With countless formulas to choose from and just as many potential trends to follow (Hailey Bieber acrylics, blueberry milk shellac, quiet luxury gel or red nail theory, anyone?), long gone are the days of simply picking out your favourite polish and calling it a day. Additionally, despite the time and cost of an in-salon manicure, the at home manicure alternatives have never quite measured up.
Fortunately, the demand for high quality, affordable, non-damaging and easy to apply at home manicure options is finally being heard. A new generation of polishes, powders, gels and press ons are being launched that are nothing like the flimsy, chip prone nails of the past, and most importantly, they look just as chic as a fresh salon set of nails.
Read on to find out which tools will help lift your humble at home mani to salon heights, and find out which products the CF team has tried, tested and fallen in love with…
The best manicure tools:
- A 200 – 240 grit nail file
- Nail polish remover or alcohol
- Cotton rounds
- Cuticle softening cream
- A cuticle pusher
- Cuticle oil
The best at home manicure techniques:
The best time to begin a manicure is when your hands are clean and dry, as water can soften the nails and negatively impact product adhesion. When you’re ready to begin, lay out your products on a clean, flat surface and apply a cuticle cream to the base of each nail. After a few minutes, push the cuticles back and gently buff the surface of each nail with your file. Remove the cream and any natural oils with alcohol or nail polish remover. Apply your polish, gel, press on or stickers as directed and follow with a cuticle oil to rehydrate the nails and boost your mani’s longevity.
Now onto the products…
The best at home gel kits:
Esmio Australia
Esmio is a very clever and effective at-home gel kit that does not need a base or top coat! Esmio’s formula is vegan, cruelty-free, and 10-free, avoiding harmful chemicals. A true pioneer in nail care, this hassle-free brand is perfect for manis and pedis. And for effortless removal, their one step gel remover works its magic in under 5 minutes!
Ready to achieve salon-level perfection in just 60 seconds under their custom LED light with an Australian-Made formula gel?
$165.00
Manicurist Green Flash Routine Set in shade Poppy Red
The brainchild of French fashionista, Gaëlle Lebrat-Personnaz, Manicurist is a brand founded on the desire to deliver plant based, non-toxic and great looking gel manicures at home. For a set of glossy nails that last ten days, apply the set’s base, colour and top coats in thin strokes, curing each layer under the LED lamp. When you’re ready to remove or redo your nails, simply swipe some of the included remover over each nail – no soaking in acetone required!
$128.00
Opallac Choose Your Shade At-Home Gel Kit
A kit that includes everything you need to apply and remove a high shine manicure that lasts up to two weeks. With the Choose Your Shade kit you have control over which of the brand’s 50+ vegan and cruelty free formulas is included.
$79.00
The best press on nails:
Glowie by Her
A favourite of social media star, Anna Paul, Glowie by Her offers a premium selection of press-on nails that are worlds apart from the chunky press ons of the past. Each set includes 30 nails in 14 inclusive sizes, a nail file, an alcohol prep pad, nail stickers for 1-3 day use, nail glue for 2-3 week use and a convenient carry case. To remove, simply add soap and oil to warm water and soak for 10-15 minutes.
$41.00 – 45.00
Ardell Nail Addict in Ombre French
A lightweight set of dainty press-on nails that will help you achieve a chic mani in record time. Ardell Nail Addict sets include 24 nails in 12 sizes, nail glue, a nail file and a cuticle pusher. Nail Addict’s ultra thin profile also fits seamlessly over the nails to appear as natural as possible.
$13.49
The Best Nail Stickers:
Ciaté London Cheat Sheets Nail Wrap Kit in Neon Geo
When a monochromatic mani simply won’t do, reach for Ciaté London’s vibrant Cheat Sheet Nail Wraps. Perfect for an event or holiday, these fun and detailed nail wraps are easy to apply, require no dry time and last up to seven days. Simply apply each wrap like a sticker, press down and file away the excess.
$30.00
Gallae Semi-Cured Nail Stickers
A very easy-to-apply nail sticker that lasts up to 2 weeks! From Hailey Glazed Donut DIY Semicured Gel to Icing Sugar White DIY Semicured Gel Nail Sticker, they got it all; plus, the nail stickers are great for those struggling with brittle, thin nails. The reason why? The thin layer of gel acts as a protective layer, preventing nails from breaking.
$25.00
The Best Nail Polish:
OPI Nail Envy Nail Strengthener in Bubble Bath
An iconic colour with a high tech twist, OPI’s Nail Envy in Bubble Bath strengthens the nails to prevent chips and splits while leaving behind a high shine wash of barely there pink.
$34.95
Kester Black Nail Polish in Pinot Noir
A cruelty free, salon quality formula made with 83% plant sourced ingredients. This warm, rich and glossy shade was created in collaboration with Pantone to mimic the burnt berry red of a glass of Pinot Noir.
$28.00
Essie Expressie Quick Dry Nail Polish In ‘in A Flash’
A fast drying, vegan polish in a terracotta orange that will complement your look all year round. Thanks to its cleverly angled brush, Expressie Quick Dry can be applied easily, quickly and without the pesky streaks.
$13.99
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