Semi-permanent varnish is a long-lasting solution for a perfect manicure in the long term! How to do it at home? It's all about following the right steps.

Semi-permanent varnish is all the rage, you can have fun with your style and keep it for weeks! Ideal when you go on vacation, we would like to be able to enjoy it all year round... The downside is that semi-permanent varnish is generally applied in a salon and can be expensive if you decide to make it a ritual. Fortunately, brands have understood this and more and more of them are offering to do your own semi-permanent manicure at home.

Semi-permanent varnish, classic varnish, what’s the difference?

You should know this. Regular polish can last up to a week, or even a little longer if you're lucky, before chipping or flaking... Semi-permanent polish can last up to three weeks or more without chipping or flaking. There are other major factors that differentiate the two polishes. Drying time for example. Regular polish dries in the open air and can take between 10 and 20 minutes to dry completely. Semi-permanent polish is cured under a UV or LED lamp, and it only takes a few minutes to dry completely. The application technique is different for the two types of polish. Regular polish is usually applied in two coats, while semi-permanent polish requires a base coat, two coats of color, and a top coat. It is important to remove the sticky layer that remains after curing under the UV or LED lamp. Regarding removal, regular polish is easy to remove with nail polish remover. As for how to remove semi-permanent varnish , it is a little more difficult. Semi-permanent varnish requires professional removal with a specific remover and a wrapping technique with cotton soaked in remover.

In short, semi-permanent varnish is more durable than normal varnish, it dries more quickly... However, it requires a more complex application technique and much more annoying removal.

How to apply semi-permanent varnish step by step

As you can see, applying semi-permanent varnish requires a well-oiled routine involving different steps.

To start, have the right equipment

To apply semi-permanent varnish, you will need certain specific materials and tools. Here is a list of recommended materials to apply your semi-permanent varnish:

1. A UV or LED lamp (48 watts)

2. A nail file

3. A cuticle pusher

4. A nail cleanser

5. A base coat

6. Semi-permanent varnishes

7. A top coat

8. Cotton pads and nail polish remover

It is important to use quality tools and products to obtain an optimal result and extend the life of your semi-permanent varnish...

Do a manicure before applying semi-permanent varnish

It is essential to have prepared hands before applying the semi-permanent varnish. We therefore think of a small manicure session before painting our nails, which includes: cleaning our hands and nails (from top to bottom), exfoliating our hands, applying a gentle treatment and a nourishing oil that will soften the cuticles and allow them to be better treated afterwards. If you have ridged nails, you can also very lightly sand them to smooth the surface and allow the varnish to adhere more easily.

Applying semi-permanent varnish in stages

Now that your hands are fresh and ready to receive their varnish application, there are still a few small steps to remember.

Prepare your nails:

Remove any existing nail polish with nail polish remover, then file and shape your nails to your preference. Use a cuticle pusher to push back cuticles and trim nails if necessary.

1. Prepare your cuticles: Apply cuticle oil to the cuticles to soften them. Use a boxwood stick to push back the cuticles and remove any excess skin.
2. Clean your nails: Use a nail cleanser to remove any traces of oil or dust from the surface of the nail, then apply a protective nail serum that will nourish the nail before applying the various products.
3. Apply a base coat: Apply a base coat to protect your nails and help the gel polish adhere. Be careful not to touch your cuticles or skin.
4. Cure the base coat: Place your hands under a UV or LED lamp for the time recommended by the manufacturer to cure the base coat.
5. Apply the semi-permanent varnish: Take your time and do it carefully. First, apply a thin layer of semi-permanent varnish starting from the base of the nail to its tip, making sure not to overflow. Then, pass your hands under the lamp to dry the layer and repeat the entire operation once or twice depending on the desired more or less intense result.
6. Apply a top coat: Apply a layer of top coat to seal the semi-permanent varnish and give it a shiny appearance. Cure under UV or LED lamp.

1. Clean up smudges: Use a cotton swab soaked in nail polish remover to remove any excess nail polish around the nail.
2. Moisturize your cuticles: Apply cuticle oil, moisturizer on your hands to hydrate them.

By following these steps, you can achieve a professional semi-permanent manicure at home. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for each product used and respect the recommended curing time for each layer under the UV or LED lamp.