Non Gel manicure nails

[BeaLola]

I have shortish nails - when they get longer they break and also dont look great anyway. I have had salon gels done before covid for holidays but dont think I would do them myself at home.

I have some lovely dark navy varnish which I would like to use at Christmas. I get that prep is key - what is IYO the best base & top coat ?

Also - when I see other people with short nails their varnish looks good - what is the secret ? perhaps my nails are just wrong for varnish.

I read that you need to cap the nail - how if they are short ?

Thank you

Beetles do good base and top coats.

Opi nail envy for your base coat. Seche vote for the top coat

Perfect formula gel coat and nails inc nail kale. I’ve been alternating the pink and clear gel coat depending on what else I’m wearing but I am very happy with how long this combo lasts

OPI natural nail base and Seche Vite topcoat. Capping your nail isn't really possible without making a mess if you don't have any free edge, but equally you shouldn't get as much chipping with no free edge. Just avoid anything involving them being in water for extended periods, or wear gloves.

CND Vinylux topcoat might be worth a look at as well. I think technically only claims to extend the wear of your polish when using a colour from the same range, but I had good results just using it as a top coat on any other polish.

I have seche vite, eveyone raves about it but i just can't get in with it!

I am useless at doing my own but have been forced to improve this year - OPI infinite shine for everything seems to work best for me, plus very slow application and using the same technique as I see the professionals do - ie stripe middle, each side, repeat