Taking time when doing an at-home manicure pays dividends.  Apply base coat and allow to dry for two minutes minimum;  paint first coat and wait for another two minutes, and so on.  According to Essie Weingarten (the Essie of Essie polishes fame), 'Trust me:  the time you spend waiting for nails to dry properly between coats is an investment - the longer you wait, the longer your manicure will endure'.