Having beautiful nails that last is every woman’s dream. Lily and Fox nail polish has become a popular brand known for its wide range of trendy colors and good staying power. But even with quality polish, nails can still chip and fade faster than we’d like. The good news is there are things you can do to extend the life of a Lily and Fox manicure and keep your nails looking fab for as long as possible!
Prep Your Nails
The key to long-lasting Lily and Fox nails starts before you even apply color. Taking the time to properly prep and prime your nails helps polish adhere better and avoids chips and dents down the road. Here are some tips for prepping your nails for the longest lasting Lily and Fox mani:
- Trim and shape your nails – Start by grooming and shaping your nails. Use nail clippers or scissors to trim them to your desired length and file the edges smooth.
- Push back and clean cuticles – Gently push back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher or towel. Then use cuticle remover or dilute apple cider vinegar to dissolve and wipe away excess cuticle.
- Buff nails – Use a nail buffer or emery board to lightly buff the surface of your nails. This removes any oils and creates a slightly rough texture for polish to bond to.
- Use a dehydrator – Wipe nails with nail polish remover or alcohol to remove any dust and oils. Let dry completely so nails are dehydrated.
- Apply base coat – Paint your nails with a base coat designed to help polish adhere to the nail. Let it dry thoroughly.
Choosing Your Lily and Fox Polish
Not all nail polish formulas are created equal when it comes to wear time. Lily and Fox offers both regular nail lacquers as well as long-wear gel polish lines. While any Lily and Fox shade will look beautiful, here are some tips for choosing a polish that has maximum lasting power:
- Opt for a gel formula – Lily and Fox gel polishes are formulated to cure under LED or UV lamps for an ultra shiny, chip-resistant manicure that can last 10-14 days.
- Pick darker shades – In general, deeper and darker polishes last longer without showing chips and flaws compared to pale and sheer colors.
- Use a thicker formula – Lily and Fox polishes labeled as “long-wear” tend to have a thicker, high pigment formula that adheres better to nails.
- Avoid glitter and shimmer finishes – While pretty, glitter, shimmer and frost finishes show wear quicker than creams and pearlescents.
Some long-lasting favorites from the Lily and Fox line include Wine Not (deep red cream), Trust Fund Baby (rich navy blue cream), and Caution! Wet Floor (bright traffic cone orange cream).
Applying Your Lily and Fox Manicure
Once you’ve prepped your nails and chosen your shade, it’s time for application. Careful polish application is key to getting the most mileage out of your manicure. Follow these tips for a flawless, long-lasting Lily and Fox mani:
- Apply thin coats – Resist the urge to glob on thick layers of polish. Multiple thin, even coats wear better than thick, goopy coats.
- Wrap your tips – Brush polish over the tips of your nails to “seal” the edge and prevent chips and peeling.
- Cap your free edge – After your final coat, use the brush to paint over the very edge of your nails to cover the tips.
- Use quick dry drops – Speed up drying time between coats with quick dry oils or drops to strengthen your mani.
- Finish with a top coat – Seal in color and add mega shine with a quality top coat like Lily and Fox’s Gel Top Coat.
Caring for Your Lily and Fox Manicure
Once your polish is painted on perfectly, the work isn’t over. You’ll need to take measures to protect your manicure and make it last. Here are some care tips:
- Avoid chipping – Be gentle with your nails and avoid chipping. Use your knuckles instead of nails for everyday tasks.
- Wear gloves – Protect nails by wearing gloves for wet work like dishwashing, cleaning, and gardening.
- Use cuticle oil – Keep cuticles hydrated with oils to prevent polish from lifting at the nail bed.
- Avoid remover – Try to leave your mani intact as long as possible instead of continuously removing and reapplying polish.
- Apply quick dry – Reinforce by applying another layer of top coat every few days.
- Repair chips – Use acrylic paint or nail polish pens to fill in any chips as soon as they happen.
Removing Lily and Fox Polish
Taking off old polish is necessary to maintain a flawless manicure, but it can damage nails. Use a gentle remover and be cautious to extend the life of your Lily and Fox color. Here are some removal tips:
- Use acetone-free remover – Look for plant-based, acetone-free formulas that are less harsh on nails.
- Soak cotton pads – Saturate cotton pads with remover and hold on nails for 30-60 seconds before gently sliding off polish.
- Avoid pulling or peeling – Never rip, peel or pick off nail polish as this can remove layers of the nail.
- Moisturize after – Apply cuticle oil after removing old polish to condition nails and cuticles.
- Go easy on nails – Limit remover use by leaving polish until it starts to wear off on its own after a week.
DIY Nail Strengthening Treatments
In addition to proper polish application and removal, nourishing nail treatments can extend the life of your Lily and Fox mani. Here are some natural DIY treatments to try at home:
Strengthening Soak
- Bowl of warm water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Mix ingredients in bowl. Soak nails for 10-15 minutes weekly to strengthen.
Overnight Repair Serum
- 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
- 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil
- 3 drops lemon essential oil
Combine ingredients in a small bowl. Apply to bare nails and cuticles before bed. Wear light cotton gloves overnight.
Hydrating Cuticle Treatment
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Stir ingredients together until smooth. Use a cotton swab to apply onto cuticles. Leave on for 10 minutes then rinse.
Professional Salon Treatments
For special occasions or very damaged nails, professional in-salon nail treatments can restore strength and health for an extra long-lasting Lily and Fox mani. Some options to ask your manicurist for include:
- Gel or acrylic overlay – A thin overlay applied on natural nails protects from chips and breaks.
- Paraffin wax – Warm wax hydrates and moisturizes dry brittle nails.
- Silk or biotin wraps – Silk or biotin material wrapped around nails fortifies and encourages growth.
- Calcium gel treatment – Gel provides a calcium infusion to build strong nails.
- UV or LED lamp cure – Cures base and top coat for an ultra-durable foundation and finish.
The Best Lily and Fox Colors for Longevity
While all Lily and Fox lacquers are formulated for extended wear, some shades seem to have more staying power than others. After testing many colors, here are my picks for the best Lily and Fox polishes that last and last:
| Polish Name | Color | Finish |
|---|---|---|
| Wine Not | Deep burgundy red | Cream |
| Lilac You A Lot | Pastel lilac purple | Cream |
| Starry Night | Deep navy blue | Metallic |
| Trust Fund Baby | Rich navy blue | Cream |
| Berry Recognized | Jewel-toned berry | Cream |
| Mx. Teal Carpet | Shimmery seafoam teal | Shimmer |
| Lady in Red | True red | Cream |
Conclusion
With the right prep, polish, and care, you can make any Lily and Fox manicure stand the test of time. Invest in a long-wear gel formula, opt for deep creams over pale shades, and protect your mani daily to get over a week of flawless wear. Treat nails to nourishing oils and treatments for added strength. With these tips, you’ll have salon-perfect Lily and Fox nails that will stop traffic wherever you go.
