Must-Have Items For At-Home Manicures and Pedicures

Getting your nails done at the salon is supposed to be a relaxing experience, but I find that it sometimes adds more stress to my day than I’d like. For one, there’s the scheduling. Finding a time to make an appointment and then mustering up the energy to get to it can feel overwhelming. And this gets more complicated if you throw other factors into the mix — like if you have kids or a demanding job that requires you to work long hours. Time and energy aside, trips to the salon can also be expensive and quickly add up depending on what you get. 

Because of this, I’ve found that doing my own manicures and pedicures at home has brought me much more joy than shelling out for them at the salon every few weeks. It’s cost-effective and convenient — I can paint my nails late at night while watching television in my pajamas if I’d like. It also allows me to have whatever I need on hand for touch-ups while on the go, which is something a salon doesn’t usually offer. The best part? Everything you need for at-home manicures and pedicures can be ordered online and delivered straight to your door. Here are some of my favorite products that will give you salon-level results.

_{Prices are accurate as of December 2, 2024. Subject to change.}

Essie Gel Couture Longwear Nail Polish Kit

This was the first nail polish that really made me feel confident about doing my nails at home. That’s because it’s chip and fade-resistant and quick-dries like a gel without requiring a UV light. I painted my nails with this polish and top coat before one of my best friend’s weddings overseas and was so glad I did. Not only did it provide brilliant shine, but just knowing I was able to do touch-ups if needed without having to track down a salon or a beauty supply store made me feel more at ease (for the record: I didn’t have to). It also has a straightforward, no-fuss removal process, unlike traditional gel nail polish. 

I bought this pick in Fairy Tailor, which is a versatile, sheer pink hue. However, it also comes in a spectrum of colors, including fuchsia, mint green, and a subdued navy if you want something more unexpected. 

Beetles 68-Piece Gel Nail Polish Kit

If you’re someone who prefers to get a UV lamp involved, take a look at this portable gel nail polish kit, which mimics a salon’s but is more wallet-friendly. My sister, who used to get her nails done every few weeks by a pro, put this product on my radar, and it instantly piqued my interest. For one, it’s made for nail maximalists — it comes with 68 pieces total, including 35 gel nail polishes plus a variety of nail stickers and gems. There are also helpful nail tools and a UV nail lamp with three timer settings. This option makes creating eye-catching, elaborately-designed manicures in the comfort of your own home a reality. 

Kiss Press-On Acrylic Nails

New York-founded brand Kiss, which has been around since the 1980s, is famous for its high-quality artificial nails. If you like acrylics, a good place to start is the brand’s natural-looking press-on nail kit, which comes with 28 gel-like false nails, 24 easy-to-use adhesive tabs, gel glue, a manicure stick, and a mini file. These nails have an ultra-smooth finish, take just minutes to apply, and last approximately a week. They’re a great option to have on hand for special occasions and fancy events.

Sally Hansen Vitamin E Nail and Cuticle Oil

I bought this dry nail and cuticle oil this past summer, and I honestly can’t believe I didn’t pick it up sooner. An easy way to make your nails look nicer — and your manicures and pedicures last longer — is by slathering a few drops of this nourishing oil onto your nail beds and cuticles. It’s made from a blend of apricot kernel, aloe, and vitamin E and the elegant gold-accented bottle is a great size for travel.

18-Piece Manicure Pedicure Kit

Besides the right polishes and oils, you need the proper tools to cut and prep your skin and nails. If you want all the bells and whistles, spring for this 18-piece stainless steel grooming set that includes many useful instruments for at-home manicures, pedicures, and beyond. Besides the basics — like fingernail clippers — there’s a curved pedicure knife to remove dead skin from your feet, mini scissors for trimming facial hair, and a V-shaped push tool handy for tidying up cuticles. A plus? This kit comes in a sleek snap-close case that’s not a headache to store.

Tweezerman Mini Nail Rescue Kit

For something more compact, consider this high-end Tweezerman Nail Rescue Kit that you can quickly pop into your pocket or purse while on the go. It features miniature stainless steel versions of a nail clipper, a cuticle nipper, a cuticle pusher, and a nail file. I’ve owned this set for years and it’s made at-home manicures and pedicures (as well as touch-ups while away from home) so much easier. Not to mention, my kit looks just as good now as it did when I got it a half-decade ago. 

ManiMaker Universal Precision Nail Polish Grip

Painting your nails can feel daunting until you get the hang of it, but this genius nail polish topper makes the process much smoother — literally. That’s because it boasts an ergonomic design that helps rightys or leftys to easily grip the brush handle, allowing for steadier movements. This is especially useful when DIYing a French manicure or painting on more precise designs. If you have a hard-to-open nail polish bottle, it helps with that, too. 

Tweexy Hinge Untippable Nail Polish Holder

Nip spills and drips in the bud with this nail polish holder designed to prevent messes. Its top opening molds to the size of your polish bottle, creating a secure, no-budge fit, while its adjustable hinge configuration makes for easier usage. It also has a suction cup base, which helps keep it firmly grounded on table tops, bathroom vanities, and other surfaces, so you don’t have to worry about the bottle tipping over or sliding all over the place.

Homedics Bubble Mate Foot Spa

You don’t have to forego comforting foot soaks just because you now do your pedicures at home. This plug-in foot bath features bubbling water jets that massage your feet, a heat component, and a built-in splash guard to prevent spills. It’s also equipped with a removable pumice stone, which you can use to slough off dry skin. If you’re worried about getting your hands wet while operating it, you’ll be happy to learn you can control this bath’s buttons easily via your toes.

Ella+Mila Non-Acetone Nail Polish Remover

Acetone-based polish remover can dry out your nails, giving all the more reason to purchase one formulated without it. A good replacement is this Ella+Mila non-toxic option, which contains zero acetone or alcohol. Instead, it’s infused with lavender essential oil and vitamins A, C, and E, which help keep nails healthy and moisturized. Order it by the bottle or, if you need something more portable, scoop up the brand’s nail polish remover wipes, which are sold in packs of five or 12. They’re great for stashing in your handbag or bringing with you on vacation.

Premium Cotton Rounds

You get the most out of your money with these cotton rounds, perfect for removing nail polish and makeup and applying toners and serums. They’re sold in packs of 300, are constructed from 100% cotton, and don’t leave any annoying fuzzy, linty residue behind. They’re also double-layered and ultra-absorbent.

Dior Creme Abricot Strengthening Nail Care

I’ve been toying around with the idea of adding more designer beauty products to my collection because it helps scratch the designer itch without having to drop thousands on a bag or article of clothing. Because of this, this Dior strengthening nail care cream is my latest fixation. It comes in elegant packaging, has an eye-catching peachy-pink hue, and helps strengthen nails with just a pea-sized amount. A popular nail care product by the brand since the 1960s, this cream is made with a combination of apricot oil and seaweed extract that should leave noticeable results from the first use. 

Chanel La Creme Main

Drugstore hand moisturizers are great, but sometimes you want something more luxurious. I visit this bookmarked page so often that I feel like I’ve memorized the product description by now — it’s only a matter of time before I splurge on one for myself. Housed in an attractive black and white bottle, this hand moisturizer is made with camellia oil, has a lightweight feel, and quickly hydrates hands, nails, and cuticles. Whether bought for yourself or given as a gift, you really can’t go wrong with this timeless pick.

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