How To Polish Nails Like a Pro

Step 1 Before you start polishing, always prep your nails. Apply a cuticle eraser/remover to the base of your nails and push back your cuticles with an orangewood stick or cuticle pusher. This will remove the dead skin from the nail plate that you don't realize is there—and leaving it there will cause your polish to chip. Next, file your nails then remove any leftover debris and oil on your nails with acetone, nail polish remover or a nail cleansing solution.

Step 2 Once your nails are prepped, apply base coat. This will act as double-sided tape, keeping the polish on your nail.

Step 3 Wipe off one side of the nail polish brush on the side of the bottle. You don't want too much polish on the brush or it will flood your cuticles; too little and it will come out streaky. Use the “three-stroke” method. Start at one side of your nail, just above the cuticle. Using the side of the brush with the polish, push the polish towards your cuticle without touching it. Then, bring the polish up your nail in one continuous stroke. Dip your brush in the bottle again, wiping off one side of the brush, and repeat on the other side of your nail. If necessary, re-dip your brush and finish with the third brushstroke up the center of your nail. Repeat with a second coat of polish, allowing the nails to dry for a few seconds between each coat.