How can I get a home manicure to last?

[Essie3]

Had my nails done at Nails Inc on Friday, and it's lasted until today!
I bought their base coat and top coat, I think it's called caviar or something. Will using those make a manicure I do myself last as long? How can I get the same effect? There's no Nails Inc branch near me and besides I'm not a footballer's wife so pro manicures are a treat only!
My new year's resolution is to have neat and groomed nails.

I just got exactly the same stuff for my birthday having been impressed with their manicures. It's pretty good, put the top coat on every day if you have time (and do as little housework as possible!)

Does it work? I got a little pack: this one.
Like the no housework idea!

I've heard that painting on a clear top coat every couple of days does the trick. I'll be lurking for further advice too because I've just done my nails (myself) for the first time in ages and want it to last.

What colour did you get? I'm wearing a dark metallic plummy red.

Apart from the logical things like wearing gloves to wash up etc it's worth getting a nail oil. Since dd my nails are short and plain but I used to have a weekly manicure and found a good nail oil made it last.

The other option is to have your nails covered with gel or silk (or probably other options now too) I used to have mine done and it made them really hard and nail varnish last 2 or 3 weeks.

People speak highly of "minyxing" - is that right?

Btw - if you put too many coats of top coat on it cracks (ime)

Yes, a clear top coat helps, and if you have to wash up/go in the bath etc don't soak your hands for too long.

LOL, I got a dark metallic plummy red! I'm not joking - it's the one from their Christmas selection which I didn't buy but I got to have it painted on.
I painted the topcoat on 2 days ago - it was flawless, but today it's started to crack so I guess it's back to home painting now.

Essie- we must be bang on trend!
Mine's from a Jessica limited edtn set called Socialites

Yeah that was it - I thought it was very good. True that the top coat will crack if put on too thickly - maybe every other day. And obviously if you just lose a chip of the colour you can paint it back in yourself, which you can't after a salon manicure unless you bought the colour as well.

There is a brand sold in Boots & Superdrug which comes in a silver bottle and is called "Diamond Strength" I think (not sure which brand it is) which I always use when I am going somewhere and wearing dark nail varnish which shows if it chips. Always works.

Is it Sally Hansen? (Sorry, I'm a make up nerd...)
Just realised that I've started a thread on manicures and my mn name is a nail varnish brand! Didn't know that till I googled!

I think it is. I noticed that about your name.