How To Make Your Manicure Last Longer

Hey everyone,

I can’t believe this is the last week of November and we are so close to Christmas. Next month all of my posts will be Christmas inspired and I am so excited to show you all what I have in store. Kinza and I have made this long list of all the cool Christmassy events taking place in London so we can’t wait to take lots of pictures and post them online to show you guys.

Before we get to that, I wanted to share something different. You see we all have issues with making our standard manicures last longer than 2 days. In my previous experience, each time I paint my nails I only manage to have it perfect for a day or two, if I’m lucky. However, I have done some research on this and invested in some new products and thaa day I finally cracked it.

So here it is, my first step by step guide on how to make your manicure last longer or at least 5 days without chipping. I have chosen OPI Natural Base Coat, MAC Studio Nail Lacquer in shade Mean and Green and OPI Top Coat, for my cuticles I opted for Burt’s Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream. You can click on each of these to see full product details and prices, I have linked the cheapest options.

Firstly file and buff your nails, push down your cuticles and get ready to paint.

In the first step, I started with Natural Nail Base Coat by OPI and in my opinion, OPI is the best when it comes to Top and Base Coats. The secret is to apply two coats of this base coat and let it dry for few seconds before you start applying the nail polish.

The next step is the nail polish and I chose this MAC Studio Nail Lacquer in Mean and Green shade. I usually buy OPI and Essie mostly (check out some of my favourite colours here) however, Steph got me this for my birthday so I thought I’d give it a go. This nail polish has a Pearl finish and it’s both a green and purple colour once dry. Apply 2-3 coats to achieve the maximum shade. I love this nail polish as depending on the light it will have both purple and green flecks.

Follow up with an OPI Top Coat to give your nails extra shine. Top Coat makes the nail varnish dry quicker and gives the nails that professional finish. So sit back and relax until it is all well dried. If you are slightly weird like me, I recommend going to the loo before you start this process so you can avoid any mistakes on your freshly painted nails.

And now last but not least, apply this gorgeous Burt’s Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream on your cuticles to moisturise and soften them up. Finish it all up with a pea size amount of Loccitane Delightful Rose Hand Cream and you will love the smell and the soft feel of your hands.

I do love having Shellac done once a month but sometimes it’s just nice to be able to do your nails once a week at home. I do this while I watch my favourite TV shows and find it kinda therapeutic.

Do you have any tips on how to make the manicure last longer? Or any favourite shades for the Christmas season?

xxx