How to Apply Nail Polish Properly

Applying nail polish is a tricky endeavor, and although it would be fantastic to have salon manicured nails consistently, it's not a budget friendly idea. A clean, smooth manicure that looks up to par with a salon manicure can be difficult to achieve, but with the right nail preparation and a good quality polish, your nails can come out looking professionally done, and can last up to a week.
Trim and file your nails by nail clippers. Before you begin to paint your nails, it's important that you create the desired shape of your nails. When you file your nails, make sure to move the nail file in one direction. Buff your nails. To achieve a polished look on your nails and remove any ridges in your nails, use a four-way buffer. Make sure to move the buffer in an X pattern, and don't over-buff your nails as this can create too much friction, which will build up heat, resulting in weak nails. Clean your nails. Before you apply your nail polish, it's important that you nails are free of any dirt, moisture, or old nail polish that will cause a new coat of nail polish to chip easier because it won't be able to cling to your nails as well. Make sure that you dry your hands after you clean them to remove any excess moisture on your nails. Nail polish won't go on smoothly if your nails have water droplets on them.

Choose a good quality nail polish. The type of nail polish you use is key to achieving a well manicured look that lasts a long time. Forego those cheap nail polishes you can find for a dollar or two and consider splurging on a more high quality nail polish. It may be more expensive but it will last longer on your nails and won't dry out as quickly in the bottle.
Apply the first layer of nail polish and let it dry. After you have applied a base coat to your nails you can start applying the actual nail polish. Taking your nail polish brush, dip it in the polish just so you have enough polish on your brush to create a thin layer. Then, swipe on the nail polish with three, thin strokes with one in the middle and two on the sides. Let your nail polish dry for two minutes before applying the second coat.
Apply a second layer and let it dry. After your nail polish has dried, you can apply your second layer of polish, using the same technique as the first layer with three, even strokes of polish. Let your polish dry and proceed to the third coat if you want a darker color. If you are going for a lighter color, the second layer can be your last layer.
Apply a top coat. Once you have finished applying the color to your nails, you'll need to apply a top coat to help the nail polish last longer and to keep it from chipping. Make sure your nails are dry before you apply the top coat -- they shouldn't feel sticky. Then, apply a layer of top coat with three swipes in one direction across your nails. Let the top coat dry before you do anything else with your hands to keep your nails from chipping or smudging.
Touch up your nails. As you were painting your nails you might have noticed that you were getting the nail polish on your fingers and not just your nails, which can create a sloppy look. But it's fairly easy to touch up your nails -- just use a cotton swab and dip it in nail polish remover. Then, gently rub off the excess nail polish around your nails until your nails look very neat.