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What is the purpose of using a lotion before nail polish application?

  1. To create a longer-lasting finish

  2. To add color to the nail

  3. To provide moisture to the cuticles

  4. To speed up drying time

The correct answer is: To provide moisture to the cuticles

Using lotion before nail polish application serves to provide moisture to the cuticles, which is essential for maintaining healthy nails and skin surrounding the nails. Well-moisturized cuticles can help prevent hangnails, dryness, and cracking, which can lead to discomfort and affect the appearance of manicured nails. When the cuticles are hydrated, they are more pliable and can be pushed back more easily, allowing for cleaner and more precise nail polish application. This foundational care contributes to the overall health of the nails and enhances the finished look by ensuring that the area around the nail is smooth and well-groomed. While creating a longer-lasting finish, adding color, or speeding up drying time are considerations in nail care, they do not address the immediate need for cuticle and nail bed health that moisturizing lotion provides prior to nail polish application.