Patience is a virtue, someone once said. That person probably never wore nail polish. We’ve all been there. Perfectly polished nails ruined in a matter of seconds. And usually due to random, unnecessary things like a small sneeze or scratching your arm. Whether you sit like an obedient dog or wave your palms as if you’re on fire – yes, jazz hands – there seems to be no escape. Unless you have hours to waist on your nails of course, but let’s be honest. Ain’t nobody got time for that.
Nail dry sprays, polish drying drops and quick dry topcoats usually do the trick when it comes to speeding up the nail dry process. But there’s no need to even leave the house for a practical, fast drying nail polish quick fix. Hold up?
That’s right, you can find proper solutions in the comfort of your own home. So for the ladies who are fed up with walking around like Edward Scissorhands after their manicure, try these tips.
1. Cooking Spray. Wait, what? Yes, that’s not a typo. Adding a coat of cooking spray on your nails is a very effective way to make them dry faster. And guess what, it moistens the hands and softens your cuticles at the same time.
2. Easy On The Topcoat. Instead of smudging a thick transparent topcoat on of your nails, go for a thin finish. It might sound simple, but a small detail can make a big difference.
3. Ice, Ice, Baby. Dipping your fingers in a bowl filled with ice water for about 3 minutes will transform your nail polish from liquid to solid. A natural reaction, the cold makes molecules stick together. Thank you science!
4. Let Go. I appreciate my classics when it comes to nail polish. But when it’s time to let go, you should say goodbye to old polishes. Expired bottles with separated or changed colors take forever to dry.
5. Blow It Away. Another simple, but practical solution. Simply change your hair dryer setting to cold and dry your nails with a proper distance from your nails. Just make sure you have your dryer within hand’s reach after you’ve polished your nails.
6. Layer By Layer. Wait one or two minutes between applying coats. This allows the lacquer to dry faster and adhere better to the nail. Easy and effective.
7. Freeze It. This trick is similar to number 3, but even faster. Just stick your hands in the freezer for a few minutes and you will notice the difference. But keep your hands off the ice cream!
That’s it! Seven shortcuts to nail the polish drill. Not to mention seven reasons to stay at home and explore the potential of seemingly ordinary items in your house.
One irritation down, about a kazillion to go. What’s your biggest beauty frustration?
22 Comments
Fun tips! I just patiently wait for my nails to dry 🙂
I prefer wait for too.
Kisses from http://www.withorwithoutshoes.com
Greaat <3 thank you for sharing!
http://www.OntoMyWardrobe.com
I opt for a quick drying top coat. Essie’s good to go saved me…it dries in less than 10 minutes!
Thanks for the tips!!
Dress To Cook
Thank you tons for the tips! I *hate* wating for the nailpolish to dry, the reason why I don’t paint my nails as often as I would like. Will try the ice water bowl first thing!
Have a great weekend!:)
xx
Tali
http://www.RockMyHeels.com
Great tips, I always have issues with ruined nailpolish because it takes ages to dry. Going to try some of these tips.
Breathe Me
http://www.breatheme101.blogspot.com
I only paint my nails while watching a TV show, time files so it’s easy being patient and sitting still!
Good tricks, didn’t know about the cooking spray! Thanks for sharing
X STYLONYM http://www.stylonym.blogspot.com
Thanks for sharing!
XOXO Maud
CHECK OUT MY ULTIMATE CITY TRIP OUTFIT FROM ISTANBUL:
http://thirteentalesoffashion.blogspot.nl/2014/04/outfit-riverside.html
I could suggest two thing that always, always worked for me – Ciate top coat that dries within 1-2 minutes and Sally Hansen Dry Fast spray that does the job within seconds. I am not sure if the latter is easy to find as I haven’t bought one for a while, but the Ciate products are definitely everywhere. x
The icy water method always works for me… I did try the freezer way but I really do get tempted by the ice lollies!
Revlon’s Quick Dry Top Coat always gives a helping hand too (excuse the pun).
Amiee
http://www.24hourfindings.blogspot.com
Great tips! I’d really love to try the one with cooking spray but what is that exactly? Like an oil?!
Thanks Yin! A cooking spray is a spray version of cooking oil. I can recommend PAM No-Stick Cooking Spray. Let me know how you little experiment worked out! 🙂
Cool tips!!
Xx
http://www.Lauralexo.com
I always use express dry drops, works like a charm!
I usually run really cold water over it but I’ve never heard of the cookin spray. Can’t wait to try it.
xo
Maggie A
LOVEMAVIN/YOUTUBE || LOVE MAVIN/BLOG
Let me know how it works out Maggie! 🙂
This is great! So useful, thanks for sharing!
I guess that is where the “watching paint dry” expression comes from, haha… Great tips! I will definitely be using these the next time I stop into the salon. Recently, I put up a post with my new obsession for red nails and these are the perfect tips to speed things up. Thanks!
Check out the post if you have some time, I would love it. Here is the link: http://behindthemirrorbeauty.com/2014/01/14/paint-red/
I have just discovered your blog and love it! Xo, Alexandra
Glam O’Clock | Beauty Fashion Wellness Lifestyle Blog
I am glad you discovered and like it!