black nail varnish - application tips?

[Jewelsandgems]

I have short square nails, and am wearing black nail varnish for a halloween party tonight. But, I just don;t know it is with black, I am terrible at it. Dark red, I do all the time and I am not too bad, but the minute I reach for the black, my hands are covered in smears and the nails look awful.

Are there any tips/hints that can make it neater?

Thanks in advance,
J&G

[TheHeathenOfSuburbia]

Clear varnish first, two coats of black, then clear again?

Remove smudgey bits with a cotton bud dipped in remover...

[Jewelsandgems]

Good idea heathen! And yes, cotton buds - must get some.

[shelleylou]

Has to be 2 coats it doesnt sit right with just one IME. I try to do thiner strokes than i would with lighter colours. Im wearing black atm have been for a few days

[tulpe]

I would probably stretch to 3 thin coats. I have the same problem with navy blue. They are both colours which need a gradual build rather than instantaneous colour

[Jewelsandgems]

aah that's where I have been going wrong - I have been putting on heavy coats to get the colour and - well - very messy job!

shelleylou - what black nail varnish are you wearing? Sounds like a good one to be still chip free!

[shelleylou]

collection 2000 Maxiflex. I put it on bout 8.30 thursday morning. Two coats and its still fine. Even with chasing ds round

[nevergoogledragonbutter]

oh i love my black nail varnish.

[sweetcat]

clear varnish first to stop staining then two/three thin coats.

Enjoy the party!