Every one of us has been there. It could be the races, a wedding, a fair, or even just a long day with friends. You've spent a long time getting ready for that one-of-a-kind event. Your hair is mostly nice, your outfit is great, and your makeup is flawless. What about your nails, though? A broken or smudged manicure is the only thing that can really ruin a day that looks like it will go well. Keeping your nails looking great from the champagne breakfast to the last dance can feel like an Australian wonder. No need to worry, though; I know how to keep your nails in great shape no matter what time of day or night it is.
Get Ready for Nail Bliss with Prep is Queen
A long-lasting manicure starts with careful planning, just like any other outstanding work of art. Do not even think about putting on a coat an hour before you leave. Take extra care of your nails a day or two ahead of time.
- Start by shaping your nails gently with a sturdy file. Remember that going back and forth with the file makes nails weaker, so try to file it one way.
- They protect your nail bed from getting infections, so never cut them. Instead, gently push them back.
The most important task to complete before the event is polishing nails itself. Be mindful of how much time you spend on this task.
- Use a good base coat. The primer will not only help the paint stick better, but it will also protect your natural nails from getting stained, especially if you choose a bright, bold color.
- Once the first coat is dry, add two thin coats of the color you want. Let each coat dry completely. It's important to use thin coats here because thick, gloopy coats will get you to Smudge City and take forever to dry properly.
- Finish off with a top coat that has a high shine and won't chip. You can "cap" the free edge of your nail with the top coat by running the brush along the tip. In addition to that, this makes it even harder to chip.
- Furthermore, the day after your first manicure, you might want to add a second layer of topcoat to make it last even longer.
The Day of: Smart Ways to Do Well Without Scratches
Now it's time for the event. You want your nails to stay in great shape. The first Nail Club rule is to think things through. Picture your nails as gems instead of tools. Do not crack open cans, scrape things, or type quickly on your phone as if you were trying to figure out a secret code. Being aware of something can save a lot of pain.
Heat and Product Precautions
If you use hot tools to style your hair, be extra careful when you're getting ready. Extreme heat can ruin the hand cream you just used or the nails you just painted, even if it seems unrelated. Instead of putting heat protection spray on your hair to protect it from damage, keep your hands and nails away from direct, strong heat blasts whenever you can.
If your nails aren't completely dry, be extra careful when you use sunscreen, which you must do for any Australian event. Some sunscreen ingredients can be pretty rough on new polish. If you can, choose a sunscreen that you can spray on. If not, be careful not to get it on your nails until the paint is completely dry.
Essential Carry-Ons
Keep a small survival kit in your purse.
- A small nail file can be very helpful for getting rid of any small problems before they get worse.
- If you're really determined, bring a small bottle of your topcoat with you so you can quickly touch it up in the powder room if something goes wrong.
Hydration and Moisturization
A lot of water is good for you, inside and out. Skin and nails stay healthy when you drink a lot of water—after your paint is dry, of course. Using a hand cream that moisturizes and heals throughout the day will keep your cuticles looking good and stop them from drying out, which can cause hangnails.
On the Go Glam: How to Handle Problems at Events
People often shake hands, hold drinks, and interact more than usual during events.
- If you're consuming alcohol, be mindful of any condensation on your cold drinks. Polish can feel a little sticky after 24 hours if it hasn't fully dried.
- If you are at an outdoor event like a concert or race, remember that dirt and grime can ruin your manicure the most. Clean your hands as little as possible. If they get dirty, wash them gently with light soap.
Accessorizing Wisely
Then think about your extras as well. While big rings and bands may appear attractive, they may catch on your nails or result in unintentional dents. Pay a little more attention to how you move your hands if you are wearing a lot of bling.
Food Smarts
When it comes to that delicious food, try to avoid finger foods that are too greasy if you can help it, or at least keep a napkin handy!
After an Event, You Should Pamper Your Nails to Help Them Become Healthy Again
You did it! It was a fun event, and I hope your nails still look pretty lovely. Even with the best care, a long day can wear someone down. Give your hands and nails some TLC when you get home from the event.
- If your polish is still intact and you want to make it last longer, adding another thin layer of topcoat can do the trick.
- But if you want to start over, carefully take off your polish with a cleaner that doesn't contain acetone. Acetone can be very drying.
- Thereafter, use a thick hand cream and a good amount of nail oil right away.
- If you frequently wear nail polish, give your nails a day or two to breathe without any paint on them. In this way, they are less likely to break or change color.
- During this break, rub cuticle oil into your nails every day to help them grow well.
To keep your nails looking excellent during a long event, you don't have to lock your hands away. Instead, you need to plan ahead, be aware on the day of the event, and do a little care afterward. With these tips, you can say goodbye to problems with chipped polish and keep your talon looking excellent from top to bottom.
You now know how to get nails that won't break at events! What do you do to make sure your pedicure stays perfect on a big day? Please share your tips with us in the comments section below.