How do you keep nail polish from chipping?

Nail polish, like most paints, needs a solid base to adhere to in order to last the longest. Nails should be cleaned of any oils or old polishes by wiping them with a nail polish remover first. Then nail polish should be applied in three thin coats.

Sufficient time should be given between each coat, as well as after the final coat to allow it to completely dry, before one resumes normal activity. A base coat beneath the nail polish and a clear topcoat will help the polish last longer as well. A topcoat can be applied every other day to extend it even further. The sparkles in shimmery nail polish give it additional clinging power.