Buzz
For years, I've been relying on gel manicures, but not out of choice—it's a result of my ongoing battle with ultraviolet light. Regular nail polish just never seems to last more than a few days before it starts chipping. Anyone who knows how much time goes into painting their nails understands that this short lifespan isn't worth the effort of perfecting all ten nails. This is one of the reasons why at-home gel nail polish kits have gained so much popularity.
However, as my trusted nail technician can attest, gel nail polish can cause significant damage to your nails. I always make sure to treat my damaged nail beds with cuticle oils and creams, but celebrity nail artist Jin Soon Choi explains that this could actually be the reason why your manicure doesn't last as long as you'd like.
The term 'oily skin' isn't exclusive to your face, says Herman Paez, director of education at EMMA Beauty. 'Just like skin, we all have a specific nail type. Our nails can be categorized as dry, oily, sensitive, or a combination, much like our skin.' The natural oils produced by your cuticle beds can prevent even the best nail polishes from adhering properly to the nail plate.
Choi points out that this situation is both beneficial and problematic: 'It's a great issue to have because cuticles tend to dry out quickly, and I'm always stressing the importance of moisturizing this area. However, on the flip side, an overly oily base can definitely interfere with the longevity of your nail polish.'
How to Make Your Nail Polish Last Longer
So, what should a chronic chipper do? 'First, always ensure that your nails are thoroughly cleaned before applying polish. Your nail beds should feel completely dry,' advises Choi. 'For a longer-lasting manicure, reapply a top coat every few days to refresh your nails and enhance their durability. Additionally, use a hand mist (or lemon, if you're in a pinch) to mattify and clean the cuticle area.' Breathable nail polishes can also help extend the wear and reduce chipping.
There are also mattifying nail products available that can make a difference. Priming formulas, like EMMA Beauty Grip Dehydrator, strip away excess oils from the nail plate and establish the ideal pH balance for better polish adhesion. A top coat like JINsoon HyperGloss can further help, offering UV protection to guard against smearing, smudging, or scratching.
If you're a fan of a little sparkle, Choi suggests glitter topper polishes as an excellent choice for those with oily cuticles, as they tend to cling to the nails better.
In the end, it all comes down to balance: Moisturized nails are wonderful—just don’t overdo it. A weaker, thinner, or damaged nail plate can also shorten the life of your manicure, so make sure to follow your at-home tips with nourishing nail care products, especially if you frequently change your polish.
