Maintaining gorgeous nails is never easy—and the challenge becomes even greater for those over 40. "As you age, nails grow slower," says Phoebe Rich, MD, an associate professor of dermatology at Oregon Health & Science University. "They also become dry and prone to brittleness." (Is menopause throwing off your beauty regimen? Then check out The Natural Menopause Solution to ease your most frustrating symptoms.)
Fortunately, you don't have to try every nail treatment or spend extra bucks on "hardeners" and "strengtheners"; according to Rich, any coating—including one clear coat—dramatically strengthens nails. Here are the manicure products you need to nail the perfect manicure:
1. The right remover
What to do: Before starting a manicure, wipe nails with polish remover. "You need an oil-free surface for the polish to adhere," says Jan Arnold of Creative Nail Design, a nail care company.
Use it sparingly—no more than once a week. "Polish remover contains acetone, a solvent that takes off both the 'glue' that holds the cells of the nail together and the natural oils that help keep nails flexible," explains Rich. Or switch to an acetone-free formula, which contains gentler solvents; just be aware that nonacetone removers are less effective at dissolving polish, so you'll need to rub harder.
Why you need it: The other option—peeling or picking at polish—scrapes off the protective top layer of nails.
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2. The perfect primer
What to do: Use a base coat to create a longer-lasting manicure. Stroke on a single thin coat; thick layers cause polish to smudge and increase drying time. Buy a base that's labeled formaldehyde free; the preservative can dehydrate and weaken nails. If your nails have pronounced ridges (vertical "wrinkles" caused by age, genetics, and sun damage), choose a base with built-in ridge fillers, such as Barielle Natural Nail Camouflage Anti-Aging Ridge Filler ($16, barielle.com).
Why you need it: "The base's sticky consistency acts like double-sided tape, anchoring the polish to the nail," says Arnold. It also creates a barrier that prevents dark shades of polish from staining the nail.
3. Pro polish
What to do: Consider picking a polish that's phthalate free. These compounds, which help polish resist chipping, have been shown in studies to cause birth defects in rodents. CoverGirl, L'Oreal, and Avon now make their entire nail care lines sans phthalates. After your base dries, sweep on two thin coats, brushing forward in one fluid motion. "Be sure each subsequent layer dries, otherwise tiny air bubbles can form," says Nick Morante, a cosmetics chemist at Nick Morante Consultants in Holbrook, NY.
Why you need it: It's the easiest way to add a little, well, polish to your everyday look. Try a pale shade of pink—the most forgiving and age-defying option.
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4. A finishing touch
What to do: Once your colored polish is dry to the touch, sweep on a top coat. This clear polish contains polymers that help set polish and lock in shine. Try OPI Top Coat ($9.50, ulta.com).
Avoid multitasking products that claim to be a base, color, and top coat in one. "The longevity of your manicure depends on each layer being applied separately and allotted the appropriate amount of drying time," says Morante.
Why you need it: A top coat is akin to shellacking your floor, says Morante: "Without it, polish is prone to chipping and dulling." Look for this manicure product to contain sunscreen, such as Creative Nail Design Speedey UV Toapcoat ($11, amazon.com); it will help prevent UV-related ridging and extend the life of your manicure.
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