5 at-home manicure tips that will make drying time a thing of the past (sort of) | By RENÉE REARDIN

For impatient girls (hello!), our idea of nail art is a fresh mani adorned with the inevitable imprint of bed sheets, strands of hair and smudges of any kind, really. Of course, we don’t actually want these designs, they’ve just become a given with every coat of lacquer we paint on our busy little fingers.

But what can we do? Every time we paint our nails there seems to be a pair of skinny jeans that’s begging to be tried on at that very moment, or a bag of potato chips that’s just been cracked, and suddenly we’re in an IRL game of Operation. The point is, we simply don’t have the time (uh, patience) to sit around, literally watching paint dry.

What we need is a way to give ourselves an at-home mani without having to devote multiple post-paint hours to blowing on our fingertips. Are we dreaming? No! In fact, there are a ton of great products on the market that have been specifically designed for fidgety individuals like ourselves, looking to speed up the drying process. From properly prepping your nails to life-changing quick-dry drops, we’re sharing five at-home manicure tips with as little down time possible.

Browse the gallery below to learn five ways to get and maintain a smudge-free mani.

#1: Have a Proper Base

The first step for a quick-drying manicure is to thoroughly clean your nails; simple soap and water will do. The next important step is applying the proper base coat. Go for one that not only primes your nails but strengthens as well to help prevent breakage. Finally, allow the base coat to dry for at least five minutes before applying your nail colour. This will help speed up the drying time of the proceeding coats of polish. Our pick? JINsoon’s Power & Base Coat. It boasts a five-free formula that was created without the typical toxic chemicals found in most other lacquers. Instead, it offers a strengthening and protective coat made from diamond particles (for durability), biotin (a fortifying B vitamin), Methiopeptide (an amino acid from keratin) and PhycoCoral calcium.

#2: Choose the Right Lacquer Opt for a well-formulated polish that comes with a good precision brush, so a streaky finish won’t be an issue. When applying the polish to your nails, think less is more. Go for two thin coats, waiting a few minutes in between to let the first coat dry. As for the type of lacquer, we love the classic Dior Vernis, now in an updated Gel Shine and Long Wear version. This enhanced formula has been spiked with solid pigments and polymers which level imperfections and also plump ridges on application. The flat brush makes it easy to apply just the right amount of polish in a single sweep for a smooth finish.

#3: Go for a Quick-Drying Top Coat

After letting the previous coats of polish dry for five minutes, apply a quick-drying top coat. Go for one that will add a glossy finish to your nails and promises a chip-resistant seal. Our top pick? 45 Second Top Coat with Kensington Caviar by Nails Inc. It’s been enriched with caviar extract to provide nails with a wet look, and is actually touch-dry in forty-five seconds.

#4: Finish with Quick-Dry Drops The final step in making your mani smudge-resistant? A few drops of a formula made to accelerate drying time and offer a streak-free finish. Deborah Lippmann’s The Wait Is Over Lacquer Quick-Drying has been formulated with a conditioning agent that seals nails with a protective barrier to prevent dents, bubbles, streaks and nicks. Apply it after your top coat, and it will dry your nails in 60 seconds.

#5: Have a Backup Plan

A mini nail file with a pointy end can be your most important tool for an at-home mani. Use the pointed end to clean up polish at any time, and clean under the nails. Heading out right after painting your nails? Keep this tool on you for simple touch-ups wherever you go.