There’s a reason why the phrase “like watching paint dry” is used to describe excruciatingly boring things—it’s simply the worst. So, why in the 21st century, do we still endure the painstaking process of waiting for our freshly painted nails to dry? We live in an era of advanced technology, yet we’re held captive by the slow drying time of nail polish. It’s time to break free!
Embrace the Magic of Enamel Dryers
Time stops for no one, and it definitely doesn’t wait for our manicures to dry. If you’re as impatient as I am and want your nails set in under five minutes, enamel dryers are your secret weapon. Yes, they may contain chemicals, but they are the only hope for quick-drying nails. Here are three products that I highly recommend:
1. Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Clearly Quick Topcoat
The Sally Hansen Insta-Dri line is a game-changer. Applying a thin coat of this polish ensures that your nails will be good to go in less than a minute. The Clearly Quick topcoat from this range is equally efficient. However, if you have several thick, still-wet coats of regular polish on, applying Clearly Quick will yield unsatisfactory results. It’s like covering a swimming pool with a tarp—it may seem dry on the surface, but there’s still water underneath. So, when you find yourself in this situation, try the next option.
2. Essie Quick-E Drying Drops
Essie Quick-E Drying Drops are perfect for complex manicures with multiple layers of polish. These drops speed up the drying process without the risk of smudging or ruining your masterpiece by adding a topcoat. Simply squeeze a droplet onto each nail and wait a couple of minutes. For even faster results, use them in combination with the Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Clearly Quick Topcoat. During one of my recent manicures, I applied two coats of Pixi Nail Colour followed by Clearly Quick and a couple of drops of Quick-E Drying Drops. The result? My nails were completely dry—in just 90 seconds!
3. Envi Nail Enamel Dryer
Envi Nail Enamel Dryer takes us back to the 80s and the era of aerosol enamel dryers. While it may sound like a blast from the past, it actually works wonders! After applying your nail polish, wait for 60 seconds before spraying this product. The best part? You can spray your entire hand at once, making it the fastest option available. It may not be as effective as its modern counterparts, but it’s affordable, retro, and adds a touch of nostalgia to your beauty routine. Just remember, avoid inhaling the mist!
Now you can bid farewell to the age-old struggle of waiting for your manicure to dry. Explore these quick-drying solutions and enjoy fabulous nails in no time!
—Lacey Gattis