At-Home Manicure Guide

A clean, glossy manicure starts before you open the bottle. FLOSS GLOSS lacquers are self-leveling and quick drying, so good prep and thin coats make the biggest difference in how your color wears. Use this guide at your desk, bathroom counter, or wherever you set up your at-home nail station.

Step 1: Prep the nail plate

Remove old polish, trim and file to your preferred shape, then gently push back cuticles. Lightly buff the surface if you have ridges, and wipe each nail with a lint-free pad and a small amount of nail cleanser or alcohol. Oils and lotion residue are the main reason polish lifts early, so keep hands dry before you paint.

Step 2: Apply base coat

Roll the bottle between your palms for 20 seconds instead of shaking hard. Shaking can trap air bubbles that show up on the nail. Brush a thin layer of FLOSS GLOSS Cares Base Coat in Bassline from cuticle to free edge. Cap the tip by running the brush along the edge of the nail. Let it dry until the surface looks matte and touch-dry, usually about two minutes.

Step 3: Color in two thin coats

Load only a small amount of lacquer on the brush. Place a dot near the cuticle, push it toward the skin line, then stroke down the center and each side. Most FLOSS GLOSS shades reach full opacity in two coats. Neon colors may look matte when they dry because of the pigment chemistry. A glossy top coat fixes that finish. Wait five to ten minutes between coats so each layer sets properly.

Step 4: Top coat and dry time

Finish with FLOSS GLOSS Cares Top Coat in Gloss using the same thin, capped technique. Avoid hot water, heavy typing, or digging in bags for at least an hour. If you use gel top coat at the salon, let the lacquer dry completely first, then apply gel on top for extra wear.

Aftercare between manicures

Apply cuticle oil daily and wear gloves for dishes or cleaning. Store bottles upright in a cool, dry spot away from direct sun. Cap threads clean so lids close tight and the formula stays fresh.

Ready to pick a shade? Browse our Nail Lacquers collection or visit the FLOSS GLOSS homepage for Staff Picks and featured sets. For ingredient and shipping details, see the FAQ.