---
id: "514d8e22c7b4767655e1bb35"
lang: "en"
title: "13 Tips on How to Make Nail Polish Stay on Longer"
slug: "tips-on-how-to-make-nail-polish-stay-on-longer"
date: "2026-09-01"
updated: "2022-01-21"
author: "jessica-black"
category: "nails"
tags: ["8 tips on how to make nail polish stay on longer", "color coats", "excess oils", "long lasting nails", "nail polish", "nail polish remover", "thin coats", "two coats"]
image: "https://img.allw.mn/thumbs/00/ee4ga4grn18vw2f8y94se_1080_1350.jpg"
summary: "I don’t know about you ladies, but recently I started doing my own manicures, and the issue I have is how to make nail polish stay on longer. Sometimes, when I do my own nails, I can only go a day or…"
source: "https://nails.allwomenstalk.com/tips-on-how-to-make-nail-polish-stay-on-longer/"
---
I don’t know about you ladies, but recently I started doing my own manicures, and the issue I have is how to make nail polish stay on longer. Sometimes, when I do my own nails, I can only go a day or two before I start to see it all chipping away. So I did some research, and I have got it down to a science now, so I thought it’s only fair to share it with my gals. Here are my 8 tips on how to make nail polish stay on longer.

## 1. Nail Polish Remover is a Gal's Best Friend

Something I don’t think any of us think of, on how to make nail polish stay on longer, is the very thing that takes it off! The oil on our hands is one of the things that chips away at our polish; who’d a thunk it, right? The best thing to do, before you slap on that base coat from your favorite brand, is go over your nails with some nail polish remover. Even if you aren’t wearing any polish to begin with, just to remove any excess oils you may have on your nails.

## 2. Use a Base Coat First

Your polish will actually stick better to your nails if you prep them with a base coat first. I absolutely love Essie’s Fill the Gap! Ridge Smoothing Base Coat, because it’s not only a great base, but when you have beat up nails like mine, it helps to even them out as well. You can’t beat the price either, at an average of $7 a bottle it’s a steal that works miracles.

## 3. Laying It on Thick Not Good with Guys ... or Nails

For some reason, every time you get your nails done at the salon, the stylist makes it look effortless, right? I know when you go and get them done there, it’s usually two coats of polish, and then your clear top coat. If you’re like me, though, it never looks the same I’m sure. This is by far the best tip I found on how to make nail polish stay on longer. Instead of doing two really thick color coats, do four very thin coats of color instead. This tip will help you cut down on drying time, and get rid of the bubble issue I’m sure so many of us have.

## 4. If You Want Your Mani to Last Steer Clear of New Trends

Who hasn’t heard of some of the cute new trends in the nail world lately? Caviar and sequin nails are a fabulous new trend that I fell head over heels for, and I’m sure so have many of you. The only thing about these trendy new talons is that they don’t stay on for more than a couple of days. This is something I would only recommend if you are going to a cocktail party or something fancy pants that you want to have as an added accessory. They are definitely not for everyday wear, or for lasting more than a few days.

## 5. Shimmering Colors Last Longer

Everyone knows that the hardest nail polish to remove is anything that sparkles or shimmers, so going with these colors are definitely a way to get that mani to last. The shimmer and glitter really will stick to your nails, and adds a little glamour to any outfit or occasion. If you are worried about getting it off, because it can be a pain in the buns, there are tons of tutorials here, and on the web, that have easy and practical ways to get it off. Now there are even neat new colors from O.P.I’s Maria Carey line that have sand in them, and I have to say I love it, because it really does last!

## 6. Top Coating is like Waxing Your Car

Everyone knows that after you slap on that China Glaze "Shape Shifter" you have to put on that clear top coat right? The same rule applies here, though, that applied to rule number three. The same way that you can apply too much color, you can always apply too much top coat, and have to go back later and fix your chips. Do two very thin coats and you will dry a lot quicker and not find yourself doing so many touch ups.

## 7. Be Patient when It’s Time to Dry