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The 10 Essential Nail Kits for Your Best Manicure, Ever
Everything you need to file, buff, and polish from home
Along with choosing the perfect polish shade, keeping one of the best manicure sets on hand is a must. While more thorough beauty services like acrylic tips or a detailed nail art design may require a trip to the salon, these sets make smoothing cuticles, trimming uneven nails, and more a breeze from the comfort of home.
Celebrity manicurist Emi Kudo, whose roster includes stars like Emma Stone, Jennifer Lawrence, and Juno Temple, tells Bazaar that the right kit can help maintain healthy, strong nails. "Not only can it prevent nails from breaking off, but also minimize rough cuticles, cracked fingertips, and unsightly hang nails."
Shop the Best Manicure Sets
With so many options at your (well-appointed) fingertips, finding the best manicure set for your needs can be challenging. For example, some kits are decked out with cuticle oils and top coats, while others take a less-is-more approach with a few useful tools. We've rounded up the best manicure sets loved by buyers and beauty insiders alike. And, if you need some extra help whittling your choices down, keep reading for more professional-approved nail care tips, ahead.
Tweezerman Mini Nail Rescue Kit
Pros
- Includes compact carrying case
- Tools are made from durable stainless steel
Cons
- Some shoppers say nail clippers aren't as sharp as others
As the saying goes, big things come in small packages. Kudo notes that this handy manicure kit from Tweezerman offers "a practical reliable kit for a more affordable price." Inside you'll find a clipper, nail cleaner, cuticle "nipper" and file, which are made from durable stainless steel and built to last. And, thanks to its included carrying case, you can keep it in your bag for an unexpected nail emergency.
What reviewers are saying: "This is a high-[quality] nail kit from Tweezerman that I have purchased multiple times over the years (I lose stuff). The cuticle clippers are precise!! The file, although tiny, really does work well. It comes in a very handy durable cute case that I keep in my bag."—Sandi F.
Pros
- Tools are made from durable stainless steel
- Includes leather carrying case
Cons
- Kit doesn't include cuticle oil or lotion
Tenoverten is known as one of the It Girl salons of New York City, partly because of their elevated, non-toxic manicure offerings. The brand's luxe tool and nail care favorites make it easy to take their salon experience home.
The $198 price tag of this coveted set from the brand might elicit some sticker shock, but it's worth the investment. Crafted in Germany, you'll discover two sets of stainless steel clippers, a double-sided file, a pushback tool, and cuticle snippers with a scratch-resistant coating to repel water, oil, and bacteria.
What reviewers are saying: "I have been wanting to purchase this set since I discovered your company. I love the ease, precision, and the case set. It is compact and easy to take with me when traveling, also." —Mary D.
Chillhouse On The Mend Instant Mani Makeover Kit
Pros
- Includes crystal nail file
- Easy to use
- Under $30
Cons
- Kit not as extensive as some others
Very few things can put a damper on your day like breaking a nail when you're out, about, and far away from your go-to salon. For a quick touchup on the fly, reach for Chillhouse's On the Mend kit. Though this pick offers a very minimal take on the typical manicure, it's a great, frills-free option to have in your bag.
Pros
- Easy to use
Cons
- Not as extensive as other manicure sets
Along with Olive and June's beloved nail strengthener and cuticle serum, this three-piece kit also contains their high-shine top coat to leave your nails glossier than ever. And to minimize mess, you can toss them all in the set's included ziplock pouch for easy storage.
What reviewers are saying: "Where have you been all my life? My cuticles finally look presentable! And the top coat is the icing on the cake!! Super glossy!" —Terri C.
Botefei Nail Clippers and Beauty Tool Portable Set
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Includes a range of nail and beauty tools
Cons
- Some reviewers say tools aren't as elevated as other at-home kits
This Amazon shopper-approved nail kit option features a nail file, cuticle pusher, and three different clippers to suit several nail thicknesses and shapes. In addition to shaping tools, the kit also contains eyebrow scissors, an acne tool, and more that makes it easy to tackle all your beauty needs in one fell swoop. And did we mention it's available for under $10? No wonder why nearly 8,000 customers are raving over it.
What reviewers are saying: "I travel a bunch, and I'm often looking for my nail stuff to throw in my travel case. Not anymore! This little kit has everything and it's small enough to easily stash in an overnight, weekend, or checked bag. I would recommend this nail kit for anyone who travels." —Lynn
Bare Hands The Dry Gloss Manicure Kit
Pros
- Easy to use
- Great for travel
Cons
- Some shoppers may not like the subtle citrus smell of the cuticle oil
Prefer not to wear polish but still want salon-level nails? Thanks to Bare Hands' pared-back manicure kit, you can double down on care without all of the extra bells and whistles. For a seamless dry gloss manicure that enhances natural shine without a topcoat, the brand keeps it simple with two products: A citrus-scented cuticle oil and a glass file to gently buff and smooth your nails.
What reviewers are saying: "I honestly can’t believe how much I love this kit. I’ve always wanted to love nail polish but I just don’t—I prefer the look of healthy natural nails. This takes that look and brings it up to 11."—Caitlin
Not only are each of the tools in this professional-level manicure set made of glass, but they're also perfect for smoothing ragged cuticles. Before even reaching for Butter London's cuticle pusher and file, allow their Melt Away Cuticle Exfoliator to do the heavy lifting around your nail beds.
What reviewers are saying: "I love this product so much! It made removing dead or dry skin in the cuticle area so easy! It literally was like melting away the excess, overgrown cuticles on my nails. Because I could easily push back my cuticles and did not have to cut the skin, it made for a pain-free process that was great for my nails." —stephinitelyglam
Deborah Lippmann Instruments Manicure Set
Pros
- Includes carrying case
- Coating is designed to enhance hygiene
Cons
- Doesn't include cuticle oil or hand lotion
If you're looking for a manicure set that can rival what the professionals use, what better place to start than a pick from celebrity artist Deborah Lippmann's line? This streamlined, five-piece set contains a diamond-ceramic nail file, cuticle pusher and nail cleaner, nail clipper, cuticle nipper, and even a pair of tweezers.
Plus, each of the included tools is coated with a silver-ion treatment to help reduce surface germs while keeping rust, scratches, and abrasion to a minimum.
What reviewers are saying: "I have been enjoying this set of instruments for nail care; they all work well and are a great purchase. I highly recommend them."—Deborah H.
Pros
- Great for travel
- Streamlined
- Includes carbon-neutral shipping
Cons
- Some reviewers say scissors's rounded edges are not ideal for trimming
The creators behind one of Bazaar's favorite electric trimmers also happen to make a handsome, travel-ready nail kit. The five-piece set is made entirely of stainless steel and is nicely housed in a water-resistant case that makes it simple to pack in your bag or carry-on.
What reviewers are saying: "It has basically everything you would need for nail care, and it's travel size too! Very convenient." —Sarah S.
Pros
- Features stainless steels scissors and clippers
Cons
- Some reviewers say nail files lose their grit quickly
If you're looking to get some bang for your beauty buck, consider this cheery, 13-piece nail kit from Glamsquad to keep you well-stocked. The colorful set includes five emery boards to shape your nails to perfection, along with a stainless steel clipper. Plus, the brand's cuticle trimmer, scissors, and dual-ended tools help keep your nail beds in line and make it a breeze to remove lingering dirt and debris.
What shoppers are saying: "I absolutely love this manicure kit. It comes with anything and everything you need. Each of the products in the kit is made to last and from a great brand. If you are looking for a manicure set, I highly recommend this one." —Tburton21
Meet the Experts
- Emi Kudo is a celebrity manicurist.
- Maurisha Allen is the founder of Live in Color Studio in Castro Valley, California.
Which tools are typically included in the best manicure sets?
Simply put, it depends. Allen says clippers, nail files, alcohol wipes, and an oil or lotion are crucial for overall nail health. If you're on the hunt for a salon-worthy setup, Kudo is a major proponent of "a good penetrating cuticle oil, sharp cuticle nippers, and buffers, [plus] orange wood sticks to clean underneath of nails and push back the excess cuticles."
With that said, if you only use your manicure kit for maintenance between appointments, a file and clipper can go a long way. Before adding one of the best manicure sets to your shopping cart, consider how you'll use it. "Although having any beauty service done for you is a luxury, maintaining your nail care is essential like taking care of the rest of your hygiene at home," Maurisha Allen, owner of Live in Color Studio explains. "A manicure set will help you do that in case you don't have the time or luxury to have someone do it for you."
What should you look for in your nail tools?
Find a set that has everything you need for the perfect at-home manicure is only half the battle. According to Allen, you also want to make sure that your kit's tools are up to snuff. "When you over file, trim too much, buff too much, it can cause harm to the nail [and] skin," she says. To help, Allen says to look for tools that are less abrasive to make your manicure as easy and pain-free as possible. "Files with 100 grit are best for manicures," she says. "Glass files are also trending." Admittedly, most manicure sets don't disclose their grit numbers, but files with dual grits can offer more variety.
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For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women of every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.
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