How to: Create the Perfect, Long Lasting Manicure

This post is part of a guest blogger series featuring Alana Brooks of The Good Girl Gone Blog.

Whether you shell out $12 (or $15 or $17) to get your nails done or you’re more of a DIY manicure kind of gal, it’s important that your nails look good, especially if you’re showing off a gorgeous engagement ring. Long or short, neon or neutral, rounded or square, there are tons of manicure options out there.

My advice? Keep nails short, clean and a light or neutral color that you can easily and inconspicuously re-paint (see some of my favorite examples above). Glitter tips are a great option too. Not only will glitter polish add a little fun to a neutral look,  it’s also extremely easy to touch-up. Find yourself with a chipped left pinky? Simply slap on another coat or make small fixes! Because the polish is mostly clear, you won’t see any color discrepancies. It’s genius really, and a tip I love to share.

What are your tips for creating the perfect, long lasting manicure?

Photo sources (clockwise): 1, 2, 3, 4