Applying nail polish requires skill and patience. That's why many individuals entrust their manicure to professionals. Fortunately, there are tips for self-applying nail polish without smudging. We present them in this article.
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Nail polish: tips to prevent smudging during application.
Summary
- Tip #1: Protect the edge of the nail with tape
- Tip #2: Apply a fatty substance around the nail
- Tip #3: Do not apply too much product at once
- Tip #4: Use a thin or angled brush
Published April 14, 2025,
updated on April 14, 2025,
by
Pauline, Chemical Engineer
—
5 min read
Tip #1: Protect the edge of the nail with tape.
The first tip for applying your nail polish without smudging involves using tape to create a physical barrier around the nail. The idea is to apply pieces of adhesive tape, ideally not too sticky so as not to irritate the skin when it is removed, along the edges of the nail and on the cuticles before starting to apply your nail polish. The tape acts here as a stencil and allows for smudging without consequences. Once the nail polish is applied and dry, simply remove the tape around the nails gently to reveal a clean and smudge-free contour. Applying tape is a simple, inexpensive, and very useful tip for dark manicures or very liquid nail polish textures, which are less forgiving of smudges.
For optimal results, cut the tape into thin strips and ensure that the edge of the tape adheres well to the skin to prevent the varnish from seeping underneath.
Tip #2: Apply a fatty substance around the nail.
Another relatively similar technique to avoid overflowing when applying nail polish: apply a thin layer of oil around the nail beforehand. This could be a nourishing balm, a moisturizing cream, or even a vegetable oil, although the latter option is sometimes less practical due to its more liquid texture. The goal is to create a slippery zone that prevents nail polish from adhering to the skin in case of overflows. Once the polish is dry, a simple swipe of a manicure stick or cotton swab can remove the excess oil. Unlike tape, this tip not only prevents overflows but also takes care of the skin around the nails.
This action capitalizes on the hydrophobic nature of fatty substances. Indeed, the lipid film thus created forms a temporary barrier between the skin and the nail polish solvent, which is water-based, and remains on the surface without penetrating it. This also prevents the skin around the nail from being weakened by a nail polish remover, a step often necessary to correct smudges. This precaution is even more important in the case of semi-permanent nail polishes, which require a specific remover, usually acetone-based, to be removed. However, acetone is known to alter the skin barrier by eliminating the skin's natural lipids, and can also be neurotoxic at high concentrations.
Tip #3: Do not apply too much product at once.
One of the most common mistakes in home manicures is trying to achieve an opaque result with a single thick layer. However, it's better to avoid this if you want a clean result. A large amount of nail polish on the brush makes application much more difficult and promotes overflow. Moreover, a thick layer of polish takes longer to dry. To properly measure, it's ideal to lightly scrape one side of the brush against the bottle's neck, then apply the polish in three steps: a central line, then one on each side. This simple method allows for even distribution without overloading the nail's surface.
Two thin layers are better than one thick layer for a clean and sophisticated result.
Tip #4: Use a thin or angled brush.
While most nail polishes are sold with a wide, flat brush, ideal for quickly covering the nail surface, they are not always the best for avoiding spills, especially for beginners. To prevent smudges, it's better to use a thin brush, or even better, a slanted brush. This is a brush with diagonally cut bristles and an oblique shape, allowing for better precision in application. Often used for eye makeup, this brush can also be useful for applying nail polish. However, if you wish to use a makeup brush, make sure to clean it thoroughly and do not reuse it to apply your eyeshadow or your eyeliner.
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