Eshal | skincare, nails & beauty

I’m one of those people who can get lost in the beauty aisle—or in this case, the Amazon scroll—for hours. Over the years, I’ve tried a little bit of everything: the overhyped, the overlooked, and the truly magical. This list is a curation of the products I actually keep rebuying. The ones that sit front and center in my routine—not tucked in a drawer collecting dust. Think viral skincare that actually lives up to the hype, cult-favorite makeup finds that feel way more expensive than they are, and beauty tools that make your routine smoother without requiring a beauty school degree. And yes, every single item is under $25 and available on Amazon, because looking good shouldn’t cost a whole paycheck. Some of these were accidental discoveries—a midnight scroll, a “why not?” add to cart. Others came from endless reviews and beauty deep-dives. But all of them earned their spot here because they work—and because they make me feel good. If you’ve been looking for affordable beauty without the guesswork, this is your list. Let’s glow smarter, not harder.

Let me be real—doing your own nails at home can feel a little intimidating at first. I’ve heard it all: “My polish always chips,” “Gel never lasts on me,” or “I can never shape my nails right.” But here’s the truth: with the right tools and products, doing your own nails can actually be fun, relaxing, and surprisingly affordable. As a licensed nail technician, I’ve spent years testing out products—from high-end salon staples to random Amazon finds—and I’ve learned that you don’t need to spend a ton of money to get beautiful, long-lasting nails. This list is a collection of tried-and-true favorites that I genuinely recommend to clients, friends, and anyone looking to step up their at-home nail game. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re already deep into DIY manicures, these are the essentials I’d personally put in your kit. From beginner-friendly gel systems to tools that make prep and polish smoother, everything here is something I’ve used myself—and loved. Doing your nails at home doesn’t have to feel like a second job. Let me help you skip the trial-and-error phase and get straight to the part where your nails look really good.