Make Your Pedicure Last Longer

With your toes in constant display, your pedi must look absolutely perfect every single time. Make the most of your pedicure by following a few simple guidelines to make it last longer.

With the sandal season unraveling with full force, our toes are constantly exposed which means that we have to make sure they're up for the standards du jour. After your pedicure is done, you want to flaunt it as much as possible. Whether you are looking to maintain your work or simply stretch the time between appointments, there are things you can do the extend the life of your pedi. It is especially true for DIY jobs, but even if you don't, you can still have a strong influence. Here are a few tips to try:

Prepare the nails properly

Eliminating oils is key for making sure your pedi will last longer. But using nail polish remover isn't the best way to do it. In fact, it can even work against you since many nail polishes nowadays are formulated with vitamins and nutrients which might even cause chips. Opt for an alcohol and water solution to get the result you want instead.

Use products from the same brand

The 'set' mentality is not necessarily a marketing scheme designed to boost sales. The approach is recommended because virtually all brands create products to work best when used together. Also, make sure to brush nail polish horizontally across the tips.

Don't underestimate the importance of a drying accelerator

You know that two coats are better if you're interested in durability and that a protective top coat is a must. However, you might not realize that a drying accelerator, like Qtica's($7.50) is also extremely helpful for prolonging the life of your pedi. Plus, you won't be at risk of losing your work to a moment of carelessness. Still, don't mess with your nails for 30 minutes.

Moisturize

Don't forget that not only your nails are on display. Your feet must be in impeccable shape as well. Treat calluses and nourish your feet properly with a hydrating cream in order to ensure you'll look fab every time.

Reapply topcoat

It's a well known step you can take if you're looking to make the most of your mani. While some think you should apply this preventative measure after 2 days others recommend

doing it after a week or so. It really depends on the quality of the nail polish. Either way, a thin coat will do.

Hiding chips

This can be done in a variety of ways. If you're a glam girl, you can hide chips stylishly with glitter, applied either on the tips or on the entire nail surface. Alternatively, you can do it with a very similar tone and a thin top coat layer. Or, if you love neutrals, pick nude colors that will make chips less visible overall. 

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