I'm a known over-researcher, and these are my tried-and-true recommendations and methods for the perfect at-home manicure.
Sections
4
Nail Prep
Applying Polish
Polish Colors
General Care
Nail Prep
Soak nails aka take a shower or bath then apply cuticle remover
Sally Hansen Instant Cuticle Remover Nail Treatment
Push cuticles back with cuticle pusher (metal works best), clean under nails
Cuticle Pusher
Trim any hangnails with a cuticle nipper
Cuticle Nipper
File nails. A glass nail file is best. (Dita Von Teese says to go in one direction only. I do not do this but she says to and is the queen plus does her own nails.)
Glass File With Case
Applying Polish
Apply nail polish remover. Even if you do not have nail polish on, this will help remove any oils from your hands and your polish will last longer.
Zoya - Remove+ Nail Polish Remover
Two layers of Dazzle Dry Base Coat
Base Coat Nail Polish for Longer Lasting Nails
Two layers of Dazzle Dry transform. This gives your polish a thicker/plumper look that mimics gel polish.
Transform Ridge Filler
Two layers Dazzle Dry Rapid Red. My fav polish color is OPI Big Apple Red and this is the closest DD color to that
Rapid Red - Nail Polish by Dazzle Dry | Nontoxic and Vegan
If you do get paint on the sides of your nails, you can remove it as you go by dipping an angled brush into a nail polish remover. The DD clean up brush actually is better than the cheaper alternatives
Nail Brushes
I use one coat this topper instead of DD because the DD top coat does not stay shiny long. SV should be applied to wet polish, so put it on very quickly after the last layer of your color
Vive Instant Gel Effect Top Coat - Seche
This is a great starter kit that includes transform. You'll need to also purchase a color laquer mini of your choice, or use an existing nail polish. I've used other brand nail polishes with the DD base/transform before and they still last a long tim...
Dazzle Dry Mini Starter Kit
Polish Colors
Their number one selling red
Fast Track Cherry
The only holographic shade they have right now. I usually steer clear of sparkle or shimmer polish, but this is gorgeous - absolutely love!
Beauty Sleep
A really pretty not-too-pink color
Pinkies Up
My Dazzle Dry replacement for OPI Linkin Park After Dark
Forbidden Passion
A strawberry pink
The Duchess
My favorite Dazzle Dry Red
Rapid Red
A mini flight of all of their new colors, including one of my favorites, Beauty Sleep
Romanticize Mini Flight
A mini flight of pinkish nudes perfect for testing out wedding day nail colors
At the Altar Mini Flight
General Care
This actually works miracles on my feet!
Serum Doctor
Apply cuticle oil the next morning and each day after.
Sally Hansen - Vitamin E Nail & Cuticle Oil
Best file I've ever used - they recommend to use it dry
