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1. A classic pair of French mani press-ons because when in doubt you simply can't go wrong with them. If you're at the bottom of the learning curve as it pertains doing your nails, save yourself some trouble (and embarrassment) by buying yourself a few pairs of these.
2. And a pack of French press-on toenails while you're at it because as weird as it may sound, they look amazing and are pretty realistic if I say so myself. I can guarantee you that after applying them one time, you'll never want to give them the boot. Exhibit A (the review below).
3. A salon-quality cuticle remover gel so you can give yourself the best at-home manicure ever. Remember when you said you were going to ease up on your bi-weekly nail appointments and DIY your nails at home to save some money? Yeah, well buy this to make the transition that much easier.
4. A set of nail art tools because, as I previously stated, I'm determined to give you all of the tools to make your at-home manicures happen. Why make excuses when you can make things happen with the click of a button? That's exactly what I thought.
5. A fan favorite nail hardener that works as a base or top coat to protect weak nails. FYI, the formula includes garlic to protect your nails from fungus but doesn't smell like it so unfortunately it doesn't also work to shoo off vampires. Just because you're skipping the nail salon doesn't mean you shouldn't care about the health of your nails.
6. A strong hold brush-on nail glue that reviewers say is the bomb(dot)com for press on nails, rhinestones, or any other DIY nail job that requires adhesive. If you're nervous about getting glue everywhere (like you would with a squeeze tube version) don't worry—the brush applicator gives you a ton of control making it much easier and less messy.
7. A mini gel manicure kit with everything you need to give yourself a professional-looking nail job from the comfort of your own home. The best things about this kit are A. for less than the average price of ONE gel manicure, you can have everything you need to do your nails probably for months to come (if not longer) and B. the included LED lamp looks like a macaron.
8. A travel-friendly grooming kit because with it, you'll be ready to complete DIY manis and pedis (and beyond). Now you'll have all the necessary tools for when you're following along those nail tutorials you have saved on YouTube.
9. A nail polish bottle holder so you never have to worry about accidentally getting your favorite nail lacquer all over your floors like you did that one time. The adjustable clamp can fit a variety of nail bottle shapes and sizes (AND can be adjusted to 40 different positions). So basically, for under $10 you can buy yourself an assistant for your at-home nail salon.
10. A 15-piece set of beautiful, eye-catching nail polishes because the one thing you'll miss the most about going to the salon is the enchanting wall of nail polish shades. It's time to create your own but on a budget, starting with test driving nail polish colors before committing to the full sizes.
11. A dip nails starter kit that literally costs the same amount (or maybe even less) as one dip nail application at the salon. History shows that applying nail polish always ends up a streaky, hot mess for you. Maybe it's time to try something different.
12. A revitalizing cuticle oil just in case your cuticles need extra TLC to thrive (especially during the colder months). Not only does this oil help repair damaged skin and nails, it's available in a variety of amazing scents to further enhance your DIY nail sesh.
13. An intense, super ingredient packed hand mask to hydrate your dry, brittle hands in as little as 15 minutes. Put them on as you would normal gloves and sit back while the nourishing gel works its magic.
14. A luxurious Burt's Bees hand cream that vows to revitalize dry hands for up to 24 hours. Formulated with sweet almond oil, conditioning beeswax and vitamin E, you'll love taking the extra time out to massage this into your hands after doing you nails. If we're being honest, your favorite part of getting your nails done is the massage anyways.
15. And an oddly satisfying foot-peeling mask that will literally help you shed layers upon layers of dead skin from your feet. Quick word of advice: Remember to sleep with socks. Otherwise, you'll be shaking dead skin out of your bed sheets every morning for at least a week.
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.