I kicked metal files and emery boards to the curb years ago. Glass files are the way to go. If you haven't already made the switch and are unhappy with the file you are using, then I suggest going to Sephora and picking up a glass file. These take your nails down in no time and they also greatly help your nails from splitting. They take a little getting used to, but they are awesome! Available in both pink and purple. Mine is purple =)
I use this awesome cuticle oil to prep my cuticles before doing a manicure. I then use a swipe of polish remover to make sure it is off my nails and then apply my base coat. Solar Oil is awesome to use before bed or anytime to condition and moisturize your cuticles. And the best part is that it smells like almond wedding cookies. Yum!
I love to keep a tin of Burt's Bees Lemon Cuticle Butter Cream in my purse. It smells just like fresh lemons, it soaks in fast and it doesn't stay greasy on your fingers like lots of other cuticle products. Hand cream just doesn't really cut it especially if you have dry cuticles like me. It's perfect for daytime use and also a nice overnight treatment as well. And a tin of it lasts forever!
I would never, and I mean never, do a manicure without a bottle of this stuff. And if you have used it too, you know exactly what I mean. It's worth every penny and will give your nails salon worthy shine every time. It dries all your layers of polish almost instantly. It's self leveling which means the chemicals in it smooth themselves out automatically, giving you perfectly smooth nails. It's sheer perfection in a bottle!
This is my most favorite nail polish remover. It works so well and takes off any polish I use. I prefer to use craft felt (instead of cotton balls or pads) to remove my polish. You can buy it at Walmart or craft stores and it's like 30 cents a sheet. I cut them up into squares and store them in a small bag. This remover is acetone, but also has conditioners to make your nails healthy. It's good stuff and it's very inexpensive!
This is serious impressive stuff. If you have dry or problematic cuticles, go and pick up this blue bottle. It will get rid of your dry cuticles quick! And the best part is that you don't have to wait. It literally works in seconds. Personally, I don't clip my cuticles. Cuticles have their function, but they just need a little maintenance and this product will help you achieve that without clipping.
Okay so that is gonna do it for my "can't live without em" at home manicure products. I hope that you try some of these out. They are all excellent and I have been using them for years!
