With these simple steps, you can create the perfect at-home manicure and pedicure kit
| Apr 24, 2018, 11:44 IST
It is important to take good care of your nails as you take care of your skin. Sometimes due to lack of time, we tend to ignore our nails and they at times get brittle and weak. For all the times you found yourself wishing for a mani-pedi only to realise its too odd an hour, we get to you how to DIY one by putting together a killer nail wardrobe that can put any salon to shame. From that must-have nail file to the most fantastic gel nail home kit to the 60-second shortcut to chrome nails, here’s all you need to cover your bases.
A nail strengthener: Orly Tough Cookie
A base coat is a must-have in anyone’s nail kit. It not only protects the nail from the harsh effects of lacquers but also helps the colour adhere better. Chanel’s base coat does the hard work of protecting your nails with a blend of vitamin E and Argan oils.
Glossy top coat and quick drying formula: OPI Top Coat and Drip Dry Lacquer Drying Drops
A topcoat serves as the finishing touch that adds a beautiful gloss to the nails. The OPI Top Coat is clear, glides on like a charm and keeps the colour sealed and secured against chipping and fading. And since no woman in the world has enough patience to let the colour dry, we can’t recommend their Drip Dry Drops enough. Drip a drop or two on each nail, let it dry for 60 seconds and step out in the sun with a perfect manicure.
Matte top coat: Nykaa Power Matte Top Coat
This Nykaa formula gives even the glossiest of nail colours a cool, matte makeover. A coat of this over a sheer nude polish is the easiest way to fake naturally perfect nails. The fact that a matte manicure stays chip-free longer only makes me love this more.
Cuticle care: Sally Hansen
A good practice to follow—avoid cutting them; instead, gently push them back and massage in a hydrating formula to condition. From an Instant Cuticle Remover to a Vitamin E Nail and Cuticle Oil, they have an entire line dedicated to just cuticle care.
The nail file: Sephora Crystal Nail File
This glass file isn’t as abrasive as your neighbourhood emery board and metal buffers it’s washable and can last for years if maintained well mine has lasted me for three and a half! From squovals to stilettos, this one gently files your nails to polished perfection.
The remover: Zoya Remove Plus Nail Polish Remover
What goes on must come off. This nail polish remover is gentle on your nails, but at the same time, is strong enough to take on even the chunkiest glitter polish.
At-home gel kit: Nail Gel Kit
This one includes everything you expect to find at your trusty manicurist’s station—a file to get your nails prim and proper, a UV light tool to cure the colour, a cuticle remover, a buffer, two hues (that are vegan, non-toxic, odour-free and harmful-chemical-free) to choose from. It also includes the two things you won’t find—clever gel colour removal strips that get the job done in 15-20 minutes and a cuticle oil to nourish and strengthen nails.
Easy, DIY chrome nails: Isadora Chrome Nail Powder
Choose the chrome effect you want (from gold to gunmetal), rub a teensy bit of the chrome powder on your nail and swipe on a sealing top coat. That’s it. Minimum effort, maximum shine.
The foot file: Footlogix At Home Foot File
To soften calluses, scrub the heels, the balls of the feet and beneath the toes while your feet are still damp. Pat dry, slap on a thick layer of moisturiser and you’re ready for summer and sandals.
A nail strengthener: Orly Tough Cookie
A base coat is a must-have in anyone’s nail kit. It not only protects the nail from the harsh effects of lacquers but also helps the colour adhere better. Chanel’s base coat does the hard work of protecting your nails with a blend of vitamin E and Argan oils.
Glossy top coat and quick drying formula: OPI Top Coat and Drip Dry Lacquer Drying Drops
A topcoat serves as the finishing touch that adds a beautiful gloss to the nails. The OPI Top Coat is clear, glides on like a charm and keeps the colour sealed and secured against chipping and fading. And since no woman in the world has enough patience to let the colour dry, we can’t recommend their Drip Dry Drops enough. Drip a drop or two on each nail, let it dry for 60 seconds and step out in the sun with a perfect manicure.
Matte top coat: Nykaa Power Matte Top Coat
This Nykaa formula gives even the glossiest of nail colours a cool, matte makeover. A coat of this over a sheer nude polish is the easiest way to fake naturally perfect nails. The fact that a matte manicure stays chip-free longer only makes me love this more.
Cuticle care: Sally Hansen
A good practice to follow—avoid cutting them; instead, gently push them back and massage in a hydrating formula to condition. From an Instant Cuticle Remover to a Vitamin E Nail and Cuticle Oil, they have an entire line dedicated to just cuticle care.
The nail file: Sephora Crystal Nail File
This glass file isn’t as abrasive as your neighbourhood emery board and metal buffers it’s washable and can last for years if maintained well mine has lasted me for three and a half! From squovals to stilettos, this one gently files your nails to polished perfection.
The remover: Zoya Remove Plus Nail Polish Remover
What goes on must come off. This nail polish remover is gentle on your nails, but at the same time, is strong enough to take on even the chunkiest glitter polish.
At-home gel kit: Nail Gel Kit
This one includes everything you expect to find at your trusty manicurist’s station—a file to get your nails prim and proper, a UV light tool to cure the colour, a cuticle remover, a buffer, two hues (that are vegan, non-toxic, odour-free and harmful-chemical-free) to choose from. It also includes the two things you won’t find—clever gel colour removal strips that get the job done in 15-20 minutes and a cuticle oil to nourish and strengthen nails.
Easy, DIY chrome nails: Isadora Chrome Nail Powder
Choose the chrome effect you want (from gold to gunmetal), rub a teensy bit of the chrome powder on your nail and swipe on a sealing top coat. That’s it. Minimum effort, maximum shine.
The foot file: Footlogix At Home Foot File
To soften calluses, scrub the heels, the balls of the feet and beneath the toes while your feet are still damp. Pat dry, slap on a thick layer of moisturiser and you’re ready for summer and sandals.