4 things that can instantly ruin your mani

If you’re the kind of girl who loves painting her own nails, it’s so frustrating when that perfect glossy manicure gets ruined in what seems like a matter of seconds.
So, for the sake of your sanity (and the longevity of your flawless manicure, of course), we’ve decided to give you an easy-as-pie Sally Hansen solution for the most common manicure-ruining culprits. It is, after all, Australia’s #1 nail treatment brand*.
THE PROBLEM: CRACKED CUTICLES
No matter how stellar a job you’ve done with your nail polish, if your cuticles are cracked and peeling, your manicure is going to look anything but immaculate. Plus, let’s not gloss (pun totally intended) over the fact that dry, peeling cuticles can be painful – especially when a ragged one gets caught on your jumper. Or when you’re just casually trying to squeeze a lemon. Ouch!
The fix: Sally Hansen Cuticle Rehab™

The hydrating (and delightfully scented) formula contains jasmine and rose extracts to soften and smooth cuticles, as well as emollient oils, which go a long way in sorting out those and rough and ragged edges. The added bonus? Nutrients in the formula also work to improve nail growth and prevent breakages.
THE PROBLEM: SPLITTING NAILS
A manicure is only as strong as the nails underneath it, and if your nails are prone to splitting, breaking, and tearing, you’re setting yourself up for failure. Also, how irritating is it when your nails are all different lengths?!
The fix: Sally Hansen Diamond Strength Instant Nail Hardener

Sadly, there’s no such thing as a quick fix when it comes to improving the strength and resilience of your nails, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t an effective solution. And you don’t even need to take a break from painting your nails. Used as a base coat or on its own, Diamond Strength’s micro-diamond crystal formula adheres to nails, and essentially creates a protective layer that helps to strengthen nails in five to seven days.
THE PROBLEM: DULL, CHIPPING POLISH
Chipping polish is annoying enough, but then throw in a finish that loses its gloss after a few hours and you’ve got yourself a manicure you’re not exactly proud of. So how do you keep that finish looking luxe when your nail polish is still wet? And how do you make sure that glossiness sticks around?
The fix: Sally Hansen 3D Gel Shine Top Coat

Unlike your typical top coat that prevents chipping, this one is thicker and, thanks to some fancy vinyl and gel technology in the formula, gives your nails a multidimensional shine - all while protecting your nails from chips, scratches, and scrapes, naturally.
THE PROBLEM: SMUDGED NAILS
Ah, the bane of every woman’s existence. Sometimes it seems that no matter how long you wait and how often you gently blow your freshly-painted nails, a smudge is right around the corner. That means you need to repaint or compromise on how good your mani looks. No, thanks!
The fix: Sally Hansen Salon Manicure Dry & Go Drops

We’re sure there’s some complicated science behind how this works, but here’s all you need to know: a few drops of this stuff, and your nails are dry to the touch in a minute, and completely dry in less than two. Nice knowing you, stupid smudges.
Used individually to target your specific issues, or used together for an overall professional looking mani, you’ll find that these Sally Hansen products will work incredibly hard to not only treat any problems, but also prevent them from reoccurring. Basically, you’ll be able to achieve that gorgeous salon-quality finish for every manicure, which is pretty damn good.
Want to incorporate these manicure-fixers into your kit? Fabulous! Because we’ve got 5 Sally Hansen manicure packs, which contain all of the products mentioned, to give away. Simply fill in the form below and tell us about your nail concerns to go in the draw to win. Competition closes AEST 11:59 p.m. May 25. Can't see the form? Click here.
* Based on Aztec scan data – Grocery & Pharmacy combined, $ value sales, MAT 1/1/15
What are your biggest nail concerns? What ruins your manicure?
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117 Member Comments
I need those dry & go drops!! I think I need to start making a list of things to buy lol
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glad my nails never split, sounds horrible
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I have been looking after my hands religiously for a month now, and my cuticles are only just starting to look ok, it takes ages when they are torn
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Splitting cuticles are the worst!
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I must try the Cuticle rehab, I had not heard of this product
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ugh, and using the scourer to scrub my distiller ...why I do this after a good mani =/
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my nails chip a lot and is not very strong!
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Just go with gel! Lasts so much better
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I don't like the feel of a nail that has a ragged edge - it's something that makes me head to the nearest nail file straight away! Once it's been smoothed I feel like I can get on with things without it catching on my clothing!
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Smudged nails is one that happens to me.
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I have the Sally Hansen 3D top coat and it's the best. Another essential is the instant dry drops.
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I have so many of these issues. Got the Sally Hansen 7 in 1 nail treatment which has been awesome. Will have to pay extra attention to my cuticles now.
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The quick dry drops available now are excellent.
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I might try the cuticle rehab...
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My only issue sometimes is impatience, wait till it is dry completely before washing dishes or showering :D
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Doing the dishes always ruins mine.
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I find this happens also but the use of gloves whilst washing seems to help!
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I just bought the Sally Hansen Insta-Dri. It was recommended by a nail blogger. I didn't know they also had Dry & Go Drops. They sound like similar products.
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Oh dear, guilty of all of these YIKES I want those Sally Hansen drops so bad now! Fingers crossed (punny?) for a Priceline Sale!
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I'm very interested in the cuticle treatment. As a nail biter and picker for most of my young years I have struggled to have nice hands and nails in adulthood. I still find myself picking at my cuticles if they are even a little rough. An effective cuticle treatment would make such a difference!
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I must try the cuticle rehab, i have no idea why but my cuticles are always ragged!
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A base coat can definitely make or break a manicure. Not to mention not having one stains your nails and getting the colour off takes a lot of time.
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I need those dry and go drops! they sound absolutely incredible!
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