Apply dark polish

As the days get shorter, we start looking towards winter trends. As per usual, dark polish is back for winter.

While deep tones are fun to wear, the polish itself is very unforgiving. You have to apply it correctly, or it will just look a mess.

First thing’s first – your nails need to short, and neat. ‘Squoval’ is the best shape for dark shades:ssquare nails, slightly rounded at the edges. The only person I will abide having long, dark nails Morticia Adams. Don’t do it, kay?

Your nails also have to be smooth, as the darker shades show-up ridges much more than lighter ones. Buff you nails until all ridges have been smoothed away. Always, and I mean always, apply a protective base coat. If you don’t, you’ll end up with stained, yellow nails. You’ve been warned.

Allow the base coat to dry, then apply the first coat of polish. When applying the polish, start a bit away from your cuticle, as any bleeding will show-up more with dark polish. Rather edge the brush towards the cuticle afterwards if the gap looks too wide.

If you do hit the cuticle, correct it by wrapping some cotton wool around the end of a wooden hoof stick, dipping it in nail polish remover and brushing away the mess. You could also use an angled brush for this.

The number of coats you’ll need will depend on the formula you’re using. Just be sure to allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next one. Finish with a top coat.

To keep the colour looking great, reapply a top coat every few days to protect it from chipping. Also make sure you moisturize your nails and cuticles, as the dark shades tend to highlight any imperfections.

There is also a knack for removing darker polish. Saturate a cotton pad in polish remover, hold it over the nail for 5 – 10 seconds, then pull-off straight towards the tip of the nail. Don’t be tempted to wiggle and wipe from side to side. You WILL get polish all over your cuticles, and you will be irritated with yourself for the next week every time you see your nasty, tinted finger tips.