20 Next-Level Manicure Tricks

#1 Remove Old Polish

This may seem painfully obvious, but there's nothing worse for your nails than layering over old shades. Try using a non-acetone remover to limit the damage.

#2 Attack Glitter

A nail enthusiast's biggest adversary is, without a doubt, glitter nail polish. Remove those stubborn sparkles by placing cotton pads soaked in nail polish remover over your nails, then wrap them in tinfoil for five minutes.

#3 Soak Away Stains

Dark polish looks amazing, but the aftermath is generally stained nails and skin. Whiten your nails by soaking them in a mixture of hot water, hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda.

#4 Use Your Clippers!

Filing your nails can be addictive, but resist the urge to over-file. Excessive filing weakens nails, so it's best to use clippers beforehand.

#5 Choose A Gentler File

Glass and metal nail files have a tendency to look luxurious. But they're not a great idea for many nail types. Consider choosing a more gentle file to avoid the brittle effect.

#6 Eliminate Those Cuticles

Every beauty buff should invest in a good cuticle remover. Overbearing cuticles can threaten any great manicure.

#7 Repair Breaks

Fight the urge to rip off large chunks of broken nail by investing in a good nail glue.

#8 Change Your Shape

Round, square, almond, coffin, stiletto... Why not file your nails into a shape you've never tried before?

#9 Exfoliate

Remove dead skin on hands and around nails by slapping on a great exfoliating scrub!

#10 Moisturize!

You already know how important it is to moisturize our bodies. Your nails are no exception, so slather on some lotion.

#11 Spritz

Add some rubbing alcohol into a spray bottle and give your nails a little spritz. This step will remove any oils left on nails from moisturizing.

#12 Base Coat

Although many of us skip this step, applying a base coat is crucial in protecting your nails from stains and chemical-heavy polishes.

#13 Nail Polish Thinner

Not ready to let go of a great shade, even though it's become thick and chunky? Add in nail polish thinner, not remover, to prolong your favorite polish's life.

#14 Double Coat

Your nails may appear to be flawless after just one coat. However, adding a second one will ensure an even look past the drying period!

#15 Paint Away Imperfections

Make a messy mistake with your polish? Don't sweat it! Simply dip a fine paintbrush into nail polish remover and paint over any problem areas.

#16 Top Coat

Top coats protect nails from chips and scratches. Consider trying a matte top coat for a fresh look!

#17 Quick Dry

It can sometimes be downright impossible to sit still long enough for our polish to dry. Just dip your pointers in a bowl of ice water for about a minute to achieve quick drying time!

#18 Re-moisturize!

You will never regret moisturizing when it comes to your nails. Slather on some more lotion to protect the skin around your nails and minimize chipping.

#19 Touch Up

To prolong the life of your manicure, it's best to touch up your polish every day or two. Applying one even layer tends to look better than just targeting chipped areas.

#20 Don't Pick!

Picking at your polish not only leaves a mess but also causes damage to your nailbeds. Try to remove your polish before you get that picking urge!

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