Tips & Tricks

How to Get a Long Lasting Manicure

April 11, 2012

I’ve tried a lot of combinations of nail products while searching for the best way to make my nails stronger and nail polish stick. This is the latest combination that I’m loving…

  1. One thin coat of Nail Magic: Nail Hardener and Conditioner (available at Sally Beauty)
  2. One thin coat of CND Sticky Base (I bought mine at transdesign.com)
  3. Apply your nail polish color, etc. Usually I do two coats, but it depends on the coverage and how opaque the polish is.
  4. Once coat of Seche Vite Dry Fast Topcoat (also purchased at transdesign.com)

I’ve been getting minimal tip wear with this combination. And most of all, my nails are stronger. I attribute that to the Nail Magic. I’ve been using it consistently for about 6 weeks and I’ve seriously noticed a difference in the strength of my nails. It’s also cut down on the the amount of peeling (my nails usually peel because they get so dry). Between lightly buffing out any peeling when I notice it starting, and the Nail Magic, my nails have never been stronger. :)

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  • Eveline van Heijst April 11, 2012 at 10:42 am

    Will we be seeing some video’s soon?
    Eveline.

    • kristina April 13, 2012 at 7:46 am

      I want to, but it I just need to find the time. :)

  • jessica April 11, 2012 at 11:00 am

    i love the seche vite topcoat. i need to pick up some of that nail magic next time i’m at sally. the number one reason my nail polish chips is because my nails peel…

  • Angela B-C April 11, 2012 at 11:01 am

    I was wondering when you’d start blogging more about your nails. Great stuff. My nails have always been weak so I will definitely try this combination.

    Angela

  • Kelli B. April 11, 2012 at 11:21 am

    I LOVE nail polish too. Excited for your new blog! :)

  • Grisel Blanco April 11, 2012 at 1:44 pm

    Wow, you just do it all, don’t you?! :D LOVE anything related to nails!! So happy you’re starting this blog… I’m subscribing! Cute pictures at the top of the page… LOVE your sunglasses!!! (:

  • jenn b. April 12, 2012 at 12:05 pm

    I have never heard of that Transdesign.com site before. I can already see that that is going to be a problem for me! There prices are so cheap :)

    • kristina April 13, 2012 at 7:44 am

      I know, right! I love them! The transdesign customer service is great, too. A long time ago, I placed an order and they emailed me to let me know that one of the polished I ordered was on back order. They gave me a choice of taking it off the order, or replacing it with a different color. I love it when stores go out of their way to accommodate customers. :)

  • Tarynne April 13, 2012 at 12:51 am

    I went to Sallys and bought some goodies! I got the Nail Magic, but the Basic Coat therapy cause I have a problem with peeling but not strength in general. I painted my toes when I got home and they’ve never looked better… the top coat is flawless! Can’t wait to paint my nails!!

    My question is.. when do you paint your nails? I always do it right before bed cause I never have time for them to dry otherwise, I always want to scrap!!

    • kristina April 13, 2012 at 7:45 am

      I do the same. Usually at night while I watch a movie or catch up on YouTube videos. :)

  • Julie April 15, 2012 at 3:02 pm

    Do you watch MsGoldGirl on YouTube? This is the same system she uses. I have tried it and it really works! Love all your nail looks and your card videos!

  • DIane B April 18, 2012 at 12:16 pm

    How do you get your cuticles to look so nice and pink? Mine always seem to look worn and dry even though I use lots of hand lotion.

    • kristina April 18, 2012 at 1:07 pm

      I use cuticle oil a couple times per day (or at least I try to remember to do so). I really like this oil from The Body Shop because it has a twist click thing and it can be thrown in my purse easily: The Body Shop Almond Nail & Cuticle Oil. Plus is has a soft cuticle pusher on the cap. :)

  • Mandy April 19, 2012 at 12:41 pm

    love all these tips! what do you find to be the best way to remove your polish? other than just scrubbing with polish remover? thanks!!!

    • kristina April 20, 2012 at 6:50 am

      I generally will soak a cotton pad with remover and let it sit on the nail for about 5-10 seconds and then wipe to the end of the nail. Letting it soak for just a few seconds will help the polish come off faster. :)

      • mandy April 21, 2012 at 11:11 pm

        thanks! i will definitely try that next time!

  • Megan June 21, 2012 at 8:58 am

    Just picked up the Seche Vite Topcoast yesterday at Ulta. Tried it out last night and I love it. Thanks for the rec! It goes on great, drys super quick and the shine…oh my! Thanks again!

    • kristina June 24, 2012 at 10:38 am

      I adore Seche Vite! Love it so much! :)

  • Haley June 26, 2012 at 9:51 pm

    Thanks for the tips!! Any thoughts inm on the out the door top coat? Thanks!

  • Annie May 18, 2013 at 1:00 pm

    Do you find Seche Vite works well as a topcoat for stamping designs? Many topcoats I tried would smudge the design, I believe because they were too watery. The best I have found is OPI’s topcoat which doesn’t smudge the stamp designs. But I haven’t tried Seche Vite with them yet.