@Bellatrix, I had the polish chip right away one time after I’d been to a salon in a small town I was visiting. I think it had to do with the order and thoroughness of steps in that case; I don’t believe the lotion from the massage was fully removed, and so the polish didn’t go onto clean, dry nails. That was only my second or third manicure, and I did it as a vacation luxury, so I didn’t really know anything. Usually it stays nice for two weeks, with just the occasional chip caused by my clumsiness. That’s why I like to be able to touch it up.
My favorite brand—China Glaze—is the same as one of those that the salon offers.
I pay $22 for a manicure, plus tip, at a city salon, and $12 for just a nail polish change. It was half that in the little town 40 miles from here. It’s an unnecessary indulgence, to be sure, but not overly extravagant.