As someone who does their own manicures and pedicures with regular polish, these are my essentials!
Sections
8
Prep
Base Coat
Indie Polish
Top Coat
Removal
Tools
Prep
What I do to make sure my nails are prepped for polish!
I use 100% pure acetone for dehydrating the nail plate. It is safe for your nails! Also makes removal SO quick.
100% Pure Acetone | ONYX PROFESSIONAL
I use this to apply acetone to the nail bed.
Q-tips
My favorite cuticule remover.
Instant Cuticle Remover | SALLY HANSEN
Great for pushing the cuticle!
Orange Wood Sticks
Base Coat
PVB Free base coats! PVB (polyvinyl butyral) caused SERIOUS peeling and damage to my nails and now I keep an eye out for base coats without this product.
Also available in refills which is awesome!
Fillin' Groovy Ridge Filling Nail Polish Base Coat | KBSHIMMER
I have not tried these but I love that they offer a cool variety of colors for base coats!
Soft Focus Basecoats
Have not tried this as it has Polyvinyl Butyral but if that doesn't bother your nails, I've heard great things!
Long-Lasting Base | Base Coat
Indie Polish
For those looking for smaller brands to shop! Will offer a much wider range of unique colors and finishes across the board. :)
SO many beautiful nail polishes ranging from cremes, jellies, and magnetics! They rock.
Cracked Polish
A new brand but they have such beautiful imagery and polishes! The cuticle oils are phenomenal!!!
Haunted Polish
Soo many stunning polishes. They can be sheer at times but double check for swatches. Some of my favorite magnetics are from here.
Bee's Knees Lacquer
For reflective glitter lovers, this is THEE place to get them. They are sooo twinkly and pretty. This particular polish I'm showcasing is Devil Rock
Lurid Lacquer
Top Coat
QUICK DRY TOP COAT SAVED MY LIFE!
A quick dry top coat is a MUST and I cannot do it any other way now.
Dries Instantly Top Coat, Quick Dry | SALLY HANSEN
One of my fav top coats that comes in a refill format!
Clearly on Top Top Coat | KBSHIMMER
Have not tried but hear rave reviews! I gotta try it.
Speed Demon Top Coat
Removal
100% Acetone is my choice for removal.
A pot shaped acetone jar is a serious game changer!!!
Acetone Remover | OLIVE&JUNE
These are great for pedicure polish removal.
Cotton Rounds
What I personally use to refill my acetone pot.
100% Pure Acetone | ONYX PROFESSIONAL
Tools
Glass nail files >> I didn't think I would like filing my nails but it turns out a good quality file makes all the difference.
A really good quality nail file!
Crystal Nail File by Mont Bleu | KBSHIMMER
Have not personally tried but I love the colors they come in!
Files
Cuticle Oil
Love love LOVE cuticle oil which is something I never thought I would say.
For nail growth!
Organic Nail Honey Cuticle Oil - Nail Growth Oil | TWINKLED T
Count Croissant is my favorite scent! This oil also works for hail and body. :)
Rituoil | HAUNTED POLISH
A HUGE pen for those who lose the tiny ones lol. Lots of delicious scent options as well.
6mL Click Pen Cuticle Oil
For those looking for a smaller, standard size cuticle oil pen. SO many delicious and seasonal scents.
Cuticle Oil Pen - Bee's Knees Lacquer
Misc
For the bits and bobs that didn't sit neatly on a list but are crucial!
This will SAVE your peeling nails!
Nailtiques Formula 2 Nail Protein 15ml
Essential for quick dry top coat and for any gloopy polishes.
Restoration Drops Polish Thinner
I love painting on swatch sticks for my own reference as well as testing up combinations before putting it on my own nails.
