Nailed It

This Is the Key to a Long-Lasting Manicure, According to Nail Experts 

Chipped nails, begone. Nail artists share their tried-and-true tips for maintaining your mani. 
photo of one set of hands adding cuticle oil to another set of hands with purple nails
Video Still by Christelle de Castro

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If you're someone who loves the look and feel of perfectly polished nails, you probably also know the heartbreak that comes with them chipping or breaking. (We certainly do.) The fear of ruining your new manicure might have you wanting to cover your fingertips in bubble wrap or looking for new methods and products to prolong your nail look. We want to help you with the latter. 

We spoke with nail experts who shared their tried-and-true methods for maintaining that new set look — even three weeks after your appointment. 


Meet the Experts:

Nail Prep 

The key to a long-lasting manicure starts before a single drop of polish hits your nails. According to nail artist Hemi Park, regardless of the polishes you use, proper prep will set you up for success. The artist, who is also a LeChat educator, recommends lightly buffing the entire surface of your natural nail and using a nail cleanser. 

"These steps not only cleanse any oil and residue off the nail, but they also dehydrate them, which can help [polishes] adhere to nail surfaces really well," she says. We recommend the Ulta Beauty Perfect Match Cleanser for this because of how it sweeps nails clean of debris using isopropyl alcohol. 

Ulta

Ulta Beauty Collection Nail Cleanser

Cuticle Oil 

Brittle nails are prone to chipping and breaking, and experts say that cuticle oil is key to maintaining healthy nails. "It does not matter what type of enhancement you have or if you prefer just a regular nail lacquer — cuticle oil is a must," says Florida-based nail artist Anastasia Totty

Tenoverten's The Rose Oil is a 2022 Best of Beauty winner and our pick for cuticle oil because of its lightweight formula (which combines six nourishing oils including hemp, argan, and jojoba) and easy-to-use rollerball applicator. New York City-based nail artist Miss Pop recommends the CND Solar Oil Nail and Cuticle Conditioner. The vitamin E-rich oil helps strengthen nails, keeping them from breaking under nail polish.

Tenoverten

Tenoverten The Rose Oil

Solar Oil Nail and Cuticle Conditioner glass bottle white beige liquid and white cap on white background

CND

CND Solar Oil

Topcoat 

A quality topcoat can help extend the wear of your manicure. Cosmetic chemist Joseph Cincotta recommends opting for a topcoat with UV block (like the Zoya Armor Topcoat) to "protect polish from dulling and yellowing in the sun as you reapply it every few days."  

UN/DN

UN/DN LAQR Nothing (Matte)rs Top Coat

Zoya

Zoya Armor Topcoat/UV Block

Now, you have all the information and tools you need to ensure your next manicure lasts you through that vacation or big event — and beyond. 


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Now, watch Madelyn Cline's beauty routine: