Place a cotton swab or ball over the opening of your nail polish remover. Make sure it is completely covering the opening of the bottle. Tip the bottle upside down and wait a few seconds for the cotton swab or ball to become saturated with the remover. Rub the saturated cotton swab or ball over your nails to remove the polish. Re-saturate your cotton swab or ball as needed. [2] X Research source
Use the clippers to trim your nails, if needed. Smooth the edges of your nails with an emery board nail file. File your nails into a round, square, or rounded-square shape. Run over each nail with a slightly abrasive buffer to even out the surface of your nails. [4] X Research source
After soaking your hands, your cuticles will be soft and easier to push back. [5] X Research source
Use a cuticle pusher to carefully push the cuticle back towards your nail bed. Push in the sides of the cuticle as well. Remove any dry or damaged skin. Repeat on the rest of your nails. [6] X Research source
Place a cotton swab or ball over the opening of the rubbing alcohol bottle. Tip the bottle upside down and wait a moment for the cotton swab or ball to become saturated with the rubbing alcohol. Place the bottom of the bottle on a flat surface. Swipe the rubbing alcohol-saturated cotton swab or ball over your nails to remove the oil. Repeat as needed.
Dab a cotton bud into a jar of petroleum jelly. If you don’t have vaseline, you can use lotion. Swipe the cotton bud around the edges of each nail—keep the cotton bud and petroleum jelly on your skin. Do not let either touch your nail. Pick out your polish and get ready to paint your nails. [8] X Research source
Dip a cotton bud or brush into a bottle of white school glue. Use the cotton bud or brush to paint a thin, even layer of white school glue around the edge of each of your nails. Do your best to keep the glue off your nails. Wait for the glue to dry before you polish your nails. [9] X Research source
You may also use a clean cotton-bud dipped in nail polish remover.
Swipe the brush on the inside of the bottle’s opening to remove excess base coat from the brush. While you should always use a base coat, it is especially important to use this product if your nails frequently chip, split, or peel. The base coat will help to fortify your nails. [11] X Research source
Place a small dab of polish at the base of your nail above your cuticle. (This prevents the polish from pooling. ) Use the brush to pull the dab of polish down towards the cuticle—do your best to leave a small gap of nail between the polish and your cuticle. Swipe the brush in a straight line from the base to the tip of your nail. Return the brush to the base of your nail. Move the brush upwards along the left curve of your nail until the entire side is coated in polish. Return the brush to the base of your nail. Move the brush upwards along the right curve of your nail until the entire side is coated in polish. Repeat this process on each nail. Allow the polish to dry before adding another coat. [12] X Research source
Put a small dot of nail polish at the base of your nail just above your cuticle. Pull the dot of polish down towards the cuticle with the brush—try to leave a small gap of nail between the polish and your cuticle. Pull the brush in a straight line from the base to the tip of your nail. Place the brush at the base of your nail. Swipe the brush along the left curve of your nail until the entire side is coated in polish. Place the brush at the base of your nail. Pull the brush upwards along the right curve of your nail until the entire side is coated in polish. Repeat this process on each nail. Allow the polish to dry before adding a third coat or applying a top coat. [13] X Research source
Soak your fingernails in ice water to help your polish cure faster. [15] X Research source
Pour out a small amount of nail polish remover into a dish or the bottle’s cap. Dip your brush into the remover and then blot it on a clean cotton swab or ball. Position the brush next to your untidy nail polish line. Without applying any pressure, sweep the brush along your nail polish line. Repeat on each nail polish line. Use the brush to remove nail polish that dried on your skin. [18] X Expert Source Mia RubieNail Artist Expert Interview. 23 April 2020. Dip your brush in the remover and wipe your it off on the cotton swab or ball as needed. [19] X Research source
