How do I get perfect nail polish?

[Butyoucant]

Hi MNetters

After being a nail biter all my life I have finally managed to stop over the last few months and they are now at a nice length.

I've found that by always having varnish on it stops me biting. My problem is that I can't seem to put it on without getting tiny bits on the surrounding bits. It's only noticeable close up but I know they are there!

Does anyone have any tips please?

[TattyDevine]

Not really apart from getting one of those pens that you can use to easily melt off the mistakes.

Practice, practice.

And have a gin and tonic first, its ever so hard when you have the delerium tremors...

[K999]

Don't go right to the very edges when applying. This also makes your nails look longer. If you make mistakes, dip cotton bud in remover and gently wipe off.

[ceebeegeebies]

Mmm I do mine in the evening and then pick the bits off the side in the morning (or they come off in the shower themselves) - voila, perfect nails the next day

[Butyoucant]

Thanks

Strangely after a glass of vino tonight I seem to have done a better job even with a dark colour!

Are the cheapies as good as the more expensive ones? Trying to build my collection up.

[blabalalalablabla]

You just need to do three paint strokes - one in the middle and then one on the left and right - don't go right up to the edges.

[ceebeegeebies]

I am a bit of an aficionado with nail polish - best ones are the expensive ones (nails inc, OPI etc) but Rimmel ones are fab - long lasting and great colours

[Meglet]

Sally Hansan quick dry, no chip top coat is my secret weapon. I can get 5 good days out of a varnish with that stuff on top.

[starjules]

Hi, best not to go to close to the edges but that gets better with practice. If I do get any on the edges I just wipe it round with a dry cuticle stick. (you can get cheap packs of those in boots etc and I just keep one just for this)

Polish quality really does depend on the makes, on the cheaper brands Barry M is fab and has lots of good colours, they quite oftern to 2 for £5 or only £2.99 each, also GOSH in superdrug is good, but if you want a splurge then OPI is the best for unusual colours and the glitters they do are second to none. You can usually get OPI at a salon or some John lewis stores do them too.

My other tip is to always use a base coat as this protects your nails from damage and staining and also helps the polish stay on. For the best finish I always use a top coat as it makes the polish super shiny and lasts longer, if you also get a top coat with a quick dry in it to you can be out the door with touch dry nails in 10 mins!

[Ryoko]

I just chuck it everywhere and then use the end of a nail file to crack it along the edge and peel it off.

[blabalalalablabla]

I've recently discovered Orly nail polish and it has lasted about 3 weeks so far (on my toes) without a chip in sight. Very impressed with it.