- 1). Maximize the surface area of your nails by using a nail file or cottonwood stick to push down your cuticles before you begin painting your nails.
- 2). Use a cotton ball or paper towel to wipe off any excess oil from your nails that might keep your polish from absorbing properly and sliding toward your skin.
- 3). Roll the nail polish bottle between your palms before opening, to remove trapped bubbles that might prevent the polish from being applied as smoothly and cleanly as possible.
- 4). Pour out a capful of nail polish remover and place a Q-tip nearby.
- 5). Open the nail polish bottle carefully and place it on a flat, stable surface. Also place the hand you’re about to paint palm-down on a flat, steady surface, and splay your fingers so there is ample space between each nail.
- 6). Dip the brush in the polish, and wipe excess polish onto the rim of the bottle; this keeps you from spreading too much polish onto your nail that might pool toward your skin.
- 7). Place the nail brush about 1/8 inch above your cuticle and push the brush backward; once the brush reaches your cuticle, neatly reverse its direction and paint toward the tip of your nail. Use several thin coats of polish rather than a few thick coats, to keep your polish from dripping or clumping.
- 8). Don’t rush; allow the hand you’ve just finished painting to dry completely before painting the other hand. Resist the urge to fan your nails or blow them; you might accidentally hit your hand against something that botches the coat before it dries.
- 9). Repeat the process with your other hand. Ideally, you should paint your nails about an hour before bedtime so you aren’t rushed, and allow warm water from your morning shower to gently remove excess polish from your nails. If you don’t have time to let your nails dry overnight, dip your Q-tip in nail polish remover and carefully wipe excess polish from the skin around your nails.
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