I’m usually a DIY girl when it comes to my manicures. I find nail art to be a relaxing, creative outlet. You can check out some of my recent designs here and here. But when I’m going to be out of town for longer than a week I always get a gel manicure. My most recent CND Masquerade mani from New York fashion week lasted me three weeks! My trick involves major sparkle. Here are two ways to do it:

Option #1: Metallic Lining
My gels usually stay in tact. But after two weeks, you start to see nail growth. I simply take a nail art brush (I like Milani) and fill in the space between the gel and my cuticle with glitter. The result? An inverted French manicure.

Option #2: Glitter Ombré
In addition to nail growth by the cuticle, sometimes your gels can start to look a little messy at the tips after week two. That’s where a glitter bomb comes in handy. You can use one bottle of glitter polish. Or do mixed metals by combining silver and gold, like I did when I returned from Hawaii this summer. Simply apply the glitter polish above your cuticle then at your tips. Before letting it dry, add a coat of clear polish for a gradient effect.

What are your tips for making manicures last?