Basic supplies 101

Whether you're going for a single color or an intricate design, there are few things that you should always have on hand to get the most out of your manicure, aside from the polish(es) of your choosing.

1. Base Coat

Many people skip this step when painting their nails, not realizing the benefits of it. First off, it protects the natural nail from becoming stained by the polish color. Second, polish doesn't adhere to the nail itself very well, resulting in chipping and peeling. Base coats dry slightly tacky, so the polish sticks to it.

I have no particular favorite brand when it comes to base coat selection but out of habit, I generally stick with Revlon's Quick Dry Base Coat, which I buy at Walmart for around $5. It should be available wherever Revlon polishes are sold. (Keep in mind, clear polish and base coat are NOT the same thing).

2. Top Coat

Again, many people skip this step as well. A good top coat will help lengthen the duration of your manicure by providing a hard, protective barrier. There are typical top coats that have the same drying time as standard polishes (you can purchase drying drops or try other methods to speed it up) and there are quick drying top coats that harden to touch in a few minutes and are pretty much completely dry in about 10-20 minutes.

My preference is Seche Vite. It comes in around $10 a bottle but dries super fast, is self leveling, which can smooth out imperfections, and gives a thick, shiny finish. One downside to this brand is that it can cause shrinkage of the polish around the cuticle and free edge. Applying it when the polish is still a little wet helps to prevent this. The other is that the formula tends to get very thick mid-way through the bottle and requires a special restoring product. Experimenting with different brands is the only way to find what works best for you. Alternatively, you can purchase a lamp and skip all the waiting time all together.

3. Paint brush and remover or pure acetone

If you're like me, you probably inevitably end up with some polish on your cuticles or fingers during application. Or maybe you have trouble getting that clean, smooth edge around the cuticle. Go to the arts and craft section of any store and purchase a small angled or flat paint brush. (Obviously the ones for painting small, intricate designs). Then, when you are done painting your nails, you can use the brush, dipped in remover or pure acetone to get a perfect edge and clean up any stray polish that may be on your skin. I use the pure acetone myself, since I find it cleans up a little quicker.

4. Cuticle oil or cream

Removers are extremely drying to the skin so it's always a good idea to finish off any manicure with a good cuticle oil or cream to rehydrate the areas around the nail and prevent hang nails. Periodic application throughout the day is also advisable.

They can be purchased anywhere nail care items are sold. I buy Sally Hansens vitamin E cuticle oil and add a little melted coconut oil to it. Again, you can buy whatever works for you. There are also many DIY oils and lotions as well.