How to Make Your Normal Polish Last (Without Losing Your Mind Waiting for It to Dry)

Let’s be honest! Normal polish gets a bad rap. People love to complain that it chips too quickly, takes forever to dry, and smudges the second you dare to move. But here's the truth: with the right steps (and a little bit of patience), regular polish can absolutely hold its own. And no, you don’t need to be a professional or own a UV lamp to make it work.

Here’s your easy, no-fluff guide to getting long-lasting, chip-resistant polish at home. Yes, even with your Netflix-and-snack routine in full swing.

✨ Step 1: Start Fresh

No oils, no fluff, no leftover polish.
Push those cuticles back, shape your nails and rinse your hand in water only!

Use a non-acetone remover or even better alcohol wipes clean your nails, even if they’re bare. You’d be surprised how much natural oil or leftover lotion can mess with adhesion and cause chipping! Pay extra attention to the end of your nails, the cuticle areas and corners.

Bonus tip: Lightly buff the nail surface and push back your cuticles. This helps the polish grip better and prevents premature lifting around the edges.

✨ Step 2: Prep Like a Pro

Apply a base coat. Always.
It’s not just a nice-to-have. It’s your foundation. A good base coat creates a smooth surface and helps your polish bond better to the nail (aka, less chipping). It also prevents staining, especially if you're using deep or bright colours.

✨Step 3: Thin Coats, Not Thick Drama

This is where most people go wrong.
Thick coats = long drying time + easy smudging + bubbling. No thanks.

Instead, do 2–3 thin coats, allowing each coat to dry for about 60–90 seconds in between. Trust us. It’s worth the extra couple of minutes.

✨Step 4: Seal the Deal

Top coat = your nail polish bodyguard.
A good top coat not only adds shine but also locks in your colour and protects against chips. Reapply a thin layer every 2–3 days to keep things fresh and glossy.

✨Step 5: Speed Things Up (Yes, You Can)

Quick dry sprays are your best friend. They help polish set faster and reduce the risk of smudging. Aim for a natural option like Mitty quick dry spray that is friendly to your nails and you! 

Just don’t go grabbing snacks right away. (We know, we know… but resist.)

✨Step 6: Avoid the Traps

Here’s what not to do if you want your polish to last:

• Don’t soak your hands in water for a long period of time right after painting. aka washing dishes, taking a bath or long hot showers

• Don’t skip the tip: swipe your brush across the free edge of your nail to seal it.

• Don’t treat your nails like tools (no opening cans, please).
  

✨Final Tip: Be Kind to Your Nails

Long-lasting polish starts with healthy nails. Stay hydrated, wear gloves when cleaning, and avoid picking or peeling your polish. Your nails will thank you.