Polished and Professional

You want to seal that next business deal with a handshake, and you know your fingernails show your attention to detail.

But while the number of women taking time out of their busy schedules to get manicures is up 40 percent from a decade ago, many of us don’t have the time, patience or desire to spend the cash for a weekly salon visit.

Enter the new gel polishes that can last for weeks.

“Finally, there’s an option for safe, long-wearing color,” Polish Bar of Brooklyn owner Tricia Lee tells PINK. “Gel color is a nail polish/UV hybrid that provides extended wear for on-the-go businesswomen who don’t have time to spend in the salon.”

Baked to a hard shine finish, you walk out with dry nails. Lee says CND shellac is her salon’s most popular brand. Jessica and OPI also offer the product.

To give traditional polishes more staying power, Lee recommends nails be clean and dry before applying a base coat. Then, apply polish evenly and finish with a long-lasting topcoat.

To keep your manicure chip-free, Lee suggests applying a topcoat every two days to reseal your manicure and extend wear time.

Lee’s favorite nail trend this season? The “Mannequin Manicure.” This look features flesh colors that match your skin tone. Consider nude with grey or creamy chocolate tones, then jazz it up with a shade that shimmers.

Bonus PINK Link: Get more tips for dainty digits at work here.

“The final forming of a person’s character lies in [her] own hands.” Anne Frank