That plain red nail polish just isn't going to cut it. If you're really looking to make an impression with your nails without spending a fortune at the salon, try these 15 nail hacks guaranteed to save you time and money, and give your nails an unforgettable look.
Use a bobby pin for clean and easy polka dots.
You know you have like, 50 old bobby pins laying around the house. Why not repurpose them into a polka dot nail stamp? This is so simple, it makes you wonder why no one ever thought of it before.
Erase mistakes with a thin brush.
Mistakes don't have to be permanent. Dip a small brush in some nail polish remover to outline your nails and erase any mistakes you made while painting.
Paint with several thin coats.
When you use several thin coats as opposed to one thick one, your nails have a chance to dry evenly, reducing the chance for smudging.
Use nail polish thinner to revive old bottles of nail polish.
You cleaned out the bottom of your closet and finally found that old bottle of polish you used to love! Ew, but it's all gloppy and gross. Just add some nail polish thinner to that bottle and it'll be good as new.
Use scotch tape for awesome designs.
Take your designs a step further with a little bit of ordinary scotch tape. It's readily available, so you have no excuse for your nails to look less than fabulous.
Use lace as a design tool.
You can find lace anywhere for this. A loofa, old underwear, or even your wedding dress from your first marriage will all do nicely.
Naturally whiten your nails.
If you use a lot of nail polish, you might notice a yellowish tint developing on your bare nails. To combat this, simply mix hot water, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide and soak your tips for about a minute for instantly whiter nails.
Wipe your nails with vinegar before you paint.
Nothing is worse than a perfect set of nails chipping away within a day or two of painting them. Make your colors last longer by wiping your nails with some white vinegar before you paint. The vinegar cuts through the oils in your nails and allows your color to last longer.
Cooking spray gets the job done too.
Sure it looks gross, but hitting your nails with a good spritz of cooking spray can help set your nail polish and prevent smudging.
Apply a base coat of school glue for easy removal.
Nail polish can be stubborn (especially when using glitter). Don't get stuck scrubbing thick polish off your nails. Apply a thin layer of school glue to your nails before you paint for easy removal of stubborn polishes.
Find the best red for you.
Not all reds are created equal. Matching the correct shade to your skin tone can make a world of difference to your look.
Make your own matte polish
Quit spending money on expensive matte polish! Instead, add some cornstarch to your clear nail polish for a professional matte top coat.
Pick up rhinestones with eyeliner
Add some shimmer to your style without smudging your perfectly painted nails by picking up jewels with eyeliner.
Make your own glitter nail polish.
Simply apply a clear coat of polish, choose your favorite color of glitter (see our slide for reds if you're indecisive), dip, and wipe the excess away for this gorgeous glitter look.
Dry you nails faster with ice water.
After your nails are perfectly polished, help them dry in three minutes or less by dipping them into an ice bath.
