If you’re new to polish, welcome! If you already have a ton of experience, we hope you still learn something new. This guide will be your go-to resource for every step of applying polish: from prepping your nails to choosing and using the right tools.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the information out there about nail care and how to apply polish. But don’t worry! We break everything down into simple steps that are easy to follow.

First, let’s start with some basic theory: why is it important to apply polish correctly?

Step 1: Prep the Nail

Step 2: Paint the Nail

Step 3: Polish the Nail

Step 4: Dry the Nail

Applying nail polish is not as easy as it seems. There are a few tricks to the trade that can make a good manicure a great one. Here’s how to get your nails looking their best.

1. Push back cuticles and trim nails.

2. File nails into desired shape.

3. Wipe off excess nail dust with polish remover or acetone on cotton ball.

4. Apply base coat.

5. Apply two coats of colored polish, making sure to wait for the first coat to dry before you apply the second coat.

6. Finish with topcoat, reapplying every two or three days for long-lasting color and shine.

You want to be sure that your nails are completely dry before moving on to the next step. If they’re even a little bit wet, you’ll get bubbles in your nail polish.

To start, apply a base coat or nail strengthener. This is especially important if you have weak nails. The base coat will help to protect and strengthen your nails, and it will also prevent your nails from staining. If you have yellowing nails, try using a white nail polish as a base coat. You can use a clear base coat if you don’t want any color on your nails, but keep in mind that it won’t prevent stains.

Once your base coat has dried, it’s time to apply the first layer of nail polish. Apply one or two strokes of color along the center of your nail, followed by one stroke along each side of the center. Then, fill in the rest of the nail with more color until you can no longer see any white on your nails. It’s okay if the first layer looks streaky because we will do another layer after this one dries!

You’ll want to give this layer plenty of time to dry. 5-10 minutes should do it! Once it is dry, go

Sometimes a nail polish idea comes to you when you least expect it. Other times, you find yourself searching for inspiration. Either way, we’ve got you covered. We rounded up some of the best nail art from Instagram to inspire your next manicure. Looking for even more designs? Visit our Instagram page, which is updated daily with manicures submitted by our readers!

Step 1: Choose your base color

Pick a base color that best suits your look. If you’re going for glamour, try a glittery shade; if you’re looking for something understated, go with a nude hue.

Step 2: Apply the first coat

Dip the brush into the bottle and pull it out so that there is just enough polish on the brush to coat your nail without running over onto your cuticle or skin. Begin in the center of your nail and swipe out toward the edges in three strokes—left edge, right edge, and then down the center. Let dry for two minutes before applying a second coat.

Step 3: Apply the second coat

Apply a second coat of polish using the same technique as above. Let dry for two minutes before applying a third coat.

Step 4: Apply a topcoat

Apply a clear topcoat to seal in

Nail polish (also known as nail varnish or nail enamel) is a lacquer that can be applied to the human fingernail or toenails to decorate and protect the nail plates. The formulation has been revised repeatedly to enhance its decorative effects, and to suppress cracking or flaking. Nail polish consists of a mix of an organic polymer and several other components, depending on the brand.

Nail polish originated in China, where it was first used over 1,000 years ago. The term “nail polish” was first used in 1892 by Charles Revson and his brothers, who developed a clear nail polish with pigments for tinting. Nail polish consists of a film-forming polymer dissolved in a volatile organic solvent. Nitrocellulose that is dissolved in butyl acetate or ethyl acetate is common. This basic formulation is expanded to include the following:

Colourants: pigments and dyes

Thickeners: cellulose nitrate

Film formers/plasticizers: ethyl acetate

Diluents: butyl acetate and ethyl acetate

Nail polish is a lacquer that can be applied to the human fingernail or toenails to decorate and protect the nail plates. The formulation has been revised repeatedly to enhance its decorative effects, and to suppress cracking or flaking. Nail polish consists of a mix of an organic polymer and several other components, depending on the brand.

Nail polish originated in China, and dates back to 3000 BC. Around 600 BC, during the Zhou dynasty, the royal house preferred the colors gold and silver. However, red and black eventually replaced these metallic colors as royal favorites. During the Ming dynasty, nail polish was often made from a mixture that included beeswax, egg whites, gelatin, vegetable dyes, and gum arabic.[citation needed] In Egypt, the lower classes wore pale colors, whereas high society painted their nails a reddish brown color obtained from henna. In ancient Egypt and Rome , manicures and pedicures were not performed for cosmetic purposes such as they are today; they were done for health reasons such as curing corns or ingrown toenails or fingernails.

In ancient Egypt , nails were tinted with red henna . Ancient Egyptians also used henna to paint their nails before they went