9 Tools Every Nail Enthusiast Needs…

Busy life getting in the way of your bi-weekly salon visit? Work, your social life, family and other responsibilities can often get in the way of your much anticipated date with the nail salon.

For this reason, we think it’s important that you always be prepared to D-I-Y when it comes to your manicure and pedicure.

Here are the tools you need to do it right, and make it seem like you are fresh out of the salon. Plus, we’ve added in a few other essentials that will help you get the nails you’ve always wanted:

1. Nail Polish Remover

If you don’t have nail polish remover, chances are you’ll be so desperate that you end up peeling your left over nail polish off and ruining your finger nails. This will just make things worse. We recommend our OPI Expert Touch Lacquer Remover that will remove even the darkest shades and leave your nails healthy.

2. Cuticle Pusher & Nippers

Clean cuticles make a huge difference when it comes to your manicure, so it’s important that you always have a cuticle pusher and sharp nippers at home. Be careful though! Cuticle nippers are sharp and if you use them incorrectly, you can end up butchering the skin around your nails. Read the directions or consult a nail tech before use.

3. Nail Clippers

Nail clippers are the most common tool that you probably have in your home, and for good reason. The perfect manicure requires all of your nails to be consistent in length, and the best way to do that is with a proper set of nail clippers.

4. Nail File & Buffer

A good nail shape and buff is the difference between a salon manicure and at home manicure, so make sure you have both on hand. Make sure your nail file is always clean so you get the perfect shape every time.

5. Clear Base Coat & Top Coat

Typically when we do our own manicures, we often leave out these two essentials. A base coat and top coat can be the difference between a manicure that last 2-3 days, and one that lasts over a week. We recommend OPI's Natural Nail Base Coat and their original Top Coat for a beautiful shiny finish. 

Or, if you’re the 2-in-1 type, try their Start to Finish Clear Lacquer that acts as a base coat, top coat, AND nail strengthener!

6. Nail Strengthening Lacquer

Getting long and strong nails doesn’t come easy, which is why it’s important to use a nail strengthener if your nails tend to break more easily than others. OPI’s Original Nail Envy Nail Strengthener actually works, and it comes in a variety colours and needs for what fits you best.

7. Quick Drying Lacquer

If you’re someone who’s always on the go, you could really use something that helps your nail polish dry more quickly. OPI's Drip Dry does just that – take your nails from wet to dry in under 60 seconds with just one drop.

8. Moisturiser

There’s nothing worse than wanting to show off your manicure and then realising your hands are as dry as the desert. Use a good moisturiser with natural ingredients, like OPI's Avojuice, which comes in a variety of scents to match your personality.

It’s equally as important to moisturise your cuticles. Try OPI’s ProSpa Cuticle Oil To Go

9. Corrector Pen

Mistakes happen, especially when you’re not a professional manicurist. Everyone has their own techniques for cleaning up the smudges around nails that result from giving yourself a manicure, but we recommend OPI's Correct and Clean Up Pen that makes erasing unwanted polish smudges super easy.