My Must Haves for an At Home Manicure

Happy Mani Monday, my friends. I was recently disappointed with some nail salon experiences plus have been super lazy when it comes to spending money at the salon, so I have been doing my nails at home these past couple of weeks and I must say that I am getting pretty good at it. I have found that right combination of products that help me achieve a pretty fierce and pretty long lasting manicure (for at home that is). I thought I would compile my faves for you and let you know exactly what I like about each product. I am no expert by any stretch of the imagination but I have tried many different things so have narrowed these down after lots of trial and error.

Deborah Lippman 4-Way Nail Buffer, $12, LOVE nail files/buffers like this one. You can shape your nail, buff ridges, push back cuticles, smooth all surfaces and shine up your nails. It really is an all encompassing tool, worth the money and has lasted me many, many uses.

New Wave Nail Clipper, $12, This set is all about the precision and control my friends. It's easy to lob off an entire nail if you aren't steady handed or you are using a dull nail clipper. These beauties are built for an at home manicure for sure.

Your fave polish, Obvious need for an at home manicure.

e.l.f. Polish Remover Pads, $2, I am big fan of polish remover pads. Super convenient and normally very efficient (unless you're removing glitter, ugh), these are a great option. You can also grab dry cotton pads (with texture) and your favorite bottle polish remover.

butter LONDON Nail Foundation Basecoat, $19, I cannot say enough about the butter LONDON base and top coats. I have seen a noticeable difference in the longevity of my at home manicures since picking up the pair at the butter LONDON salon at the Seattle airport. I don't know that I will be trying anything new any time soon.

Cuticle Nippers, $9.99, I used to think I didn't need these but it's a lot easier than pulling them and then bleeding then whining when your fingers hurt. I don't think you need to spend a million dollars but I think having a pair is valuable.

Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream, $5.99, I bought this for the husband because he was complaining about hit cuticles (cute, right?). I wanted something that he wouldn't be afraid to use due to girlishness. Much to my delight, I love this cuticle cream as much as he does. Shared beauty goods give me an excuse to buy them ;-)

butter LONDON Hardwear PD Quick Topcoat, $19, This stuff is the best. It helps your polish dry super fast (no. really) and prolongs your mani. I even add a coat of this topcoat when I get home from a salon manicure, juuuuust to be sure.

Cuticle Pushers, $1.00 +, Push it, push it real good.

What are your favorite tools for at home manis?