Manicures used to be so simple. Paint on the polish and you’re good to go… minus the inevitable chipped nail. Today there is a LOT more to the manicure mania. From a variety of nail polish companies to a variety of ways to do your nails to a variety of kinds of finishes. Can give you a manicure meltdown.
Here are my “these are genius” manicure products that I can.not.live.without.
My 5 Manicure Musts…
- Are you Gel’in?: Gel polish has the best staying power, (manicured) hands down! Whether it’s from a salon (treat yo’self), or from a basic kit, you will be much happier with a longer mani.
- Take Your Time: My rule of thumb is to that after each coat of polish, you wait 2 minutes until applying the next coat. Makes a major difference. Try it.
- Invest in the Best: Want a longer-lasting quality mani? Invest in high quality products. Check out my go-to stores here and here and here to find nail products that will go the distance!
- Go with the Pro: Day to day, I maintain my manis. But a few times a year I get my nails professionally done to reeeeeeeally make things look amazing. Then I upkeep…then I get the professional treatment at a spa. A little trick that keeps your mani looking amazing!
- Cue the Cuticles: So simple, but so necessary. Every day I use this (not so well known) cuticle oil here to smooth my cuticles. Its a miracle worker. This little magic oil makes a crazy difference on how your nails look. Trust.
Shop a few of my must-have manicure items below!
Everyone’s on the gel polish (my mom and like half of my friends included) but I change my color too often to have gel and not to mention I don’t want to go to the salon to have it done or put in the extra effort at home. I like being able to take my polish off quick when it chips or I’m ready to change colors. I swear by OPI and Essie even though I know there are a lot of other great brands. I totally agree that buying cheap doesn’t always pay off, like it never does for me. I keep trying the sinful polishes but every time I do I’m disappointed. True they’re like a $2 but still. Also I use the “out the door” top coat. I get the big bottle at Sally’s and it’s amazing!!
xo,
Taylor | http://www.styleiseverythingblog.com
You’re right about removing the gel… but I go bonkers when I get a chipped nail, so I manage to deal with the slow removal of the gel polish! 😉 I’ll have to check out that “out the door” soon! 🙂
I agree with all the things you mention, although the gel is difficult to remove when you do it at home because you want to change the color. And isn’t it so nice to treat yourself to a professional mani every now and then! Happy Friday
LOVE treating myself to a professional mani every now and then!! 🙂
I NEVER paint my nails because I’m so rough on them that the polish chips .5 seconds after I’m done, but like you a couple times a year I do like to get a gel manicure!
yep that .5 seconds sounds about right! haha…
I might have to make nail care a resolution for next year. Sure I paint them every now and then but usually they are just bare. Have any tips for fragile nails?
I used to have really fragile nails… and took vitamins and tried a variety of things. Found this (http://bit.ly/1JgZ3HZ) and now swear by it! Its a little pricey, but totally worth it. It works.
I wear polish almost year round and I’ve started using Essie’s gel setter. I like it however, I also like the good to go from Essie – I did multiple coats, base, polish, base again and then good to go – it took time but it always looks great and lasts just as long as the gel setter.
I’ll need to check that Essie out…thanks for stopping by!
I go back and forth…right now I have gel and I do love the way it looks. I don’t like when it grows out and catches on my hair and I don’t particularly like having to go to the salon to have it removed. BUT it last much longer and looks really nice so… 😉
xo,
Brooke | KBStyled
haha – I totally know what you mean about it catching on your hair! That is so annoying! Gah! But otherwise, love the gel!
I never thought to get a cuticle cream (nor did I think it made that much of a difference) but I’m happy to try it out and amend my thinking!
Also I love getting gels, but it used to drive me bonkers when an entire nail would come out in the shower (this used to happen b/c I have very thick hair and I swear it eats anything in its way, lol).
Have a great weekend, momma 🙂 XOXO
omg – totally laughed reading your comment about your hair! I wish I had that problem! But yeah – losing an entire nail wouldnt look good in the overall picture!
I go crazy with gel manicures, I always end up peeling them off, even though its so bad!! 🙁
Stop peeling them off!! haha… Resist the temptation… 🙂
Loved this post! I have the worst cuticles, considering I am a huge nail biter! Any tips on how to stop? lol. That nail polish shoe holder is so cute!
xx,
Amanda || http://www.fortheloveofglitter.com
I always find that keeping a manicure helps resist the urge to bite. If your nails look great, you tend to want to keep them that way. P.S. – I’m a nail biter too.
LOVE this post! I am a constantly painting my nails so these tips are great for me at home!
xx, Bri || http://www.Neutral2Neon.com
I have a problem with always painting and re-painting my nails. That’s why I often love the gel polish so I can take a breather!
Oooooh I’m loving all of your tips here. I got a gel mani last Sunday and I have to go back in tomorrow because they’re ruined and the gel is lifting in ONE piece from my nail so I know it wasn’t done right. These puppies have to last through Cancun, know what I mean? Lovely post as always! adaatude.com
I’ve been getting my nails professionally done every two weeks now for a year. In the new year I’ve vowed to start doing it myself. These are all good tips!!
I wear nail polish a lot and change it often so going to the salon can be bit pricey when on a fixed budget. So I have stuck with doing them at home. I love the french manicure look and used to get acrylics for a long time but I am working on battling that habit because I would end up taking them off after a week. By taking them off, I mean popping them off and ruining my natural nail in the process. I now have pretty healthy nails thanks to my not having them done in almost a year.
I actually got myself some nail polish for Christmas. I can’t wait to open it and paint my nails.
I hope you have a great day and thanks for the tips.
Okay, you have me wanting to give the two minute rule a try! I’m going to go paint my nails right now and see how it goes!
i have never done gel, because it still isn’t that great for your nails. I usually do mine once a week!
elle
Southern Elle Style
Love you tips! Im obsessed and have a standing appointment every two weeks 🙂
Sportsanista
I love gel manicures! I only get them when I travel because otherwise I get sick of the color hahaha!
http://www.amemoryofus.com
I don’t get my nails done very often but when I do I feel extra beautiful. My cuticles sure need some love. I will be trying the cuticle oil you suggested.
I need a mani right now BADLY. I bite my nails, so having them well-maintained is super important. I won’t bite them if they look pretty. I almost always get the gel since it lasts so much longer and I can’t paint them myself (I have tried over and over and over). Great tips, Karen!
Cameron Proffitt