Achieving a salon-quality manicure at home requires the right tools and products. This applies whether you’re going for a short and simple design or a long and elaborate nail art look.
From prepping your nails with a nourishing polish remover to adding a glossy top coat, having the right essentials can make all the difference. See six must-have products for a great at-home manicure that will have your nails looking fabulous.
Modelones PleaSCENET Nail Polish Remover
Starting with a clean slate is crucial for any manicure. The Modelones PleaSCENET Removal Nail Polish Remover removes even stubborn gel polish while nourishing nails and cuticles.
Enriched with jojoba oil, grape seed oil, and lavender essential oil prevents dryness and minimizes damage. Reviewers appreciate its strength in tackling tricky polishes without experiencing the harsh effects often associated with potent removers. It’s moisturizing and has a refreshing lemon scent.
For best results, shake the bottle to mix the oils thoroughly, apply the remover to a cotton pad, press it against each nail polish for a few seconds, break down the polish, and wipe it clean.
Sally Hansen Vitamin E Nail & Cuticle Oil
Moisturized nails are a necessity in order to make polish last longer. Sally Hansen’s Vitamin E Nail and Cuticle Oil is designed to deeply moisturize and condition your nails and cuticles, thanks to its blend of Vitamin E, Wheat Germ, Apricot Kernel, Aloe, and Panthenol.
This oil softens cuticles and strengthens dry, brittle nails by enhancing their flexibility. Reviewers like its ideal consistency, which they say is not too thick or too watery. They also enjoy its pleasant scent.
To apply, brush the oil onto your nails and cuticles nightly. Gently massage to boost circulation and promote nail growth. Wash off the oil before applying nail polish. It can also be used over nail color or on bare nails for ongoing nourishment.
Makartt Professional Nail File Set
For those who love doing their nails at home, the Makartt Nail File 100 180 Grit Emery Boards make shaping and smoothing nails a breeze. These files offer two grit options.
100 grit for effectively shaping and shortening tough nails and 180 grit for smoothing edges and fine-tuning your manicure. Constructed from high-quality EVC and emery board materials, these files are sturdy, washable, and reusable.
Reviewers consistently mention how easy and quick these files are to use, delivering professional results with minimal effort.
Blue Cross Cuticle Remover
Keeping cuticles in check is crucial for preventing hangnails and ensuring a neat, clean base for your nail polish. The Blue Cross Cuticle Remover excels in this role with its powerful formula that quickly dissolves even the most stubborn cuticles and hangnails.
Enhanced with lanolin, it nourishes, hydrates, and strengthens the nails and cuticles, promoting healthier and more resilient nails.
For usage, apply a drop of the milky liquid around the base of your nails and cuticles, gently push back with a cuticle pusher, and rinse with warm water.
Reviewers love its efficiency, noting that it eliminates the need for pre-soaking, simplifying the manicure process.
Olive and June Clean Up Brush
For anyone aiming to achieve that polished, salon-fresh look on their nails at home, the Olive and June Clean Up Brush is a game-changer.
This brush features soft synthetic bristles that are gentle on the nails yet effective in wiping away any stray polish for a clean, precise finish.
The sturdy acrylic handle and smartly designed curved bristles make it easy to create straight lines and detailed nail art. Reviewers rave about how this brush makes DIY manicures look professionally done.
OPI Top Coat
A top coat is crucial for locking in your manicure and enhancing its durability. The OPI Top Coat effectively serves this purpose, providing a layer of protection that extends the wear of your nail color.
It’s suitable for use over bare nails, creating a subtle shine. Meanwhile, for colored polish, it adds gloss while preventing smudging and chipping. Reviewers often mention how it dries quickly and keeps nails looking shiny.
