so... nail varnish

[Oakmaiden]

Is there a technique to putting it on so it doesn't splodge all over your hands and up to your elbows? Or should I just book myself regular manicures?

Maybe I should name change for this so no-one realises how very unstylish I really am....

Yes.

3 stripes. side side middle.

Dip the brush in then wipe it off the brush again.

put less on the brush and do more coats.

What kind of polish are you using? You could put it in the fridge so it's less runny.

Hm - I'll try the fridge thing.

In theory I do 3 stripes, but I always end up with either nail varnish on the skin next to my nails or a big gap down the edge of my nails. And the nail bed end of the nail always looks a bit of a pig's ear too.

Maybe I need more practice. Or maybe I am just clumsy...

Um - most of my nail varnishes are just cheap ones. Does it make a difference? Are some REALLY better than others?

Leave a gap at the sides - makes nails look longer and neater - and leave a gap at the bottom - looks neater and avoids finger painting!
I prefer OPI but it is pricey, there are some perfectly good cheaper ones though

Have a cuticle stick at the ready &/or cotton bud dipped in polish remover for clean up.
Or use gelpolish that doesn't dry until you cure it - even more timefor clean up!

Some nail varnishes are definitely better than others, but that's not to say that it's always the most expensive ones which are the best.

My two favourites are Rimmel and Chanel - you don't get much more different than that! The Rimmel ones don't last quite as long (either in the pot or on my nails) but I have always found they go on smoothly. The Chanel one is utterly brilliant - goes on well no matter how quickly I apply it and lasts for ages - again, both in the pot and on my nails.

I suspect there's a certain amount of trial and error involved in finding ones that work for you, but try a few - all varnishes are not made equal!

Polish on a table not on your knee.
Dip brush in scrape underneath of polish against the bottle top then take a little off tip on top also before beginning to paint so you do not have too much polish running down the brush
The first swipe (down the middle) place the brush a couple of millimeters in front of the cuticle then push down a little first, without flooding the cuticle but bringing it nice and close to the cuticle and giving a rounded 'start' to the polish then back up to the free edge. then go each side around slightly at the bottom and up.
As you paint the three 'stripes' angle your hand a little to each side to help whilst flat on the table.
Many people like the OPI pro wide brush, some manage to paint their nails in one swipe.
Use a fast dry top coat. China Glaze one is good, as is seche vite. The nails inc caviar excellent but £££

that second line reads badly doesn't it trying again...
Dip your brush in as you take it out bring the underneath of the brush over the edge of the bottle top, scraping excess polish off the brush (under only) then take a little of the tip which will be starting to drip off. This should give you enough polish to start painting but not too much.

Ok - will polish this eveing using your tips and report back.

Thank you - it is one of these things I have never been able to do, and just gave up on wearing nail varnish. But the colours are sooo prettty....

oh, I agree with the thing about stop trying to get the polish right to the base of the nail and right to the sides. If you do that it will 'bleed' along your cuticle.

And just buy the barryM glittery ones (pink iridescnt is good) and you can fuck it right up and no one will notice.

I am not sophisticated, but I sparkle

Oh - and vaseline along your cuticle so polish is easier to get off.
Hope you get good results!