Nail vanish that doesn't chip

[AtSea1979]

I've only recently started varnishing my nails after years of working in a banned area. I've tried a couple of different once but they are not even lasting a day before the ends are all chipped. Is this usual? I'm not used to looking after them so I don't think this helps. Can anyone recommend a good brand of varnish that doesn't chip?

I leave 2 mins between coats. You want each layer of polish to adhere properly. The base coat is your primer which gives you the right surface to paint on then because you aren't letting each layer dry it the layers become one uniform block of polish. You don't want too much polish because it will dry harder and more quickly if there is less polish on the nail.

I went 10 days on my last polish and that was a bright red. It can be done just don't do anything taxing with your hands!

I second everything capital said.

If you're not using a top coat then it's really not a surprise that your polish isn't lasting a day. You always need to use a base and topcoat (even fir polishes that claim you don't - they lie). Also with all those lovely dark shades you like, a base coat will help prevent your nails getting stained.

I second all the tips given above, and will add a couple given to me by a friend who's doing a nail course - before you start painting, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and a nail brush, dry them and then "squeak" your nails (this is a technical term!) by wiping them with nail polish remover. This will remove any oils from your nails that stop the polish adhering properly.

Her second tip is to remember that your nails are "jewels not tools" so the more carefully you treat them, the longer the polish will last!

Ha I'll try harder to look after them

Cnd Vinylux. Nail polish never fully cures so it's prone to chips.

Shellac et al cured in the manufacturers lamp cures to over 90%.

I wouldn't wash with water prior to applying polish, as the nail fully dries it will pull away from the polish.

Nails absorb more water than skin and it alters the shape.

Right been to boots, one on left is like a dark teal colour, one on right is called 'eternal optimist' so fancied that

Ooh I like them

I've got Chanel accessoire on today. Painted this morning, already chipped. It's hopeless. Lovely colour, shocking quality.

Barry m is great as is Essie In my experience.

I've gone bright pink this week, base coat Sally Hansen, 3 coats of Lottie Spring Break and Seche Vite top coat. Really like it

Barry M also do a "gel-like" varnish with coconut oil which is lovely and glossy and lasts well. Also very cheap

Very happy with them, feel much stronger and I'm trying not to damage them. Much to DS's disgust when I asked him to wash up for me and I've no marigolds in.

Emma that colour is nice 😍

Thanks AtSea I like that colour too, good for this time of year.
I've also started rubbing a bit of this into my nails before I go to bed at night. My nails become really fragile at this time of year but it's really helping

After so much experimenting (and way too much money spent on nail stuff!) I think I've found the foolproof way to make a manicure last at least seven days:

• Clean nails with nail polish remover to get rid of oil
• Base coat: Sally Hansen Double Duty
• Polish: Two thin layers of either OPI (fave is Got The Blues For Red) or the new L'Oreal L'Huile series - the Grenat Irreverent shade is incredible and lasts me 9-10 days!
• Top coat: Seche Vite. Put this on immediately after the second layer of varnish, it should absolutely not get a chance to dry. Use a thin coat and also paint the top/edge of your nail.
• Do it just before bed so the varnish can harden overnight.

Voila! Despite using my hands a lot this lasts me ages and people tend to think it's gel or that I've had them done at a salon

I've just started using esse base and top coat (the duo pack you get at Boots), and my old Chanel varnish that tends to chip just by looking at dishes is going strong 5 days in.