go!

Remember, practice makes perfect. Don't be discouraged if your first attempt isn't flawless… let’s just call it unique and you’ll rock it either way! With time and patience, you'll master the art of applying your Pure Foxx polish.

Got a question about preparation or application? We love a chat, so drop us a message!