Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make my nail polish last longer?
How long nail polish lasts partly depends on preparation before the first coat. Clean, dry nails free from oils, lotions, and residue provide a better foundation for adhesion and help reduce premature chipping. As such, take a moment to wipe each nail with a lint-free pad before you begin.
Applying 2 to 3 thin coats creates smoother, more even coverage than one thick layer. With an air-drying polish, allow each coat to dry before applying the next. Rushing this step is one of the most common causes of smudging, dents, and peeling. Thin layers also cure more evenly and bond better to the nail surface.
Seal the free edge of each nail with every coat, including the top coat. A good base and top coat caps the tip where daily contact causes the most wear, helping protect the manicure and maintain its shine and appearance over time.
Daily habits also influence how long nail polish lasts. Frequent exposure to water, cleaning products, and using nails as tools can all shorten wear. As such, wearing gloves during household tasks is one of the simplest ways to keep a manicure looking its best for longer.
Can I apply nail polish over acrylic or gel nails?
Yes. Regular nail polish, or nail lacquer, can be applied over both acrylic and gel nails, allowing you to refresh the colour while keeping the underlying enhancement in place. This makes it easy to switch up your look between salon appointments or match your nails to a specific outfit or occasion without committing to a full new set.
The condition of the acrylic or gel enhancement plays a role in the final result. A smooth, well-maintained surface helps the product sit evenly and achieve a clean, professional finish. If the enhancement has lifting, cracks, or surface damage, these imperfections can show through the polish and affect the overall appearance.
Regular nail varnish also offers flexibility that gel polish does not. Because it air-dries and removes with standard nail polish remover, you can change the colour as often as you like without the need for soaking or filing off a cured layer.
What’s the best way to remove nail polish without damaging nails?
The best approach is to let the nail polish remover do the work. Saturate a cotton pad with remover, press it against the nail polish, and hold it in place for several seconds. This gives the formula time to dissolve the polish before you wipe anything away. Once the polish has softened, wipe gently in one direction. If any polish remains, repeat the process instead of forcing it off.
Acetone is an effective nail polish remover option because it breaks down polish quickly, reducing the amount of pressure and friction needed during removal. For stubborn or deeply pigmented shades, a few extra seconds of soaking time works better than added force.
You should avoid picking or peeling, as this habit pulls layers of the natural nail along with the polish. Over time, this leaves the nail plate thin, rough, and uneven. Even if a chip looks easy to peel, resist the temptation and use remover instead.
Once the nail polish is fully removed, wash your hands to clear any remaining remover residue. Follow up with cuticle oil around the nail bed and a quality hand cream to replenish moisture. Nail polish removers, especially acetone-based formulas, can be drying to the nails and surrounding skin, so this step helps keep everything hydrated and healthy between manicures.
How do I choose a nail polish shade for my skin tone?
Your skin’s undertone is a practical starting point when selecting nail polish colours. Undertones generally fall into 3 categories: warm, cool, and neutral. Identifying yours helps narrow down shades that work with your complexion rather than against it.
Warm undertones are often complemented by peach, coral, terracotta, warm pinks, and earthy shades. Nude nail shades also tend to pair well with warm and neutral undertones, offering a polished, understated look. Meanwhile, cool undertones tend to suit blues, purples, cool pinks, and berry tones. Neutral undertones are generally the most versatile and can work well with both warm and cool shades.
Our range is available in a variety of colours, making it easier to find options that complement different skin tones, personal styles, and occasions. Testing a few shades can help you find the most flattering option, as the same colour can appear differently depending on your skin tone and undertone.
While undertone is a helpful guide, personal preference carries equal weight. The colours that make someone feel confident and suit the look they want to create will always be the right choice. Encourage clients to experiment, and stock a range wide enough to support that.
How should I store nail polish to keep it in good condition?
Store nail polish in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. High temperatures and UV exposure can break down the formula over time, causing colour shifts or changes in consistency. Plus, after every use, seal the bottle tightly. A loose cap allows air into the bottle, which can cause the product to thicken or dry out well before you’ve finished using it.
Always store bottles upright. This helps prevent leaks and stops polish from pooling around the cap or threading, which can make the bottle harder to open and compromise the seal.
If a bottle of nail polish has been sitting unused for a while, gently roll it between your hands to redistribute the pigments evenly. Avoid shaking vigorously. Shaking introduces air bubbles into the formula, and those bubbles can show up during application as an uneven or textured finish.
One often overlooked step: clean any dried product from the bottle neck before replacing the cap. Built-up residue prevents the cap from closing flush, which lets air in and shortens the product’s usable life. A quick wipe with a lint-free pad soaked in remover keeps the seal tight and the formula fresher for longer.
These small storage habits add up, especially when you’re managing multiple shades across a full nail polish collection. Proper care keeps each bottle performing consistently from the first application to the last.
