When it comes to preparing for a trip, one of the dilemmas many of us face is what to do about our nails. Should we splurge on a gel manicure at the salon or opt for a DIY paint job that may require touch-ups during the journey? While not every vacation necessitates perfectly polished nails, for work trips, special events, or upscale itineraries, leaving home with bare nails can be a source of frustration. And dealing with chipped nails while on the go is even more bothersome.

For my recent trips lasting 4-8 days, I discovered a nail hack that has truly been a game changer for me. It’s a simple trick that involves a touch of sparkle.

The secret to my long-lasting vacation nails? Glitter polish. Yes, you read that right! While glitter polish can be challenging to remove, its durability makes it perfect for extended wear. Not only does it typically last longer than regular polish, but any chipping that does occur is much less noticeable with glitter.

You can either cover your entire nail with glitter or, for a more subtle look that offers the same benefits, apply it just to the tips. This creates a trendy “dipped” gradient effect that helps conceal the part of the nail most prone to chipping and wear.

While glitter polish is key, I also make sure to use my favorite long-lasting nail products to maximize the hack.

Step 1: Protect with a Sturdy Base Coat

A high-quality base coat not only shields your nails but also provides a smooth surface for your polish to adhere to, extending its wear time. The Londontown Lakur Base Coat & Nail Hardener has been a go-to for me because of its protective properties and nail-strengthening benefits.

Step 2: Apply a Long Lasting Polish

If you’re not opting for full-on glitter nails, choose a long-lasting polish formula for the color of your choice. Gel polishes that don’t require a UV light curing process are great options. The Sally Hansen Miracle Gel line is a personal favorite of mine.

Step 3: Add Some Sparkle!

If you skipped the previous step, go ahead and coat your nails in glittery goodness! For a dipped look, concentrate the glitter at the tips and gradually blend it towards the cuticle. The Sally Hansen Mega Strength Nail Color in “wild card” works wonders for this manicure.

Step 4: Seal the Deal with a Top Coat

Finish off your manicure with a reliable top coat. The Essie Gel.Setter Top Coat not only provides a salon-like shine but also helps keep your manicure chip-free for an extended period.

Glitter polish is excellent at concealing wear and tear, but if you’re meticulous, you can carry the glitter shade for quick touch-ups as needed. Layering glitter is much easier than trying to touch up a chipped solid color.

By following this DIY nail hack, my vacation nails have lasted over a week with impressive results, making my manicure one less thing to worry about while traveling.