Everything You Need for a Stunning DIY Manicure, According to Nail-Obsessed Editors (2025)

“I am a big fan of neutral manicures and have been on the hunt for a new you-nails-but-better polish. I’ve found it in the Manucurist Active Glow Raspberry! The effect is like a soft filter for your nails and the packaging feels so chic and high-end. It comes in this kit that includes high-quality cuticle oils and nail tools. It’s a great value, IMO.”
—KHADIJA HORTON, SENIOR DESIGNER

“Never thought I’d see the day, but I actually prefer doing my pedicures at home, all thanks to this tool. It quickly helps buff my feet and toenails until they’re smooth and ~flawless~.” —BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR

“As someone who likes to wear press-ons and gels (and sometimes experiences peeling and brittleness because of it), I like to give my nails a break between applications and use this polish to help strengthen and revitalize them. Its lightweight, fast-drying formula, and slight milky tint mean you don’t even need a full manicure for your nails to look beautiful and shiny. But when you do have time for a full set, it will keep your nail polish from chipping longer than the average base coat.” —SARAH NG, VIDEO EDITOR

“Beyond its impressive lasting power, this top coat has a fast-drying formula that applies smoothly, leaving nails with a glossy, salon-quality shine that no manicure is complete without. It even contains a UV inhibitor to prevent nail discoloration from sun exposure, so if you’re after a shiny, healthy look, this is the one.” —SN

“It turns out there is a glitter polish that provides full coverage—and this is it. One swipe of KBShimmer’s reflective glitter formula delivers a rich, pigmented finish that shines in any light. And with the amount of coverage it provides, you wouldn’t expect such a quick and easy removal process, but it's actually super simple and hassle-free.” —SN

“This kit of milky neutrals is perf for an at-home mani. The polishes only require one coat, but I like adding an extra for a longer-lasting finish. I’m normally a gel polish person, but these colors (along with the glossy topcoat) were great for the weeks where I didn’t have time to sit at the salon for over an hour.” —JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITOR

“I finally was able to break up with gel manis after using this polish. It is fast and fuss-free and makes every DIY mani feel like I just left the salon (minus the dry time drama).” —JULEE WILSON, BEAUTY EDITOR-AT-LARGE

“It’s clear to me now why so many salons use DND products: They work, and they work fast. I would have never thought I could get the same results at home, but somehow I did! In just under 30 minutes (and about a quarter of an episode of The Bachelor), I looked like I went and got a gel manicure done by a professional.” —HANNAH CHUBB, LIFESTYLE EDITOR

“These lasted on my nails for a whole two and a half weeks—longer than any other press-ons I’ve tried to date. I love that the kit comes with everything you need for easy application plus all the cute designs to choose from.”
—VERONICA LOPEZ, SEX AND RELATIONSHIPS EDITOR

“I’d been a hard-core dip powder fan for years and the resulting damage to my nails was both visible and uncomfortable. They were paper-thin and flakey and breakage was commonplace. But after six weeks of using Essie’s To The Rescue UV Gel Damage Repair, I really did see a difference in the quality and health of my natural nails. This is now a staple in my nail care routine.” —VL

“My cuticles are always in need of some serious help, but this itsy serum pen is the easiest way to help nourish them a bit in a pinch.” —BG

“These stickers are such a fun way to amp up a basic mani without spending a ton of time and money on salon nail art. And the designs don’t just come in the same floral patterns we’ve all seen before, so they really make your nails look unique.” —JH

“I have never used a nail polish remover that has left my nails feeling hydrated and healthy until I tested these soy nail polish remover wipes. Seriously, if you’re tired of messy and harsh nail polish removers, these wipes are revolutionary. They leave my nails and cuticles feeling moisturized and fresh, not stripped and fragile.” —SN

“This nail file makes it easy to achieve a well-shaped manicure. I have medium-length nails that tend to be brittle, but I found that the Pear Nova file was gentle enough to shape my nail in just a few swipes without causing tearing. I also like that it’s thin enough to fit under your nail for better maneuverability, and it doesn’t make that nails-on-a-chalkboard sound that options do.” —SAMANTHA JONES, COMMERCE EDITOR

“I am the most impatient person in the world and hate waiting for my nails to dry, but Dazzle Dry has changed all of that. It is a regular polish but completely dries to a shiny, streak-free finish in less than five minutes. And the wear time? Excellent for a regular polish. I get anywhere from 7 to 10 days of a Dazzle Dry mani.”
—LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTOR