You’ve worked HARD on your mani and pedi, FPgirl. Keep ‘em looking oh-so-awesome while you’re poolside and at the beach. Follow these three essential tips.

1. Moisturize and protect! Did you know too much sun and ocean water can make your polish look kind of lifeless? Dry air from the AC can dry out your nails, and chlorine from the pool can make them brittle.

What’s an FPgirl to do?

A couple of things: remember to moisturize (you could even use some of mom’s olive oil and rub it into your nails and cuticles). You could also get a bottle of top coat with UV-protection. This will help keep your nails looking shiny and beautiful!

2. Watch the sunscreen. Make sure you use sunscreen on your hands, but don’t rub the stuff into your nails—your mani will last much longer!

3. Think quick dry! Hey, it’s summer, which means you want to be out and about, not stuck inside waiting for your nails to dry. So here’s a super quick dry method: Fill a bowl with ice water and dunk your fingers for 30 seconds or so. The cold water will give your hands a shock…along with the polish, which will harden up FAST so you can get back out in the sunshine ASAP.

What color have you been sporting on fingers and tootsies this summer, FPgirl?? Share in the comments.

We’re loving paint splatter nails this summer, check them out!