TL;DR: Wash and fully dry your hands, push back cuticles, buff each nail lightly, then wipe with the prep pad (or rubbing alcohol) so the surface is squeaky-clean. Apply a drop of glue to your nail and the tip, press on at a 45° angle from the cuticle down, and hold for a full 30 seconds. Apply at night and avoid water for 2 hours. That's the whole secret — prep is 90% of wear time.
The 5-step application (10 minutes)
- Prep: wash hands, push back cuticles with the cuticle stick, and clip/file your natural nails short.
- Buff & wipe: a light buff takes the shine off; the alcohol prep pad removes every trace of oil. Skip this and nothing else matters.
- Match sizes first: lay out all 10 tips and confirm the fit on every finger before opening the glue. (Not sure about sizing? Measure in 2 minutes.)
- Glue both surfaces: one drop on your nail, one thin drop on the tip. More glue ≠ more hold — excess squeezes out and lifts edges.
- Press at 45°: angle the tip at your cuticle line, lower it down to push air out, then press firmly for 30 seconds. Do thumbs last — they need the most patience.
Common mistakes (and the fix)
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Applying right after a shower or hand cream | Nails absorb water and oil — wait, then wipe with alcohol |
| Pressing the tip on flat | Always 45° from the cuticle down to avoid trapped air bubbles |
| Flooding the nail with glue | One drop each side; press out the excess |
| Washing dishes an hour later | Give glue 2 hours dry time — overnight is ideal |
| Skipping the size check | An overhanging tip lifts within a day — size it right |
Glue or adhesive tabs?
Glue for 1–2 weeks of wear; tabs for 3–5 days and effortless removal (great for protecting a set you plan to re-wear). Every Luvmani set ships with both, plus the file, prep pad and cuticle stick.
FAQ
Should I trim my natural nails first?
Yes — short natural nails give the tip full contact and a lower profile, which means longer wear and a more natural look.
How do I avoid air bubbles?
The 45° application angle plus 30 seconds of firm pressure pushes air out as the tip lowers.
When is the best time to apply?
30 minutes before bed. Glue cures overnight without water exposure, and you wake up with salon nails.
Full visual walkthrough on our Application & Care page. New here? Start with The Essentials from $24.