I am still on my clean at-home nail game after almost 2 years and I am not looking back. This is my absolute favorite soap nail combo and the other day I mistakenly figured out how to make my nails last almost 2 weeks without chipping!
The secret isn’t just the polish. I’ve found that how I prep my nails makes such a difference in how long my manicure lasts.
I’m sharing my exact at-home nail routine, step by step, plus all of the products I use!
Everything I Use for My At-Home Nail Routine
Best Nail Polish Remover
I start by completely removing my old polish. I’ll actually use this twice during my routine because I want my nails completely clean before I start painting.
Nail File
After removing my polish, I shape my nails with a nail file. I always do this before moving on to my cuticles and nail prep.
Nail Buffer
A quick, gentle buff helps smooth and prep the surface of my nails before polish.
Cuticle Remover
I apply this to my cuticles, let it sit, and then gently push them back. This makes such a difference in getting that clean, fresh manicure look at home.
Cuticle Pusher
After letting the cuticle remover sit, I gently push my cuticles back. I only cut actual hangnails — I don’t cut my cuticles.
Active Smooth
This is what I use for my first two coats. I apply one coat, let it dry, and then apply the second.
Active Glow
After my two coats of Active Smooth have dried, I add one coat of Grape Glow. I love the clean, natural look this combination gives my nails!
Topcoat
THE BEST! This has become such an important part of getting my manicure to last. The timing of when I apply it is a little different, though — more on that below!
Drying Drops
I use these after my topcoat to help everything finish drying.
Nail Health
I also use this as part of taking care of my natural nails and keeping them looking healthy between manicures.
Nail Oil
My very last step! Cuticle oil helps everything look hydrated and gives my manicure that finished look.
My Step-by-Step At-Home Nail Routine
1. Remove Old Polish + Shape
I start by completely removing my old nail polish. Once my nails are clean, I use my nail file to shape them.
I like getting the shape exactly how I want it before moving on to the rest of my nail prep.
2. Prep the Cuticles
Next, I apply cuticle remover and let it sit for a bit. Then I gently push my cuticles back with my cuticle pusher.
One important thing: I only cut hangnails. I don’t cut my actual cuticles.
3. Buff + Clean Again
Next, I lightly use my nail buffer to prep and smooth the nail.
Once I’m finished buffing, I go back in with my nail polish remover one more time. This gets rid of anything left on the nail so I have a really clean surface for my polish.
4. Keep Your Nails Dry
This is one of those little things that can make a BIG difference:
I don’t get my nails wet for at least an hour before polishing them.
I want my nails completely dry before I start applying any polish.
5. Apply Two Coats of Active Smooth
Now I’m finally ready for polish!
I apply one coat of Active Smooth, let it dry, and then apply a second coat.
I make sure I give each coat time to dry instead of rushing through this part.
6. Add One Coat of Grape Glow
Once the Active Smooth is dry, I apply one coat of Grape Glow.
This is the combination I love for that pretty, clean manicure look.
And then…I stop!
7. Wait Until the Next Day for Topcoat
Yes, really!
I wait until the next day to apply my topcoat.
The next day, I wipe my nails with an alcohol pad. Once they’re clean, I apply my topcoat and let it dry.
Then I use my drying drops.
8. Finish With Cuticle Oil
My final step is cuticle oil.
I apply it around my nails to hydrate everything and give my manicure that finished, healthy look.
How Long Does My At-Home Manicure Last?
With this exact routine, I can get at least 7 days with no chipping, and I can often stretch my manicure closer to 10 days of wear.
For me, the biggest difference has been taking the time to properly prep my nails rather than focusing only on the polish itself. It’s one of those small steps that can make a big difference in your overall beauty routine.
Removing all of the old polish, prepping my cuticles, lightly buffing, keeping my nails away from water before painting, letting each coat dry, and waiting until the next day for my topcoat all help my manicure last so much longer.
If your at-home manicures always seem to chip after a day or two, try following the routine exactly and see if it makes a difference for you!
