With your toes in constant display, your pedi must look absolutely perfect every single time. Make the most of your pedicure by following a few simple guidelines to make it last longer.
With the sandal season unraveling with full force, our toes are constantly exposed which means that we have to make sure they're up for the standards du jour. After your pedicure is done, you want to flaunt it as much as possible. Whether you are looking to maintain your work or simply stretch the time between appointments, there are things you can do the extend the life of your pedi. It is especially true for DIY jobs, but even if you don't, you can still have a strong influence. Here are a few tips to try:
Prepare the nails properly
Eliminating oils is key for making sure your pedi will last longer.
But using nail polish remover isn't the best way to do it. In fact,
it can even work against you since many nail polishes nowadays are
formulated with vitamins and nutrients which might even cause
chips. Opt for an alcohol and water solution to get the result you
want instead.
Use products from the same brand
The 'set' mentality is not necessarily a marketing scheme designed
to boost sales. The approach is recommended because virtually all
brands create products to work best when used together. Also, make
sure to brush nail polish horizontally across the tips.
Don't underestimate the importance of a drying
accelerator
You know that two coats are better if you're interested in
durability and that a protective top coat is a must. However, you
might not realize that a drying accelerator, like Qtica's ($7.50) is also extremely helpful for prolonging the
life of your pedi. Plus, you won't be at risk of losing your work
to a moment of carelessness. Still, don't mess with your nails for
30 minutes.
Moisturize
Don't forget that not only your nails are on display. Your feet
must be in impeccable shape as well. Treat calluses and nourish
your feet properly with a hydrating cream in order to ensure you'll
look fab every time.
Reapply topcoat
It's a well known step you can take if you're looking to make the
most of your mani. While some think you should apply this
preventative measure after 2 days others recommend
doing it after a week or so. It really depends on the quality of
the nail polish. Either way, a thin coat will do.
Hiding chips
This can be done in a variety of ways. If you're a glam girl, you
can hide chips stylishly with glitter, applied either on the tips
or on the entire nail surface. Alternatively, you can do it with a
very similar tone and a thin top coat layer. Or, if you love
neutrals, pick nude colors that will make chips less visible
overall.
Photos: Thinkstock