Keeping nail polish from chipping

[campermom]

Can you teach me the basics? I use a clear coat, then usually Essie brand color, then a top coat. But sometimes it's chipping in a day. What brand of the clear and top coats do you recommend?

Any other tips-I need it broken down. Thanks!

[blondemoment123]

I’ve finally found a routine that works for me:

Orly Bonder base coat.
Nail color
Sally Hansen top coat

It took a lot of trial and error before I found what works with my nails.

[ESF]

I love Essie gel topcoat. It works really well for me.

[calico]

Ditto the trial and error with products. I like the Essie Gel topcoat, but I also like the Vinylux topcoat. I have to apply a fresh coat every couple days.

[bunnies]

My best formula:

CND Stickey base
OPI Color
Jessica Brilliance top coat

It took a lot of trial and error, as well, to find out what works for me.

[Laura Palmer]

For me it's more technique than products. Though I do prefer the Butter London base and top coats.

I clean my nails (I prefer X Formula nail cleaner, but remover works)
Thin basecoat and let it dry a few minutes
Several thin layers of color, drying several minutes between coats
Top coat

[tiramisu]

I clean with nail polish remover, was my hands, then clean with rubbing alcohol (applied with a dropper) and wipe with a paper towel to make sure they're dry.

I use CND Stickey base coat and Seche Vite top coat. All of this combined helps me stay chip free the longest. Also wrapping base coat and color on the top edges of my nails.

[OrangeBanana]

I've been trying out the Essie Gel Couture this week and I'm on day 4 and no chips but the tips are slightly wearing. I'm really hard on my nails so this is decent for me. I usually do what a lot of the other posters do too....CND base with Seche Vite top coat. I'll add the Essie Gel top coat a few days in just to add some shine and durability to my nails.

[alleinesein]

It is trial and error. My go to for 8-10 days of wear with no chips:
-Rainbow Honey all your base basecoat (they went out of business so im gonna cry when i finally run out)
-2 coats of polish (i let each coat dry for 15-20 minutes)
-hk girl quick dry top coat

I wear indie brands (enchanted polish, vapid lacquer, chaos and crocodiles) and they tend to last longer than the mainstream brands

[jaycee]

Have you considered gel nails? I do mine at home and they last for 10 days usually with no chips.