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A durable manicure begins with a base coat. Explore more images of personal hygiene routines.
© iStockphoto.com/TerryJAchieving a flawless manicure or pedicure doesn’t require a salon visit or a hefty budget. With the correct techniques, experts affirm you can achieve professional results at home.
The process begins with a transparent base coat, which enhances polish adhesion to your nails. This layer also shields your nails from potential damage caused by polish, prevents discoloration and chipping, and ensures a smoother, more uniform finish.
Base coats are available in both standard and ridge-filling types. Ridge-filling base coats have a thicker consistency compared to regular ones, effectively smoothing out lines, ridges, and grooves for a flawless nail surface.
Numerous base coats are enriched with nutrients like protein, vitamin E, or calcium. These components promote nail health, reducing the risk of breakage, splitting, and peeling.
Once the base coat has dried (which should happen quickly), apply two layers of colored nail polish instead of one for a more vibrant finish. Alternatively, using just a base coat can provide a natural, glossy look without colored polish.
Complete your manicure or pedicure with a top coat to lock in the polish, add shine, and prevent chipping. While some products offer combined base and top coats, separate applications often yield better results.
Individuals with nail polish sensitivities should exercise caution, as base coats contain higher resin levels than regular polish, making them a common trigger for allergies [source: Almond].
