When a trip to your manicurist doesn’t fit your tight schedule, don’t sweat it! Thanks to a handful of easily accessible, professional-level products, you can DIY your own luxe, long-lasting manicure in the comfort of your abode. Today, we’re dishing our personal necessities and showing you a few new breakthrough buys for your nails (also known as the at-home gel mani kit). What are you waiting for? Salon quality results are only a lazy Saturday away!
DIY Mani Must-Haves
Use A Conditioning Nail Polish Remover
Julep Nail Polish Remover, $14
Investing in a luxe lacquer remover makes all the difference. Julep's acetone-free formula will not only dissolve old polish in a flash, it'll keep your nails looking (and feeling) hydrated.
File And Buff Nails
Tweezerman Nail File and Buffer, $8
Often overlooked, these essentials give your nails shape and luster and are vital to the at-home mani prepping process.
Apply A Nourishing Cuticle Oil
RGB Cuticle Oil, $20
Prep your mani by softening the cuticle with a dose of nourishing oil. This will reduce the appearance of dryness and protect your nails—trust us, it’s a necessity.
Invest In Essential Tools Of The Trade
Deborah Lippmann Cuticle Pusher and Nipper, $48
Push back the cuticle and trim excess skin with these trusty salon quality staples.
DIY A Gel Manicure
Patent-Gel Top and Tails Set, $40
Alas, Butter London has blessed us with a home-friendly gel mani set. This tried-and-true twosome really works, and it will leave your nails with the same patent sheen as professional application. The best part? This fab formula can be taken off with your average polish remover—no fussy foils necessary!
Paint On A New Luxe Lacquer
Lancome Nail Polish, $15
Once you've applied the base coat of a gel formula, deck out your digits with an eye-catching lacquer. We adore this new, sparkling shellac from Lancome.
Hydrate With A Hand Salve
J.R. Watkins Hand and Cuticle Salve, $9
Seal the deal by hydrating your hands with a nourishing hand and cuticle salve. Staying moisturized keeps your nails from drying out and chipping quicker than normal.
