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Prevent Chipped Nail Polish

Avoid soaps and lotions that contain hydrating ingredients, like vitamin E and aloe vera, before painting your nails. Traces of oily residue cause polish to separate from the surface of your nails and chip off, says Ji Baek, owner of the Rescue Beauty Lounges in New York City. Next time, wash your hands with a nonmoisturizing soap (like Dial Antibacterial Hand Soap, $4; drugstores), wipe each nail with polish remover, and then start painting. — Alessandra Foresto

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