Karen

When you see the dark nail polish colors in Zoya’s Dare Collection for fall ($36 for a set of six), what’s the first thing that comes to mind?

For me it’s more a feeling than a thought. Dare’s deep greens, blues and purples have an edgy and mysterious — maybe even a little dangerous feel to ’em. MRRROWWW!

But then there’s the usual not-so-cute side effects that come with wearing dark nail colors, right? — the yellow stained nails and chips the size of Christian Siriano’s ego (still lovin’ ya, lil’ guy!).

All is not lost, my lovely Sookie Stackhouses. There are ways around the dreaded DPP’s (Dark Polish Problems).

DPP #1: Yellow stained nails

Solution: Wear a clear base coat.

The pigments in these (and other) dark nail polish shades can leave nails yellow and stained, gross!

To deal, I wear a clear base coat like Essie First Base Coat ($8), my current nail secret du jour. Not only does it prevent staining, but it goes on smooth and dries hella fast.

But wait, there’s more. First Base Coat works like a primer, creating a smooth surface upon which polish can adhere. When I use it, my nail color looks silky smooove. Awesome, added bonus, right? Plus, it extends the life of my manicures by about 50 percent.

DPP #2: Chips the size of Texas

Solution: Apply a top coat.

The darker the polish, the more obvious the chips. A clear, sturdy top coat like Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat ($10) protects polish from chipping and leaves a shiny finish SO bright that I gotta wear shades. 🙂

DPP #3: Waiting forever to dry

Solution: Get down with the drying drops.

Who has time to sit around waiting for all these extra layers to dry?? Not me. I’ve got pressing things to do, like watching YouTube clips of Heidi Montag “performing.”

Click only if you dare!

OPI’s Drip Dry Lacquer Drying Drops put the nail polish drying process on fast forward ($8). I’m not sure how this clear liquid works, but it penetrates the uppermost layers of coatings and polish, decreasing the time the top layers take to dry.

I use one drop per nail, which cuts down the dry time of the uppermost layers by about half. A word of warning, though. Because the drops only dry the uppermost layers, you still have to treat your paws gingerly for a good hour. Careful texting is probably cool, but maybe save the dishwashing and thumb war for later.

Vanessa

Pinta

Ibiza

Envy

Demi

Ciara

So tell me, ladies, does the Dare collection make you feel like taking chances?

Right now I’m ALL ABOUT Envy… Total sucker for green nail polishes.

What does True Blood have to do with lobsters?

Technically, absolutely nothing, but I can’t wait for both worlds to collide at my BFF Cindy’s house tonight!
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