Usually I keep my nails short and bare. But then I go thru periods when I want them painted. Just wondering on tips to keep them from chipping to soon. Do you think the brand matters?

Yes and no... It could be your nails being too oily and unable to hold on to the polish. Sometimes roughing them up lightly can help the polish adhere to the nail bed. Do you use a top coat? I'd suggest you to cap the free edge (if that's possible with your short nails) so it won't chip as much. I much prefer gel polish since it stays on my fingers longer because regular polish comes off within a day on my nails and that's even with good brands.

I think brand matters a lot, personally, but I don't always have the best luck with high-end stuff. A friend convinced me to drop some change on Zoya polish, bvut that stuff chipped in a day or two for me. I have had the best luck with Sally Hansen (even better than OPI), and I do two layers and a top coat of clear. I have heard Dior is great, but haven't tried it yet.