10 tips for a quick yet precise manicure

• Prepare your nails thoroughly

A good manicure always starts with clean, grease-free nails. Remove old polish, wash your hands and then go over each nail with an acetone-free remover. This helps the new polish adhere better and prevents chipping too quickly.

• Shape your nails with a glass file

Glass files smooth the nail edge particularly gently and help prevent splitting. File in one direction only and then gently push back the cuticles. Well-groomed, smooth nails are the best base for a flawless colour finish.

• Always use a base coat

A high-quality base coat protects against staining, fills small ridges and ensures the colour polish can be applied evenly. Choose strengthening, smoothing or nourishing variants depending on your needs. Allow the base coat to dry for around three minutes so the colour layers bond optimally.

• Apply colour in thin layers

Pro tip: better two to three thin coats than one thick one. Place the brush two millimetres from the cuticle, draw a line towards the tip and then two side strokes. This gives flawless coverage without bubbles or streaks. Wait about five minutes between coats.

• Seal each nail with a top coat

A top coat protects against knocks, chipping and a dull finish. Gel top coats with a plumping effect in particular smooth out small unevenness and keep the colour looking fresh for longer. Don’t forget to seal the nail tips too – that’s where polish chips first.

• Protect your nails from water & friction

Freshly painted nails are delicate. Avoid contact with water, bedding or textiles in the first hour. Wear gloves when washing up. This prevents premature chipping and significantly extends the life of your manicure.

• Store your nail polish correctly – cool, dark and never in the fridge

Nail polish stays fresher longer if you store it in a shaded, consistently cool place. Storing it in the fridge causes many formulas to lose their smoothness. Roll the bottle instead of shaking it so no air bubbles form.

• Care for cuticles & nails daily

Dry, brittle nails make polish chip faster. A nourishing nail oil before bedtime softens the cuticles and strengthens the nail plate. In pharmacies you’ll find particularly high-quality oils with almond, argan or jojoba oil.

• Correct small mistakes immediately

Remove colour residues on the skin best with a correction pen or a cotton bud. A scratch in the polish should never be simply painted over – the result will be uneven. Better renew the top coat or, if necessary, repaint the nail.

• Use modern formulations

Fast-drying polishes, vegan formulations or gel-couture systems offer top quality and easy application. They save time, deliver salon shine and can last up to 15 days.