Getting a beautiful manicure can make a lot of women look and feel elegant. However, the cost of salon manicures can add up over the course of a year. Therefore, if you want to save time and money for manicures, you can opt to do it yourself at home. However, most of the time, most people who try to do their manicures at home are only using nail color to make their nails look good. If that is the case, you are not doing it right.
If you are aiming for a manicure that looks as if it is professionally done and will last longer than a few days, you need to have the right tools and products. If you are not sure what these tools and products are for a long-lasting manicure, no worries, as we’re here to help you. Today, we are giving you a list of essentials for an effective manicure.
1. Nail Clippers or Scissors
Before you paint your nails, it’s always a good idea to give them a good cut or trim to maintain the length. When your nails have the same length, it can give your manicure a uniform and polished finish. In addition, trimming your nails regularly can keep them healthy.
Here are some of the nail clipper and scissors that you can try:
- Premium Stainless Steel Nail Clipper Set
- Nail Clippers for Thick Nails by Dr. Mode
- Refine Nail Scissors
- BEAUTIVYA Cuticle Scissors
2. Nail File
Even if you’re good at cutting your nails, you will never be able to cut them for a perfectly smooth finish. This is why a nail file is also one of the essentials for a long-lasting manicure. It can help remove any snags or jagged edges and can also be used to shape the nails. If you wish for a square finish, position it perpendicular to your finger. For a rounder finish, on the other hand, angle it up and move it down and around the nail.
Here are some of the best nail files we can recommend:
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- Nail Files and Buffer Kit
- Herm Nail Files for Acrylic Nails
- Revlon Compact Emery Boards Nail File
- Glass Nail File in Case
3. 4-Way Buffer
After filing your nails, it is also a good idea to buff and shine their surface. A nail buffer deals with ridges and can leave your nails smooth and ready for nail polish. To buff your nails, you can use the fine side of the buffer. After that, use a different side to smoothen the surface out, then finish with the side that will add shine to your nails.
Here are some of the best nail buffers you can use:
5. Cuticle Pusher
A cuticle pusher is used to remove any gunk from underneath your nails. Aside from that, it is also used to push your cuticles back off the nails. If you want the process to be easier, you can soak your hands in warm water for a few minutes. This way, the skin will soften, and it will be easier to push it back. Avoid scraping too hard or too fast when using a cuticle pusher.
Here are some of the great cuticle pushers you can try:
- CATTOMBEEG Rubber Cuticle Pusher
- Utopia Care Cuticle Pusher and Spoon Nail Cleaner
- Tweezerman Dual Sided Pushy
- Rikans Cuticle Pusher Tool for Manicure
6. Nail Polish
If you want a manicure that really lasts, then it is better to find long-lasting nail polish. If you can find one that is a base coat and a nail color in one, then that’s better. It’s because you can skip out a step in your manicure process, and it also means that your polish is going to stay put and remain chip-free for a longer period.
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Here are some of the best nail polish you can buy:
- OPI Nail Polish Infinite Shine Long-Wear Lacquer
- Sally Hansen Mega Strength Nail Polish
- Revlon ColorStay Built-In Base Coat and Glossy Shine Finish
- Essie Glossy Shine Nail Polish
7. Nail Corrector Pen
A nail correction pen is essential to remove any unwanted polish on the skin near the nails without ruining the rest of the manicure. It is designed to look like a pen. It has an acetone-soaked nib that can help you remove unwanted polish easily.
Here are some good nail corrector pens you can check out:
8. Top Coat
A top coat is something that will ensure your nail polish remains chip-free for a longer period. Therefore, you should not miss this step. There are top coats that are made to work best with a corresponding polish. This means that it is better if you can use a due. Choose a top coat that will add strength and shine to your nail polish.
Here are some of the best top coats we found:
- OPI Nail Lacquer Top Coat
- Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Nail Coat
- Revlon ColorStay Chip Resistant Diamond Top Coat
- Aimeili No Wipe Top Coat
9. Quick-Dry Solution
When you do your manicure at home, you can be tempted to do things that may ruin your newly polished nails, like scratch your skin. Also, the more you move around, the more likely you are to smudge or scratch your nails. To prevent this from happening, it is better to use a few drops of quick-dry solution that will make your polish and top coat dry in a few seconds.
Here are some of the quick-dry solutions we found that you might like:
- OPI Drip Dry Lacquer Drying Drops
- Karlash Excuse Me Nail Polish Ultra-Fast Drying Drops
- Butter London Quick Dry Conditioning Drops
These are some of the essentials you need for an effective manicure. When you have the right tools with you and you know the right techniques, you can surely give yourself a beautiful manicure at home.