Yes, the Chip-Proof Pedicure Exists! 7 Polishes That Won’t Budge on the Beach

With three weekends left until Labor Day, there’s no time like the present to indulge in a bright summer pedicure. But if the sun, sand, and salt water have been chipping away at yours, consider switching to one of a host of new formulas that mimic the look, feel, and staying power of a glossy gel manicure—no UV light (or nail-wrecking removal) required.

New York City nail artist Tracylee Percival is a fan of Dior’s Vernis gel shine line; she likes to apply a hydrating base coat before the color. “Paint on three very thin coats of polish, instead of the standard two,” she suggests. “If each layer dries properly in between, you will get a long-lasting, durable finish.” Other groundbreaking formulas include OPI’s Infinite Shine Lacquer, designed to last up to 10 days without reapplication; Essie’s new Gel Couture line, a two-step process that requires no base coat; and Deborah Lippmann’s quick-dry Gel Lab Pro polish, infused with strengthening ingredients like biotin and green tea extract. (For a similarly varnished effect without the gel-like consistency, pick up a bottle of Gucci’s High Gloss Lacquer or Marc Jacobs‘s High Shine Nail Polish.)

While all are designed to withstand a week at the beach, “don’t forget to swipe the very tip of the nail with polish,” says Percival, noting that the edge is where chipping will start. A daily drop or two of cuticle oil won’t hurt either: “It will keep nails flexible to resist chips,” she adds. And after a big beach day, Percival suggests applying a faux gel topcoat, like Dior’s, to bring your pedicure back to life.

Here, seven faux gel nail shades designed to look fresh all vacation long.

 

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