Yikes! Is there any way to put nail polish on so that it stays smooth? I've spent way too much time today on my nails, but they look...well...not good :wall:
A couple of weeks ago, I got my first professional manicure and they looked great, but like heck I'm going through that again! I object to torture.

It's a process:

1. Soak your fingers in a mild soap for a few minutes. This loosens the cuticles.
2. Use a cuticle pusher to push back the cuticles.
3. Clip your nails to the length you want.
4. Use a rough file to smooth out the length of your nail.
5. Take a file that has several grades of buffing and start buffing the top of your nail. After you finish, it should be fairly smooth.
6. Put a base coat on. Let that dry.
7. Then, put your color on, if you're wearing a color. Let that dry.
8. Put another coat on. Let that dry.
9. Put a top coat on. Let that dry.
10. If you're doing a French manicure, it'll be a little different. You'll use that special polish that gives you that french tip look and that would be another step when you put your coats on.

This would be for your hands and feet. This always gives me a smooth, even, professional looking finish and look.

Mandy....I go & get mine done! I can't ever get mine to look right, either...altho I guess it just takes practice like everything else!

Take your time. If it's bumpy, it's possible your polish is old. If it's going on gloppy, throw it away. Also, be sure you use a base coat. Finally, use a cream instead of a frost polish. It's more forgiving if you make a mistake.

Great advice! Now to get up the nerve....:nails: