16 Manicure Essentials for Guaranteed Perfect Nails Every Time
I’ve compiled a list of the 16 best manicure essentials for your at-home manicure kit for salon-quality results. After years of getting my nails done (and spending wayyy too much money, I’ve found the best items to get results that look just as good).
By the way, can someone tell me when nail salon manicures got so dang expensive? Spending upwards of $70 now on a basic polish manicure is not uncommon.
Good news – we can get great nails at home with the right tools and these manicure essentials everyone loves.
Related: 21 Short Summer Nails Guaranteed to Get You Compliments
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Top Rated Manicure Essentials
These items are the best of the best. They have been tried and tested and are guaranteed to give you the perfect manicure without having to leave the house.
And, I’ll be honest—I have literally no patience for doing my nails. That’s why I rely on a handful of nail products that get the job done fast!
Here are the top-rated manicure essentials:
1. Eternal 100% Pure Acetone
I don’t mess around with non-acetone removers when it comes to nail polish removal. I want EVERYTHING off, including gel polish.
Eternal’s 100% Pure Acetone takes the crown for its unbeatable strength. It’s a solid nail polish remover that effortlessly wipes away even the darkest colors, leaving your nails perfectly prepped in no time.
What Reviewers Say: “Compared to other acetone removers, this one is much faster and more efficient. I usually have to apply a cotton-soaked pad at least twice to remove gel nail polish, but with this remover, it was done after one go, and the gel came off easily after a 10-minute soak.”
2. Sally Hansen Instant Cuticle Remover
This ultra-fast cuticle remover removes excess cuticle skin in just 15 seconds and gives your nails an instant facelift.
Squeeze a thin strip around the cuticles and under the nail tip, and gently push back the cuticles with a cuticle stick. Wipe away any excess dead skin with a tissue. It’s so fast and easy to use – it’s a must-have in any manicure kit.
What Reviewers Say: “For all the years I’ve been doing my own nails, I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to use a cuticle remover. It cuts down the nail prep process almost in half. My only complaint is that I have slightly sensitive skin, so it irritates my cuticles for a bit after my nails are done. Other than that, I really like it.”
3. Tweezerman Stainless Steel Fingernail Clippers
Quality clippers are crucial for a clean and precise cut, so they trim through nails without causing splitting or jagged edges.
These stainless steel nail clippers by Tweezerman are my go-to. The sharp blades and stainless steel construction will ensure these last forever.
What Reviewers Say: “I am very picky about the products I use. I did my research before purchasing these clippers, and I am glad I did. These are great. Very well built. Quality metal, very sharp, and they feel good in your hands. I will never buy anything but Tweezerman Clippers from now on. “
4. Glass Cuticle Pusher
They say to always push cuticles back instead of clipping them. Clipping or cutting cuticles opens the barrier between your nails and skin, which could cause infection.
Unlike metal or wooden alternatives, glass pushers provide a smooth, non-abrasive surface, minimizing the risk of damaging delicate cuticles. Plus, they’re easy to clean and sterilize.
This glass cuticle tool is inexpensive and has a fine-pointed tip to reach crevices or double as a nail art tool.
What Reviewers Say: “This works so much better than other styles/materials I have tried. My cuticles are a disaster, and this very effectively and efficiently pushes them back AND scrapes remnants off of my nail bed. The pointy end is fantastic for cleaning undernails. This is now a permanent tool for my manicure kit. Where has this been all my life?!”
5. CND SolarOil Cuticle Oil
Cuticle oil is a game-changer for a nice manicure because it keeps cuticles moisturized and happy, prevents dryness, and promotes healthy nail growth.
I’ve repurchased the CND SolarOil Cuticle Oil twice! It’s like a spa treatment for your nails. The jojoba oil and vitamin E blend is nourishing and smells like sweet almond oil.
What Reviewers Say: “This oil keeps my nails and cuticles clean and cuticle-free. I can’t believe how amazing my nail beds look. I noticed a difference in my nails and cuticles after the first use. It also had a magnificent smell. I highly recommend.”
6. Lip Brush Set
Lip brushes for a manicure? Yes!
If you find that many nail art brushes fall apart easily, try this set. This lip brush set is of good quality and has lasted for years.
Not only are brushes fun for creating simple art designs or French tips, but they are also great for cleaning up the excess polish.
What Reviewers Say: “I am so shocked at how high quality these brushes are! I have been an HMUA for 12 years, and these brushes are amazing!”
7. OPI Nail Envy (Nail Strengthener)
95% stronger nails in one week? It’s possible! I love using a good nail strengthener between manicures to fortify the nail.
The OPI Nail Envy is a cult classic and a must-have in your manicure essentials kit.
Its formula is packed with vitamins, proteins, and a “Tri-Flex Technology” to strengthen and protect nails against chipping, peeling, and splitting. The result? Healthy-looking, strong nails.
What Reviewers Say: “This nail strengthener is amazing. I’ve used it for over 10 years. You can put it on, and if it starts to chip away, it’s not shiny enough to see. You can add another layer on top and run out the door within a minute.”
8. OPI Nail Lacquer
OPI is tried and true, a long-time favorite for a reason. The OPI polish line is long-lasting and comes in hundreds of different colors.
Salons also frequently use OPI, so if you’re in between salon manicures, it’s easy to touch up when you have the matching OPI shade at home.
Favorite shade? You can’t go wrong with OPI Big Apple Red or OPI Bubble Bath. They’re timeless and chic!
Related: 27 Classy Spring Nail Designs You Need To Try Now
9. Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
If you get impatient waiting for your nail polish to dry, look no further. Seche Vite top coat is a holy grail for a reason. Its unique fast-drying formula and super glossy finish keep nails chip-free for several days.
If I lost my manicure essentials kit, this would probably be the first I’d repurchase.
The only downside is after several months, the formula can get a little goopy and hard to apply. It’s pretty inexpensive, so easy to replace. Worth it!
What Reviewers Say: “This is the longest-lasting, shiniest, and fastest-drying top coat out there. Especially useful if you use several coats underneath.”
10. KISS Salon Acrylic French Manicure Set
When you don’t have the time or patience to do a full manicure at home, press-on nails will save you!
Press-on nails have come a long way over the years. They last about a week and come in so many designs that you can switch up your style without a lot of maintenance.
The KISS brand nails have been my go-to favorite since 2010. This French Manicure set is particularly subtle and classy and looks like a fresh set of acrylic nails.
What Reviewers Say: “Nice shape, length and fit. It’s a gorgeous color, too. I’m not a great fan of pink-and-white French manicures and prefer this more creamy color, so these are just perfect for me. I will definitely be buying more of this shape and some different shapes and lengths from this same brand.”
11. KISS Acrylic Nail Clipper
Consider investing in an acrylic nail clipper if you’re trying press-on nails. Unlike regular nail clippers, acrylic nail clippers are made specifically for acrylic and fake nails.
They are way faster than trying to file down nails that might be too long, and cutting down store-bought false nails gives a more tailored look to your manicure.
Because I wear press-on nails quite a bit, these are one of my must-have tools.
What Reviewers Say: “I bought this to replace a clipper that literally fell apart, and this one is much sturdier. It clips cleanly and precisely and is worth the extra investment.”
12. Lint Free Nail Wipes
Lint-free nail wipes are a must-have if you regularly do your nails. Unlike regular cotton rounds, these nail wipes won’t leave behind any lint or fuzzies that get stuck in your polish.
What Reviewers Say: “I had no idea what I was getting and it was well worth the chance. They are fantastic for removing polish and glue from stick-on nails. Sturdy, you use less remover and less pads than cotton. I highly recommend them.”
13. L’OCCITANE Shea Butter Hand Cream
A quality hand cream over time will ensure your hands and nails look healthy. A cult favorite is the L’OCCITANE Shea Butter Hand Cream, which uses shea butter and vitamin E to soften and moisturize.
What Reviewers Say: “This hand cream will offer your hands the maximum moisture they need. The cream is thick and has a lovely, light, clean smell. Your hands won’t feel greasy or sticky after application. This size is great for travel and to keep in your bag.”
14. Beetles Jelly Gel Nail Polish Set
For a long-lasting manicure, consider this gel polish set from Beetles. It’s a great choice for at-home gel manicures because they come in kits with tons of colors.
It takes a little longer to do my gel nails at home, but I love the convenience and the fact that there is no “dry time” like regular polish.
What Reviewers Say: “I love doing my nails at home, and I love the Beetles products because they’re affordable. These jelly gels make them look like salon-quality acrylics but without being too thick-looking.”
15. UV LED Nail Lamp
You’ll need a UV LED lamp to cure the nails and complete any gel polish manicure. This one is easy to use and inexpensive.
What Reviewers Say: “I ordered this after I realized my previous gel lamp was not a high enough wattage. This lamp is great; I love its time features and how fast it dries.”
16. MelodySusie UV Gloves
Don’t forget to protect your hands from UV light if you’re regularly doing gel polish with a UV nail lamp.
These MelodySusie gloves come in a two-pack – perfect for keeping one pair at home and another in your car to protect your hands while driving.
What Reviewers Say: “They’re really light, but still thick and very durable. I have smaller hands and shorter fingers, but since it is stretchy, it still held my hand a little snug, and the fingers weren’t too long. They’re also super cute, so I feel great while protecting my hand”.
You can get salon-quality nails at home with these top-rated manicure essentials. I’ve used many of these items for years and wanted to share!
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