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My DIY Gel Manicure Kit That Actually Lasts 3 Weeks (No Salon Needed)

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These are the exact products I use for a salon-quality gel mani that lasts 2-3 weeks without chipping. Perfect if you're tired of spending $60 every 2 weeks!
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Nail Prep

The boring but most important part — if you skip prep your gel will lift in 3 days. Do NOT SKIP.
 
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Holy grail. I put this on for 15 to 20 seconds and my cuticles just dissolve. Don't skip this step or your gel will lift.
Sally Hansen Instant Cuticle Remover
 
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I was scared of this at first but it's so easy. The pusher is gentle and the trimmer gets those little hangnails. Just be gentle!
YINYIN Cuticle Trimmer + Pusher
 
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I was SO scared of a drill at first but this one is super beginner-friendly. It's quiet, not too strong, and gets the old gel off without damaging my nails. The low speed is perfect for cuticle area.
MelodySusie Nail Drill - Gentle But Powerful
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The reason my nails stay shiny for 3 weeks. Base coat makes it stick, top coat is that thick glassy finish. Don't skip either or it will chip.
Modelones Base + Super Shiny Top Coat

Nail Tools

My little salon kit that lives in my drawer. All Amazon, all budget-friendly, and way better than the $60 salon visit.
 
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Game changer for cleanup! I dip these in acetone to get that perfect line around my cuticle. Makes my at-home mani look pro.
Gemsanva Clean Up Brushes
 
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This is the starter kit I learned with. The lamp is small but super powerful and the colors are actually pigmented. I started with this and built from there.
JODSONE Gel Polish Kit 32 Colors + UV Light
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This is NOT regular nail glue — you cure it with your lamp so tips never pop off. A tiny dot goes a long way. This is how I get my press-ons to last more than 10 days.
UNA Gella Solid Glue Gel For Tips / Press-Ons
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My secret for thin, bendy nails. I do one thin layer of this before color and my nails don't break anymore. Looks natural, not thick at all.
Modelones Clear Builder Gel - My Strength Layer
 
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The final step to keep your hands moisturized and healthy.
Gold Bond Healing Aloe Hand Cream
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The perfect finishing step after doing nails, this step deeply nourishes and revitalizes dry cuticles.
Cuccio Naturale Pomegranate & Fig Cuticle Oil
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Gel Polish

My go-to colors that go with everything. Milky white is my personality at this point.
 
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My everyday color. It's that perfect sheer nude-pink that goes with everything. I do 2 coats and it looks like my natural nails but better.
Beetles Nude Pink Jelly Gel - Everyday Staple
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My most-worn color hands down. It's that milky, sheer white that makes your hands look expensive and goes with everything. I do 2 coats for this look in the photo.
Beetles Milky White - The Clean Girl Nail Color
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Press Ons

For lazy days or when I don't have time to do gel. These look surprisingly real.
 
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When I want a perfect french but don't have the patience to paint it. The shape is super natural short-almond and the white tip isn't too stark. Save these for events!
Beetles French Tip Press-Ons - Perfect French Every Time