Follow the Map

When pulling the brush out of the lacquer bottle, wipe one side off on the way out slowly. This removes the bulk of the lacquer and gives the excess time to slide off the brush, leaving the perfect amount for an average nail. Apply a relatively thin layer to make sure the polish dries properly.

All nails are different, and many have ridges on the nail plate. An uneven surface leads to lacquer pooling in certain areas, which can make a perfect finish feel not-so-perfect. That’s why we made Nail Armor! Apply one coat of Nail Armor as the basecoat, then two coats of ORLY lacquer and one coat of ORLY topcoat for smooth, even coverage.

Every nail has a “stress point,” set by how much pressure the nail takes during the day in relation to its length. If nails won’t grow past a certain length: be more mindful of the pressure put on them, apply cuticle oil to add flexibility so they bend rather than break, and reinforce the nail plate with a strengthening treatment or a strong UV-cured gel overlay like GELFX Bodyguard.

Many factors affect lacquer dry time. Use an ORLY basecoat like BONDER, followed by 2 thin coats of ORLY lacquer, waiting at least 2 minutes before the second coat. Finish with an ORLY topcoat, which also shortens dry time while adding longevity and shine.

Before applying color, remove all surface oils with acetone or alcohol to cleanse the nail plate. BONDER basecoat acts like double-sided sticky tape for polish, so never skip it. Stick with 2 thin layers of color and finish with ORLY topcoat. To maintain the manicure, apply ORLY cuticle oil 2x daily to keep it flexible so the polish bends with the nail, not against it, to prevent chipping.

No. All ORLY nail products are developed with nail health in mind and won’t damage nails when used properly, with the exception of extremely rare allergic reactions. Nail damage comes from improper use and improper removal, so always follow application and removal protocols for best results.