https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chipped-nail-polish Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 04 Apr 2026 03:30:15 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chipped-nail-polish/page/2#post-538812 Sun, 12 Feb 2012 00:33:15 +0000 Aziraphale 538812@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>(I was really hoping someone would just say "embrace the chips"....sigh....) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chipped-nail-polish/page/2#post-538782 Sat, 11 Feb 2012 23:33:58 +0000 mrseccentric 538782@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Have to chime in that 1) products DO make a difference and 2) different ones work for different people! Seche Vite did not do it for me, but happily Diamond Nails did! and for me the 'wrapping around' technique tends to lead to more chips Those interested in getting perfect nails - experiment!</p> <p>&amp; most of the time top coats, remover,etc. are for sale at the same place as nail polish.......just sayin'. Have fun! steph </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chipped-nail-polish/page/2#post-538776 Sat, 11 Feb 2012 23:25:18 +0000 Aziraphale 538776@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>iheartfashion: thank you so much for taking the time to describe your fingernail-painting steps! I will try to acquire some of this magical Seche Vite (Quick Dry! gotta love that) top coat. Since, apparently, I don't even own a bottle of nail polish remover, I am clearly not the type to take any pains with my nails (touch up the tips mid-week? haha, not likely!) but something you can paint on at the initial time of application that is both protective and quick drying sounds like just the ticket.</p> <p>By the way, I use OPI nail polish, and the base coat and top coat I have are also OPI, so I don't think I'm having a paint quality issue. I think the issue is my chipperific lifestyle. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chipped-nail-polish/page/2#post-538739 Sat, 11 Feb 2012 22:35:46 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 538739@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't usually notice other people's nail polish, but chips do bother me on my own, which is why I rarely wear colored polish on my hands (I do wear dark colors on my toes most of the time). Usually if my polish has started chipping I'll just take it off and leave my nails 'naked' or with a clear coat. </p> <p>Thanks for the Seche Vite recommendation, ladies - I've had good luck with the OPI top coat and Nail Envy (base coat/strengthener which I use by itself a lot) too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chipped-nail-polish/page/2#post-538671 Sat, 11 Feb 2012 21:25:48 +0000 Beth 538671@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can wholeheartedly agree with the recommendation for Seche Vite. It's probably #1 on my list of holy grail beauty items. It gives a mirror-like shine to nail color and it makes my pedicures last so long that I typically need to repaint because the color is growing out rather than wearing off.</p> <p>I LOVE this stuff. Just make sure to follow the directions and apply it while your nail color is still wet, not after it dries. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chipped-nail-polish/page/2#post-538623 Sat, 11 Feb 2012 20:26:55 +0000 Scarlet 538623@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Depending on my mood and how I am dressing sometimes I really like the way chipped nail polish looks. In this case only with my dark purple/black polish or my metallic polish, i.e. not traditional pretty colors. It wouldn't fly in a situation where I need to look professional or dressed up, but usually I am not in those situations. Interesting tips from everyone, btw. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chipped-nail-polish/page/2#post-538592 Sat, 11 Feb 2012 19:56:35 +0000 Linda 538592@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I meant to pick up Seche Vite at Sally the other day. I LOVE polished nails and have a rather big collection of polishes, though many are rather "old" compared to all the YouTube haul videos LOL! I'm bothered by chipping, so I rarely plan on wearing dark nails for many days without some sort of maintenance work. I DO find that a base coat helps, and as someone mentioned, refreshing the polish now and then, also adding top coat coats over the days of wear. If a nail gets really bad looking, I will just re-do that one nail. Mostly, I find that I wear paler colors and shimmery shades mostly because they are lower-maintenance, and do not show chips that much. I do love black and dark nails on me, though, too. If you take the time as you are applying polish, and wipe just a tiny hairline off the rim of the nail on each coat, I think that probably helps with wear on the tips. Do you notice, as I do, that your dominant hand shows wear faster than your other hand? What a pain! But I like really shiny surfaces on my nails. So the refreshing coat or the new top coat help a lot to make the polish look freshly applied, as well as making it last longer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chipped-nail-polish/page/2#post-538514 Sat, 11 Feb 2012 18:31:38 +0000 MsMary 538514@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Okay, that's it. I just ordered the Seche Vite and will give it a try! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chipped-nail-polish/page/2#post-538501 Sat, 11 Feb 2012 18:11:10 +0000 kellygirl 538501@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just wanted to update on my experiment. I painted my nails Wednesday night and they are still chip free and darn near perfect this morning. I'm not rock climbing or anything but I am doing my normal chores--dishwashing with gloves, etc. The three things I did differently: buffed my nails, used nail polish remover before applying base coat (something called Chip Skip by OPI) and applied my daughter's top coat called "Seche Vite"which Iheartfashion mentioned above. </p> <p>I'm nothing short of amazed. Usually, I would have had chips the next day so I'm kind of scratching my head wondering which of the three steps really made the difference.<br /> @iheartfashion: Thanks for chiming in on your polish experience. We are almost out of base coat and I will look for the Orly bonder. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chipped-nail-polish/page/2#post-538339 Sat, 11 Feb 2012 13:15:17 +0000 iheartfashion 538339@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Longtime reader, new poster. Honestly, I think you're using the wrong stuff on your nails. I also use dark polish and type all the time and can typically get my polish to last at least 5 full days before getting chips, often a week. I may get a bit of tip wear, but that's only noticeable to me. I typically paint my nails on Sunday. I occasionally add an extra coat of color on Wednesdays and that's it. This week, I did NOT add the extra coat of color - my nails are a vampy red-black (OPI Rajah Ruby) and it has been 7 days with only minor tip wear. I am in a professional setting (attorney) so I can't get away with chips (I think some people can, just not me).</p> <p>In addition to using a salon polish, I ALWAYS use a tacky basecoat (I really like Orly Bonder) to help the polish adhere better. Then, I paint two thin coats and make sure to "wrap" the polish around the tips for one of the coats. A good, fast drying polish is important. For me, OPI is best. I use Zoya and China Glaze too, but I find that the lasting power isn't AS good (especially for China Glaze). Lastly, I add a good top coat (Seche Vite is the go-to brand). [EDIT: I've tried the Sally Hanson Diamond Finish top coat recommended earlier in this thread and I didn't like it at all. I got major peeling with it. All of the nail bloggers use Seche Vite.] </p> <p>Don't give up! It's totally possible to paint your nails only once a week and wear dark colors but not deal with chipping. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chipped-nail-polish/page/2#post-536890 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:32:46 +0000 Marley 536890@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm on the same page with Aida and you, Elizabeth. I think chipped and black or very very dark polish on nails is a look that certain people can pull off and make it look as though the chips are "purposeful." I like the arty vibe of chipped polish. Now, if I was a professional in a conservative business, of course I would not wear it - but otherwise, a little bit of chip means a little bit of "bad ass" attitude - love it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chipped-nail-polish/page/2#post-536846 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:51:25 +0000 Aziraphale 536846@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good grief, Biscuitsmom, that customer must have been a miserable old bat. Imagine having nothing better to do than complain about the cashier's single chipped nail. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chipped-nail-polish#post-536772 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:15:19 +0000 biscuitsmom 536772@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If it justs starts to wear off on the tips, I'll let it go a day or 2. But if it tears a chunk out, I *need* to take it all off. Once I actually had a customer put in a 'appearance complaint' w/my manager at work because I had a tiny chip on 1 finger! I explained it happened during my shift, so I couldnt exactly stop work (was a grocery cashier) and fix it! He sympathized, but would not take it off my permanent record I quit wearing anything but clear polish after that till I stopped working.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chipped-nail-polish#post-536689 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:09:33 +0000 Aziraphale 536689@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Uh oh. Glad you can't see my nails today, MaryK. The thumbnails in particular are disgraceful. :-)</p> <p>Mental note: must buy a new bottle of remover. Still can't find the old one. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chipped-nail-polish#post-536432 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:21:07 +0000 mrseccentric 536432@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sally Hansen Diamond Shine Top Coat.</p> <p>i painted my nails elaborately and religiously for decades. (Men would stop me on the street and offer to pay me to scratch their backs.) This is the only top coat which does what it says. Dries in 30-60 seconds and ANY polish you put it over will not chip for at least a week.</p> <p>re: chipped dark polish. At least touch it up. Take the brush out and get most of the polish off of it in the neck of the bottle. Then touch up the chips using the side of the brush. You don't want a big glop on there, it will take forever to dry. Just a little color.</p> <p>better yet, get some:<br /> <a href="http://sallyhansen.com/products/nails/nail-care/diamond-shine-base-top-coat" rel="nofollow">http://sallyhansen.com/product.....e-top-coat</a></p> <p>steph </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chipped-nail-polish#post-536416 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:53:39 +0000 ButterflyLady 536416@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It depends how chipped - I've just got back in to painting my fingernails regularly with darker colours, rather than nude colours, which are much more forgiving. I find I can get 5 days out of polish and only have slight 'tip wear' - so barely noticeable to anyone else. I take it off then. I do use a good top coat - a Leighton Denny one. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chipped-nail-polish#post-536299 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:07:55 +0000 MsMary 536299@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with the majority -- I think chipped fingernail polish looks just awful and that is why I almost never paint my fingernails. I literally cannot begin to imagine sporting chipped black polish for days, let alone weeks!</p> <p>Sorry! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chipped-nail-polish#post-536285 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:42:49 +0000 Aunty 536285@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>One of my pet hates, it bothers me to the max, fingers or toe's </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chipped-nail-polish#post-536284 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:37:52 +0000 Mander 536284@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can see how it might have a wild girl appeal - as a punk component it makes sense, IMHO.</p> <p>The real reason it bugs me is because I sit and try to peel it off rather than ignoring the chips. So then it looks even more unkempt, and I look a little bit bonkers. 0_o </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chipped-nail-polish#post-536238 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:52:35 +0000 Aziraphale 536238@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LOL!....so, what y'all are saying, is, chipped black nail polish does not constitute a "look"? ;-)</p> <p>In my defense, my nails are very short and neat, and my cuticles are in good shape. And we haven't reached terminal chipping velocity yet. It's still only a minor eyesore. But, since the majority of you responded with a horrified "no, fix it now!", I went and looked for the nail polish remover, and I CANNOT find it. I think that says something. ;-)</p> <p>Janet and QM: I with you in that part of the reason I rarely paint my fingernails is that it starts to look ragged so quickly.</p> <p>Marley -- do I reinforce with polish every couple of days? HAHAHAHAHAHAAA!!!!....uh, that would be no. ;-)</p> <p>lynn, I'm not offended at all. You appreciate nice hands. I simply don't care about hands -- mine or anyone else's. But once in a while I'll get the urge to look like a member of a 70s punk band, and I'll paint them black or navy blue. It's not an attempt to make my hands look nice -- that's not the point. It's not like I have lovely long nails and paint them a delicate shade of pink. Black, even when first applied, does not make one's hands look prettier!</p> <p>Aida, I could have written what you said! I don't like chips on toes either, but fingernails get a pass. I think, if my overall look were neat and tidy, chipped nails would be a no-go -- but I usually go for a bit arty or rock n' roll or what have you. Chipped nails somehow don't seem so out of place in that case.</p> <p>Is chipped nail polish up there with dragged-through-a-bush-backwards hair? Because sometimes I like that look. Does it make a difference that I actually expend energy making my (clean, healthy) hair look wildly unkempt, whereas the disgraceful nails are just a byproduct of my natural laziness? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chipped-nail-polish#post-536224 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:26:13 +0000 lyn* 536224@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I vote Nay as well; I think nail polish is a high maintenance thing ... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chipped-nail-polish#post-536216 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:10:20 +0000 kellygirl 536216@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Mona: I just buffed, applied base coat, two coats of OPI and top coated my nails. I'm testing your method. I'm going to see how long it lasts : ) Never thought about buffing! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chipped-nail-polish#post-536123 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 03:07:40 +0000 lynn 536123@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, I really hate chipped polish. To me it looks really "cheap". My nails are weak and thin so I get the shellac manicure which lasts two weeks. I don't do it in the summer because my nails seem stronger then but I keep it up all winter. I always notice hands and I much prefer no polish to chipped. Sorry for the rant! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chipped-nail-polish#post-536088 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 02:27:51 +0000 Sara L. 536088@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have to admit that I really, really dislike chipped nail polish. I also don't like nails of different lengths. They need to be all long or all short. The length isn't important to me as long as they are all the same. It's one reason I don't paint my nails very often - I hate the look of chipped polish but I also hate taking the polish off (although I don't mind painting my nails). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chipped-nail-polish#post-536084 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 02:24:03 +0000 Adelfa 536084@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think in some environments chips are the thing, so look around you, maybe you'll fit right in.</p> <p>For those that want the look of polish without the chips, try Shellac or Gelish or the equivalent. Amazing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chipped-nail-polish#post-536050 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:59:07 +0000 Aida 536050@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm boy am I in the minority here but it doesn't bother me much on hands (bugs me on toes though, go fig). If the rest of the look is dumpy, dumpy polish is obviously going to make it even worse. But if the look is styled, and is stylish, I think there are certain styles that look acceptable with some chipped polish. Not like half the nail or anything, but little bits here and there? No problem for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chipped-nail-polish#post-536041 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:43:12 +0000 Mona 536041@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can't stand chipped nail polish and always avoided until a friend told me about buffing my nails first. Now I buff, put two coats of good quality nail polish and a top coat on my nails. Like LoP said above, I also do it every Friday and it lasts me through the week although by Thursday, it starts to wear off a little bit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chipped-nail-polish#post-535968 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:36:00 +0000 Mo 535968@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nay over here. Agree that it's unkempt looking - much like unbrushed, unwashed hair. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chipped-nail-polish#post-535962 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:31:28 +0000 Deborah 535962@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Eyesore and not very stylish to my eye. I wear nailpolish all the time. I usually do my nails twice a week and I do use good quality polish and rarely do they chip. To me wearing nail polish adds 'polish' to my look so chipped nails are an absolute no no. As soon as I see a chip... off it comes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/chipped-nail-polish#post-535956 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:23:04 +0000 missvee 535956@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I HATE chipped nailpolish! That's why I wear clear, or none at all. If I get a salon manicure, the colour lasts about 3 days, but I"m hard on my hands and don't wear rubber gloves, so I can't complain. </p>