Glamour talks with nail industry pros on why “Models’ Nails Always Look So Good.”

  1. Make a Fresh Mix. Celeb manicurist Myrdith Lean-McCormack recommends mixing leftover polish together with a bit of clear lacquer to make a new shade. Roll the bottle between palms to blend.
  2. Avoid Chips. Paint the tips of nails to extend the length of a manicure. After applying two thin coats of polish, hold the brush vertically and swipe across the nail edge.
  3. Do Texture. Celeb manicurist Deborah Lippmann suggests applying sequins on polish while it’s still wet. Fun glitter-flecked colors are another option. Try Deborah Lippmann Nail Lacquer in Today Was a Fairytale and Across the Universe.  
  4. Try a bold French mani. Try doing brighter color combos, says nail pro Kim D’Amato. Glamour recommends a blue base like Nicole by OPI Party in the Penthouse with orange Nicole by OPI Mango Maven tips.
  5. Or Keep It Neutral. Flesh toned polish makes hands look elongated, says nail guru Mike Potter. Fair or medium skin tones should try pink nudes, while darker skin tones can opt for rich, earthy nudes. Try Sally Hansen’s Complete Salon Manicure in Choco-Latte, and Tracy Reese for Sally Hansen Complete Manicure in Wet Clay and Touch of Mink.

Four Healthy Nail Habits

  1. To brighten yellow nails, wipe beds with hydrogen peroxide.
  2. Prevent dry cuticles by massaging a Vitamin E capsule into them.
  3. Bring your own polish to the salon to avoid germs and to fix nicks at home.
  4. Use a sugar scrub to remove dead skin. Try mixing organic sugar with honey.

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