How to Speed Up Your Manicure

Waiting for a fresh, wet manicure to set is borderline painful. You're literally watching paint dry. And then—Murphy's law—when you think you're finally ready to go back to living your life, you end up snagging your thumb on your jacket or a shoelace, and you're forced to start the process over again. Well, we're here to tell you that you can break the time loop without throwing the universe into chaos. If you just don’t have the time to spare—or you can’t trust yourself to let all 10 digits set without smudging—try these solutions.

1. The Polish

Consider this the FastPass version of your favorite shade. Its formula is a triple threat—a base coat, color, and topcoat all in one silky liquid—yet it takes only 60 seconds for each coat to dry. The firm tapered brush makes for a dexterous application, even with shaky hands.

2. The Sticker

These “stickers” are actually made from real polish pressed into the perfect shape for application. Find the sticker that fits each nail, press it on, and file away any leftovers hanging off the tip. Zero drying time.

3. The Press-On

Gone are the awkward faux nails that left high school you ham-handed and klutzy. These upgrades have been streamlined to fit the curve of your nail bed and hug your cuticles more closely, which ensures longer wear and a snugger fit. And the realistic shape means no one will suspect these are fakes.

This story appears in the February 2020 issue of Marie Claire.

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