Nailed It: Expert Advice for Achieving Your Best Nails Yet
Jas is the former Senior Content Specialist at Adore Beauty. A beauty admirer turned certified addict, she brings a sharp editorial eye and pop-culture pulse to everything she creates. Her words have appeared in The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, and Broadsheet. When she’s not producing viral content or podcasting about skincare, you’ll find her thrifting for vintage treasures or binging Bravo (strictly for research, of course).
Everybody has that one part of their body that doesn’t cooperate.
For me, it’s my hands. And, subsequently, my nails.
Like the rest of my body, I’ve been *blessed* with bone-dry hands. They’re also wrinkly AF.
Seriously, if you saw them separate from me you’d probably think I was 50 years older. It also doesn’t help that I bite my nails…
ANYWAY, for these reasons, I’ve always had false nails. And a tube of Lanolips in my handbag at all times.
But, like many, when little miss Rona arrived back in 2020, my fortnightly nail appointment was postponed, indefinitely.
Leaving me with no choice but to take my nail care in-house. The horror!!
And boy, if I only knew then what I know now.
While researching this Beauty IQ article, I spoke to Chelsea Bagan, owner of Melbourne nail salon Trophy Wife (aka the creative geniuses behind some of the best damn manicures this beauty writer has ever seen).
Chelsea dished on her top nail tips and the Adore Beauty products she uses to make her manicures go further.
Don’t worry, I took notes.
Read on for everything you need to level up your nail care routine.
1. Cuticle Care.
First things first: your cuticles are just as important as your nails, do not neglect them!
Chelsea’s number one tip for strong, healthy nails is hydration. 24/7, 365.
Using cuticle oil daily on both your cuticles and nails is essential for keeping them hydrated and happy.
Chelsea says it also nourishes the nail matrix where your nail health and growth are determined, so if you’re lusting after long nails, get yourself a cuticle oil!
Our top product picks for cuticle care:
- essie Nail Care Apricot Cuticle Oil (Chelsea’s go-to)
2. All About That Base.
One of the biggest mistakes Chelsea says that people commonly make is not using a base coat.
Just like your skin, priming your nails makes a world of difference when it comes to the finish and longevity of your polish.
It also protects your nails from staining and creates a smooth, even canvas for nail polish application.
Our top product picks for base coats:
3. Top It Off.
In addition to your base coat, a good top coat will also help your manicure last longer.
Think of it like the SPF of your nail care routine. On that note, if you aren’t using SPF, firstly, WHAT!? Secondly, here are 10 sunscreens our customers always repurchase.
OK, now back to our nails…
A top coat is an investment. Not just for your nail's longevity, but also for their colour, finish and overall appearance.
Plus, if you’re bad at painting your nails (like me), a top coat can help minimise the appearance of any smudges or mess-ups — win!
Our top product picks for top coats:
4. Damage Control.
In need of a ‘lil extra TLC? We’ve got you.
If you’re trying to grow, hydrate or repair your nails, a nail strengthener should be at the top of your nail care kit list.
Ideally used in between manis, nail strengtheners work to rejuvenate your nails by acting as an additional layer of protection.
They’re especially important if you wear false nails or nail polish frequently which can wear down your nail plate over time, causing them to be more brittle and prone to damage.
For discoloured nails, Chelsea suggests using a tinted nail strengthener which helps to neutralise any yellow tones for a brighter, more natural-looking glow.
Our top product picks for damage control:
5. Hand(y) Helpers.
Finally, here are some of Chelsea’s additional tips for extra credit. Do any (or all) of these and we’ll award you an A+ in nail care.
1. Don’t use your nails as tools. Enough said.
2. Treat yourself to regular at-home manicures, or if your budget permits, book them in!
3. Never ever peel products off your nails. We repeat: NEVER. Each time you do, you’re losing layers of your nail along with it.
4. Try and limit the exposure of your nail polish to air as it dries the bottle out. Although if it’s too late, a few drops of acetone or lacquer thinner will revamp its texture (unless it’s glitter, sry).
Some honourable mentions in the world of nail care:
- OPI ProSpa Exfoliating Cuticle Cream - repairs dry, rough cuticles.
- OPI Ridge Filler - smooths out the surface of uneven natural nails.
- OPI Start To Finish 15mL - base coat, top coat and nail strengthener in one.
Now that your nails are covered, read on for skincare tips in the Beauty IQ articles below:
