https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chip-resistant-nail-polish-techniques Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 16 Apr 2026 21:40:01 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chip-resistant-nail-polish-techniques#post-1747353 Sat, 05 Nov 2016 02:58:49 +0000 shedev 1747353@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I second Isabel on Essie gel topcoat. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chip-resistant-nail-polish-techniques#post-1747338 Sat, 05 Nov 2016 01:23:50 +0000 elpgal 1747338@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting about using the alcohol to clean the nails. I wear gloves for all housework and yardwork. Looks like a trip to CVS is in store. I tried going bare and just doing a top coat but it seems to turn yellow. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chip-resistant-nail-polish-techniques#post-1747013 Thu, 03 Nov 2016 19:12:16 +0000 Dee 1747013@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've mostly given up on finding a lost lasting manicure, so I'll be watching this thread. Regular polish generally starts chipping in 3 days for me, and the gels make it about a week. In not hard on my hands either (desk job) so something about my nails just doesn't work well with polish. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chip-resistant-nail-polish-techniques#post-1746976 Thu, 03 Nov 2016 16:37:25 +0000 JAileen 1746976@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't put polish on my fingernails, just toenails. My pedicurist puts something on just the tips for anti chipping. I usually go a month between pedicures.</p> <p>I live in a desert and do the usual things. I slather on Aquaphor at night and other times as needed. I wear gloves when I garden. Twice I've had to have splinters removed professionally. Once they had to cauterize it. That was incredibly gross, especially the smell. And the other time I fainted because the numbing shot was in the wrong spot and when they started digging, the pain caused me to faint. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chip-resistant-nail-polish-techniques#post-1746968 Thu, 03 Nov 2016 16:09:27 +0000 Isabel 1746968@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I LOVE the essie gel top coat because it adds longevity and can be used with any nail polish brand. With that said, I clean, I cook, I do yard work...it is really hard to keep my nails in tip top shape. I have found that moisturizing my nails every night really, really helps. Things tend to crack and not be pliable is they are dry. &nbsp;I also top off my nail color every 3 days or so and go under the nail with the gel coat. Like the nail is wrapped at the tip.&nbsp;</p> <p>But it is still RARE that I can go for two weeks. The only women that I know that can go that long have housekeepers. &nbsp;: )&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chip-resistant-nail-polish-techniques#post-1746935 Thu, 03 Nov 2016 13:32:41 +0000 chadya 1746935@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Agreeing with Sara L, always wearing gloves when doing dishes or any cleaning jobs.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chip-resistant-nail-polish-techniques#post-1746931 Thu, 03 Nov 2016 13:18:51 +0000 Sara L. 1746931@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I use Sally Hansel Complete Salon Manicure - it's not gel but they last about a week for me. &nbsp;You don't need a base coat or top coat - it's all supposed to be in the one bottle. &nbsp;I use two coats of the polish and occasionally add a quick dry top coat (some colors seem to chip more than other colors). &nbsp;A quick swipe with alcohol or nail polish remover before you start will help get any oils or lotions off your nails so the polish adheres better. &nbsp;Also, try to stay away from water as much as possible - it's death on polish. &nbsp;</p> <p>Oh, sometimes I use these for fun: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.incoco.com/">http://www.incoco.com/</a></p> <p>They're fairly easy to apply once you get the hang of it and last forever - 10-14 days.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chip-resistant-nail-polish-techniques#post-1746929 Thu, 03 Nov 2016 13:10:08 +0000 Helen11 1746929@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well done on changing habits!<br />I very rarely paint my nails. Would a simple strengthening polish or clear coat still be enough of a reminder for you, without showing chips? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chip-resistant-nail-polish-techniques#post-1746916 Thu, 03 Nov 2016 12:10:15 +0000 chadya 1746916@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sinful Gel, lasts at least a week if not longer <br />and priced at&nbsp; $3 each,&nbsp; not a huge color range though</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chip-resistant-nail-polish-techniques#post-1746913 Thu, 03 Nov 2016 11:08:59 +0000 Marlene1 1746913@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am a fan of the "Zoya Naked Manicure" - a "your nails but better look." &nbsp;It is a few steps - base, two coats of color, sealer - but it lasts at least a week. &nbsp;(They also make a product for white tips, but I've never used it.) The sealer (top coat) comes in a shiny finish or a matte finish. &nbsp;My nails look groomed and they're easy to maintain. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chip-resistant-nail-polish-techniques#post-1746898 Thu, 03 Nov 2016 09:37:44 +0000 jenanded 1746898@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My manicures rarely last long but I recently had my nails painted and I applied the gel effect top coat daily and I got 8 days with only 1 tiny chip. If I get organised to even paint my nails I will do this again! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chip-resistant-nail-polish-techniques#post-1746894 Thu, 03 Nov 2016 08:49:44 +0000 Anonymous 1746894@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congrats, Elpgal! A manicure only lasts about 3-4 days for me. My nail tech says it has to do with the oils in our nails, which explains why my polish stays on longer as I age. The alcohol tip Sandy posted makes a lot of sense. </p> <p>Gel is a good solution, but I can't wear it (my nails are thin and the gel seems to lift them from my nail bed). I've had the best luck with the European brands LCN and Mavala. My nail tech also swears by Orly's base coat. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chip-resistant-nail-polish-techniques#post-1746883 Thu, 03 Nov 2016 05:59:04 +0000 Natalie 1746883@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What cheweyspagetti said. I, too, like sally Hansen gel-style. It lasts about a week for m e, if I use the top coat. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chip-resistant-nail-polish-techniques#post-1746881 Thu, 03 Nov 2016 05:07:02 +0000 chewyspaghetti 1746881@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like the Sally Hansen gel formula (doesn't require the special light and comes off with regular remover). The gel top coat sets it nicely. I use a single coat of a sheer shimmery pink and a generous goat of the gel sealer. It lasts longer than anything else has for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chip-resistant-nail-polish-techniques#post-1746872 Thu, 03 Nov 2016 03:56:19 +0000 SandyG 1746872@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I switched to Caption a year ago and I'm happy with my 'polished but natural' look and substantial, shiny wear from this line. A couple of little tips: after washing off cuticle cream, use a small brush to apply alcohol to the nail, which eliminates all traces of oil and gives a smooth surface for polish to adhere to. Maybe try a sticky base coat (but I use Caption's regular base coat. Two thin coats of color polish with drying time in between, and the final top coat gets a hairline swipe of polish at the end of each nail, sealing everything. Repeat the topcoat in about 3 days.&nbsp;</p> <p>Seriously, my nails look good and they're healthy for the first time ever.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chip-resistant-nail-polish-techniques#post-1746870 Thu, 03 Nov 2016 03:39:13 +0000 elpgal 1746870@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have been working on another project - I finally quit my nail-biting habit and have gone about 2 months so far! Sort of. The only way I can keep from biting them is if I have some nail polish on them. I got 2 professional manicures but their results don't seem to last any longer than my efforts although they look much much better. Any tips and techniques to make your manicure last longer? So far, I have tried the 'natural' brands - Butter, Suncoat and Piggy paint but the results have been disappointing. What brands do you like? Color-wise I like the pearly opalescent neutrals. </p>