There’s nothing more irritating than polishing your nails, only to realize a huge chip just hours later. Those chips and nicks can be so much more noticeable with fall and winter’s dark colors, so make sure to follow these 5 tips to make your manicure last longer.

Avoid harsh chores

If you’re planning to clean the bathroom or wash a lot of dishes, try and get that stuff done before you paint your nails. The chemicals and soaps can strip away the polish, so if you must do them at least wear gloves. We think this is a pretty great excuse to have your man wash the dishes.

Use a top coat

Always apply a top coat when you’re done painting your nails. This gives them a nice shine and sets the polish in place. It also acts as the final barrier between your color and the elements.

Use nail polish remover beforehand

Your nails have a lot of natural oil on them, which can actually contribute to chipping polish! Even if your nails aren’t polished before, go over them quickly with nail polish remover to make sure you have a clean slate to work with.

Apply just two coats

One is too little and three is too many. Two is just right! Two coats will make sure your color looks the optimal shade and the layer isn’t too thin on your nail.

Dip in cold water and then apply hand cream

Once you’ve let your nails dry a bit, but they’re still at that tacky, vulnerable stage, dip them into a bowl of cold water to set the polish. This should cut down your drying time and avoid this nicks you won’t notice until later.

What other tips do you have to make your home manicure last?