DO USE A BASE COAT before applying anything else.
Remember that one time....when you painted your nails that dark red...or purple...or blue and when you tried to remove it your nails were tainted from what you had painted? It's happened, just admit it. 98% of the time, that happened because you didn't use a base coat. Base coat is an absolute MUST. You might not recognize this step when you've paid someone else to do it, but all that preparation isn't necessarily for a bigger tip when you go to a salon. Base coat protects your nails from polish stains, can help strengthen weakness, and provides an even surface for color to apply easier.
In order for a base coat to work properly be sure you wash and dry your hands thoroughly OR swipe a bit of remover on (even if you're starting with what you think is a clean nail) before you add the base. This ensures that the base coat will have a super clean, oil-free surface to adhere to and will allow your do-it-yourself manicure to last longer. If you're not sure what to look for, or where to buy, here's a list of my favorites:
- CND Stickey (Ulta.com - $8.50)
- OPI Nail Envy (drugstore.com - $15.50)
- Orly Bonder Rubberized Basecoat (Sally Beauty Supply - $7.99 or $6.99 w/ Beauty Club card)
- Nails Inc. London Kensington Basecoat w/ Caviar (Sephora.com - $10)
- Nailtiques Nail Protein, Formula 2 (dermstore.com - $17.49)
- Nutra Nail Green Tea Nail Strengthener (WalMart - $5)
Keep in mind, if you look online, you'll be able to find most of these for a lot less. Sally Hansen also offers a a variety of vitamin-fortified strengtheners that can be used as base coats.
Just remember - anything is better than nothing, so ladies (and gents) don't skip the base coat - you'll be
sorry you did when you're scrubbing at your claws with ratty cotton balls and polish remover.
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