How to Save Your Manicure and Pedicure from Smudging — PBL Magazine (2024)

FAQs

How to Save Your Manicure and Pedicure from Smudging — PBL Magazine? ›

Apply a small amount of cuticle oil or any nourishing oil on your nails after the final layer of polish. Then, wrap each nail with a small piece of cling film, gently pressing it against the polish. The oil and cling film combination helps expedite the drying process and reduces the likelihood of smudging.

Prevent: Keep Your Coats Thin

Rudman says that the best way to prevent smudging is to apply thin coats of polish: “Typically, two to three coats of color are best. This will ensure the longest wear, and will be less likely to chip or dent.” You also want to give your coats some time to dry before you apply a new one.

The easiest way to fix it is to allow it to dry all the way, and then use a file and gently fill the spot where it smudged until it's even. Wipe all the dust with alcohol, then reapply the polish. Allow it to fully dry before touching it again,” says Nguyen.

The golden rule, however, is to give your toenails ample time to dry before confining them to enclosed shoes. This will help prevent smudging and allow your pedicure to last longer.

Make sure that your additional coats are thin, that the polish does not touch the skin, and that you give them enough time to dry before adding more polish. Painting over polish that's not entirely dry can lead to smudges, bumps, and dents later on!

Parchment paper (you can also replace it with any thin, preferably coated paper) is a great transfer-proof paper that will help keep your pencil and charcoal drawings from smudging and transferring into one another.

Use the Right Base Coat

By using a grippy, strong basecoat, you'll significantly extend the life and look of your manicure. Gernstein loves the Orly Bonder. "This rubberized base anchors any nail lacquer to extend your manicure," she says.

Chantelle Vermont, co-founder and chief executive of Clawgasmic Nail Network, mattifies the base by wiping over the base colour with cleanser or alcohol. “Removing the tacky layer of the gel polish will also help stop bleeding and allow the liner or art brush to glide over the base more easily,” she says.

Polish has solvents that evaporate when exposed to the air. When you put a wet layer of polish down on your dry layer, you're applying the solvents that make the polish wet. For this reason, being completely dry can't ensure your nail art won't smudge when you apply your next layer.