You’ve finally finished painting on the last coat of your at-home manicure. But just a little while later, you look down at your almost-dry DIY mani and see bubbles have begun forming. To keep this from happening again, follow the simple tips below for a smooth, professional-looking finish.

Tip #1: Don’t Shake
Shaking the polish bottle creates millions of those annoying little bubbles. Instead, roll it between your palms.

Tip #2: Start with Nail Polish Remover
Excess oils from your hands can create an invisible and slightly acidic layer on your nails that, when mixed with nail polish, causes bubbles to arise. So, before you begin your manicure, remove excess oils with polish remover and a good soap-and-hot-water scrubbing.

Tip #3: Turn Off the Fan & Keep Out of the Heat
Think sitting by a fan while painting your nails will help the polish dry faster? Think again. That cool breeze actually creates bubbles. Same goes for hot, humid areas – the polish molecules expand, allowing bubbles to creep into your polished tips.

Tip #4: Secure the Cap
Tightening the polish’s cap will delay drying out and prevent air from getting into the bottle. So use those muscles.

Tip #5: Minimize Brush Lifting
Using short, quick brush strokes will push air into your polish, causing bubbles to form. Instead, try long strokes.

Still seeing bubbles? Apply Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat or layer on another coat of polish.

By Carolyn Schultz, Staff Writer

Does you nail polish ever bubble? Tweet us at @ruelala, then check out our weekly Mani Monday column.

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