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Nail Starter Kit

Nail Polish: Medium-Light Skin Tone emoji 54 items
Make 2026 the year you start doing your own nails! Here is everything you need to get started on your own personal nail tech journey 💅🏼
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Complete Kits

Overwhelmed? Try this ready-made kit with everything you need for your first few sets!

 
Leah Daugherty profile picture
This is a great all-in-one option if you’re starting from scratch. It comes with a solid lamp, a handheld flash-curing light, base and top coats, builder gel, and gel polish! Everything you need to start practicing at home without buying each piece s...
MelodySusie Gel Nail Polish Starter Kit
 
Leah Daugherty profile picture
A solid starter kit if you want gel polish, builder gel, and a reliable lamp all in one. It includes base and top coat plus basic nail art tools, making it easy to start practicing at home without overcomplicating your setup.
MelodySusie Gel Nail Polish Kit with UV Light
 
Leah Daugherty profile picture
Perfect if you love soft, sheer nails. This kit comes with a UV/LED lamp and jelly-style gel polishes that are easy to work with and super forgiving. Great for beginners who want a clean, natural look while learning gel application!
Beetles Jelly Gel Nail Polish Starter Kit

Prep

Proper prep = longer retention

 
Leah Daugherty profile picture
Speaks for itself!
Pure Acetone Nail Polish Remover
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Leah Daugherty profile picture
Effective and lint-free. The dispensers are a game changer!
Lint Free Nail Wipes with 2 Acetone Dispensers
 
Leah Daugherty profile picture
A non-negotiable.
12pcs Nail Files and Buffers
 
Leah Daugherty profile picture
A solid tool for clean nail prep. Sharp and precise, but easy to control when used gently on dead cuticle or hangnails. One of those basics that makes at-home nails feel a lot more professional.
Professional Cuticle Nippers (Stainless Steel)
 
Leah Daugherty profile picture
These are perfect for detailed nail prep. Sharp, precise, and easy to control. Great for trimming cuticles, dry skin, or hangnails without tugging.
LIVINGO Premium Manicure Scissors
 
Leah Daugherty profile picture
A must-have for dehydrating the nails. Put it in a spray bottle for quick application and scrub with a nail brush!
99% Isopropyl Alcohol
 
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Put your alcohol in here for quick application to your whole hand
Mini Spray Bottles
 
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Non-negotiable for scrubbing nails!
Handle Grip Nail Brush

Base

The foundation of your at home manicure

 
Leah Daugherty profile picture
These are essential if you want to build or extend nails at home. Easy to use, self-adhesive, and great for practicing builder gel or creating custom nail shapes without full tips
Nail Forms
 
Leah Daugherty profile picture
Perfect for rebuilding a free edge if it's chipped, over-filed, or needs some reinforcement.
IBD LED/UV Gels Builder Gel Clear
 
Leah Daugherty profile picture
This is one of the better nail glues I’ve used for press-ons and tips. It’s strong, lasts well, and the brush-on applicator makes it way less messy than traditional squeeze tubes. Great to have in a starter kit if you plan on using press-ons or exten...
NYK1 NailBond Brush-On Nail Glue
 
Leah Daugherty profile picture
These are great if you like a short almond shape without a lot of filing. They’re half-cover tips, lightweight, and easy to work with, which makes them beginner-friendly for DIY extensions and gel sets at home.
UNA GELLA Half Cover Almond Shape Nail Tips
 
Leah Daugherty profile picture
This makes such a difference in retention. It helps everything stick better and last longer, especially if you struggle with lifting. A small step that really matters.
Protein Bond | Nail Bonder for Acrylics and Gels
 
Leah Daugherty profile picture
One of the best base coats I've ever used! LOVE the shape and size of the brush, it's perfect for scrubbing the base coat into the nail plate.
KUPA GelFinity Base Coat
 
Leah Daugherty profile picture
My GO TO! You will never catch me without this in my nail kit.
IBD Building Gel | Cover Pink
 
Leah Daugherty profile picture
The BEST liner gel for a crisp smile line if you're doing french, or small details for intricate nail art.
Makartt Gel Polish Liner Set
 
Leah Daugherty profile picture
Gives that ultra-glossy, salon-quality finish. It seals everything in beautifully and helps manicures last longer without chipping. Always a must in my nail routine.
NotPolish Gel Topcoat

Lamps

A few different options depending on what your goals are!

 
Leah Daugherty profile picture
My current lamp! Great if you want a smaller, more advanced lamp for at-home nails. It cures all gel types evenly, and the smart sensor makes it easy to use without extra buttons or fuss.
MelodySusie Compact UV/LED Nail Lamp (P-Plus30F)
 
Leah Daugherty profile picture
A solid lamp for an at-home nail setup. It cures hard gels, builder gel, and rhinestone glue evenly, and the detachable base makes it easier to work on toes or clean up.
MelodySusie Professional UV/LED Nail Lamp
 
Leah Daugherty profile picture
Perfect for flash-curing and detailed work. I love this for setting rhinestones, charms, or liner gel before a full cure. Not a replacement for a full lamp, but such a helpful add-on once you start doing more detailed nail art.
MelodySusie Handheld Mini UV Light
 
Leah Daugherty profile picture
Great for flash curing when you’re working with rhinestones, charms, or liner gel. Rechargeable, easy to control, and super helpful for locking designs in place before a full cure
MelodySusie Cordless UV Nail Lamp P-Art01R
 
Leah Daugherty profile picture
A great compact option for at-home nails. Ideal if you want something flexible without pulling out a full-size lamp every time!
Makartt Goosenecks UV Lamp (Rechargeable)

Polish

Keep it cute and simple or fun and different!

 
Leah Daugherty profile picture
A great jelly set if you like sheer, buildable color. Perfect for a chrome base!
Born Pretty Jelly Sheer Gel Polish Kit 6 Colors
 
Leah Daugherty profile picture
I don’t reach for these all the time, but I really like having them for when I want something soft and sheer or feel like doing a fun layered look. The colors are easy to build and pretty forgiving, which makes them nice to play around with at home.
Artdone Sheer Gel Nail Polish
 
Leah Daugherty profile picture
This is one of those sets I reach for when I want something easy and neutral. The shades are really wearable, work well for fall and winter, and don’t take much effort to make them look good. A solid option for everyday gel sets at home.
Modelones Nude Pink Gel Polish Set
 
Leah Daugherty profile picture
This is a big color set, so it’s more of a “nice to have” than a must. It’s fun for playing around and figuring out what you actually like before investing in individual shades.
JODSONE 32 PCS Gel Nail Polish Set
 
Leah Daugherty profile picture
This one’s just fun. I don’t use cat eye all the time, but when I want something a little different, I always love the effect.
Double Rhythm Cat Eye Gel Polish (Nude)
 
Leah Daugherty profile picture
This is one of those sets I like having on hand even if I don’t use it every week. Easy to work with and nice for switching things up without going bold.
GAOY Rose Garden Jelly Gel Nail Polish
 
Leah Daugherty profile picture
This is such a good everyday jelly set. I reach for these when I want clean, soft nails that don’t look overdone.
Beetles “Whispers of Love” Jelly Gel Polish Set

Chrome

Get ready to be THAT GIRL!

 
Leah Daugherty profile picture
My ALL TIME favorite chrome powder!!!
Artdone White Pearl Chrome Nail Powder
 
Leah Daugherty profile picture
I don’t reach for chrome super often, but I like having these around for when I want to do something a little different. The white and red pearl shades add a pretty glow over simple colors and make a basic set feel more fun without being too much.
Artdone Chrome Nail Powder (White & Red Pearl)
 
Leah Daugherty profile picture
Another solid chrome option
Pretty Diva Moonlight Chrome Nail Powder
 
Leah Daugherty profile picture
This is definitely more of a fun, extra set, but I like having it for experimenting.
Artdone 16 Jar Chrome Nail Powder Set
 
Leah Daugherty profile picture
Lots of variety, so it’s nice for playing around and figuring out which effects you actually like before committing to just one.
Artdone 16 Jars Chrome Nail Powder Set

Brushes

Perfect to have on hand if you want to try different designs

 
Leah Daugherty profile picture
This is a good starter set if you want to try nail art without buying everything separately.
Artdone 31pcs Nail Art Brushes
 
Leah Daugherty profile picture
These are great if you want to try ombré or blooming-style nails at home. I don’t use them every set, but they’re nice to have when I feel like doing something softer or more blended instead of a solid color.
MelodySusie Ombre Nail Brushes (6-Pack)
 
Leah Daugherty profile picture
This is a really practical brush set to start with. I don’t use every brush every time, but it covers the basics for gel application, builder gel, simple designs, and detailing, so it’s nice to have everything you actually need in one place.
MelodySusie Nail Art Brush Set (6-Piece)
 
Leah Daugherty profile picture
These are great if you like doing fine lines or simple details. I don’t use liner brushes every manicure, but when I want clean lines or a little design moment, I’m always glad I have these. The different lengths make it easier to control than using ...
MelodySusie Liner Nail Art Brushes (5-Piece Set)

E-file

It might seem scary, but this will save you so much time!

 
Leah Daugherty profile picture
A cordless, rechargeable nail drill tool perfect for manicures and pedicures at home or on the go. This lightweight, pen-style e-file features a powerful motor with up to 25,000 RPM for efficient shaping, filing, grinding, polishing, and removal of a...
MelodySusie Cordless Nail Drill (25000RPM)
 
Leah Daugherty profile picture
A cordless, rechargeable nail drill e-file designed for DIY and beginner nail techs who want an efficient, portable tool for shaping, filing, and removing gels, acrylics, and enhancements. It delivers up to 30,000 RPM of adjustable speed, runs wirele...
MelodySusie Entry-Level Cordless Nail Drill
 
Leah Daugherty profile picture
A great first drill if you’re building an at-home nail setup. It’s cordless, easy to control, and powerful enough for gel removal and shaping without feeling intimidating.
MelodySusie Entry-Level Cordless Nail Drill
 
Leah Daugherty profile picture
This is a great option if you want something beginner-friendly but still cute. Cordless, easy to handle, and strong enough for gel removal and shaping.
MelodySusie Entry-Level Cordless Nail Drill
 
Leah Daugherty profile picture
A great beginner bit for a nail starter kit. The smooth rounded top makes it safer around cuticles, and it’s perfect for gentle gel removal and surface prep without being too aggressive.
MelodySusie Safety Nail Drill Bit (Extra Fine)
 
Leah Daugherty profile picture
A solid all-in-one set for building out your nail starter kit. These bits cover cuticle prep, cleaning, and light product removal.
MelodySusie Diamond Nail Drill Bits Set (10-Piece)
 
Leah Daugherty profile picture
Great for detailed prep and cleaning around the cuticle area. Especially helpful once you’re getting more comfortable with a drill!
MelodySusie Cuticle Clean Nail Drill Bit (Fine)
 
Leah Daugherty profile picture
A great option for beginners who want gentle but effective gel removal. The ceramic material runs smoother and cooler, and the rounded top makes it safer around the cuticle area.
MelodySusie Ceramic Nail Drill Bit (Fine)
 
Leah Daugherty profile picture
This is great once you’re ready to move a little faster. It removes hard gel or acrylic efficiently while still being beginner-friendly if you use light pressure
MelodySusie Ceramic Nail Drill Bit (Medium)
 
Leah Daugherty profile picture
Best saved for when you’re more comfortable with a drill. This bit is great for efficient product removal and shaping, but it’s definitely stronger. Use light pressure and keep it moving to avoid over-filing!
MelodySusie Ceramic Flame Nail Drill Bit (Coarse)

Maintenance

Keep your nails looking amazing for weeks.

 
Leah Daugherty profile picture
Extends the retention of your set and keeps your nails healthy.
Cuccio Cuticle Oil | Milk And Honey
 
Leah Daugherty profile picture
A travel-friendly cuticle oil pen with a squeeze-to-dispense brush tip that makes applying nourishing oil super easy and mess-free.
Bliss Kiss Refillable Cuticle Oil Pen
 
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A rich, organic cuticle balm made with simple, natural ingredients like olive oil, beeswax, and rosemary extract to nourish and soothe dry, cracked cuticles and nails.
Badger Cuticle Care 100% Organic Shea Butter