If you’re going to invest the time and energy into making your nails look super cute, then you’ll obviously want your manicure to last as long as possible. Start by making certain your nails are totally oil- and debris-free, and always apply a base coat. Then be sure your color layers are thin—piling too much on won’t let the polish dry correctly—and you’ve covered the edge of the nail. Finally, apply a new layer of top coat three days into your manicure to freshen the color up a bit and provide that extra little layer of protection.