Although it may sound a little silly, there few things more annoying than painting your nails, only to then have it smudge or crack. Well no more! Here are 35 nail hacks you should be using to keep your nails strong, healthy and beautiful.

1. Apply thin layers of polish

Applying thick layers means that only the top later will dry, leaving the rest of your nail polish prone to smudging. By applying a few thin coats, you ensure your hard work will stay put longer.

2. Make your own nail art dotting tool

If you like to get a little creative with your nails then this tool from The Beauty Department is a necessity! Simply get a pin and eraser and get creative.

3. DIY Glitter Nail Polish

Becca of The Crafted Sparrow shows easy way to DIY your own glittery nail polish. This is fantastic if you want a little some control over just how glittery your nail polish is.

4. Remove stubborn glitter polish using tin foil

For this method to work, you must first place your cotton pad or ball in nail polish remover and let it soak in. Then place the saturated cotton on your nail and wrap your finger in tin foil, making sure it’s tight. After 10 minutes that glitter polish should come straight off.

5. Acetone + Glycerine = Best nail polish remover ever

This mix is a wonderful replacement for damaging 100% acetone removers.

6. Use an elastic band or band aids to get the perfect french tip

7. Or purchase this nifty nail tool

Get it here!

8. Get the perfect manicure using this chart

9. Create your own nail polish remover jar

10. Whiten your nails using toothpaste

11. Remove mistakes without ruining the nail polish

Dip a thin makeup brush or paint brush into your polish remover and clean up those messy bits!

12. Use cold water to dry nails faster

After two minutes of waiting for your nails to dry in the air, submerge them in ice cold water for a further three minutes (take breaks if you need to).

13. Add corn starch to clear nail polish to create a matte look

Use this mixture as a top coat and you’ll have instant matte nails.

14. Get a glittery, manicured look, using a sponge

15. Create a leopard print using pencil erasers

16. Use a white base coat to make your nails neon

17. The easiest nail art tool of all – a Sharpie

18. Apply a thick layer of hand cream before removing nail polish

Dark polish can stain your skin, especially if you’re pale. By applying a layer of hand cream you make it almost impossible for the polish to stain.

19. Apply Vaseline around your nail to stop any messy mistakes sticking

20. Shellac hack

Finally! Click here to get the full tutorial.

21. Here’s how to fix a broken nail

22. Super fancy feather nails

23. Create an easy ombre on your nails

24. Avoid bubbles by rolling your nail polish, not shaking it

25. Not all nail shapes are created equal

26. Make your own cuticle cure at home

27. Take care of your cuticles

Healthy cuticles equal healthy nails. Never cut your cuticles, but instead gently push them back and keep them moisturized.

28. Keep your nail kit to yourself

That is, unless you like sharing germs and risking infection.

29. Use a glass file rather than a plastic one

Glass files are significantly more hygienic and are less damaging to your nails than their metal counterparts.

30. Find the best shade of red to suit your skin tone

31. Get the best nude too

32. Use vinegar to make your polish stay on even longer

33. Pair the best colors in your mani pedi

34. Master the perfect DIY manicure

35. Make the perfect nail polish storage box

Featured photo credit: Girl Nail Art Design via picjumbo.com