Applying nail varnish requires skill and patience. That's why many individuals entrust their manicure to professionals. Fortunately, there are tips for applying your own nail varnish without smudging. We present them in this article.
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Nail varnish: tips to prevent smudging during application.
Summary
- Tip No. 1: Protect the nail edge with adhesive tape
- Tip No. 2: Apply a fatty substance around the nail
- Tip No. 3: Do not apply too much product at once
- Tip No. 4: Use a thin or angled brush
Published April 14, 2025,
updated on April 14, 2025,
by
Pauline, Chemical Engineer
—
5 min read
Tip No. 1: Protect the nail edge with adhesive tape.
The first tip for applying your nail varnish without smudging is to use 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 varnish. The tape acts here as a stencil and allows for smudging without consequences. Once the varnish 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 varnish textures, which are less forgiving of smudges.
For optimal results, cut the tape into thin strips and ensure that the tape's edge adheres well to the skin to prevent the varnish from seeping underneath.
Tip No. 2: Apply a fatty substance around the nail.
Another relatively similar technique to avoid overflowing when applying nail varnish: apply a thin layer of fat around the nail beforehand. This could be a nourishing balm, a moisturising cream or even a vegetable oil, although the latter option is sometimes less practical due to its more liquid texture. The aim is to create a slippery zone that prevents the nail varnish from adhering to the skin in case of overflows. Once the varnish is dry, a simple swipe of a manicure stick or cotton swab can remove the excess fat. Unlike tape, this tip not only prevents overflows but also takes care of the skin around the nails.
This action capitalises on the hydrophobic nature of fatty substances. Indeed, the lipid film thus created forms a temporary barrier between the skin and the nail varnish 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 varnish remover, a step often necessary to correct smudges. This precaution is even more important in the case of semi-permanent nail varnishes, 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 No. 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 for a clean outcome. A large amount of nail varnish on the brush makes the application much more challenging and encourages spillage. Moreover, a thick layer of varnish takes longer to dry. To measure correctly, it's ideal to lightly scrape one side of the brush against the bottle's neck, then apply the varnish in three steps : a central line, followed by one on each side. This simple method allows for an even distribution without overloading the nail's surface.
Two thin layers are better than one thick layer for a neat and elegant result.
Tip No. 4: Use a thin or angled brush.
While most nail varnishes are sold with a broad, flat brush, ideal for quickly covering the nail's surface, they are not always the most suitable for avoiding spills, especially for beginners. To prevent smudges, it's better to use a thin brush, or even better, an angled brush. This is a brush with diagonally cut bristles and an oblique shape, allowing for greater precision in application. Often used for eye makeup, this brush can also be useful for applying nail varnish. However, if you wish to use a makeup brush, ensure it is thoroughly cleaned and do not reuse it for applying your eyeshadow or your eye-liner.
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