With thousands of nail polishes, treatments, tools, and more lining store shelves, choosing the right nail products can be overwhelmingly confusing. Especially when so many products make big claims about strengthening nails, adding shine, preventing chips and promoting growth. How do you know which ones actually work?
We’ve tested a ridiculous number of nail products over the years—the good, the bad, and the downright useless—to save you time, money and frustration. For this ultimate guide, we’re only featuring products that deliver noticeable, exceptional results based on our direct experience. No hype or sponsored nonsense here!
You’ll discover our top picks across nail care categories like base coats, top coats, ridge fillers, strengtheners, fast dry options, removers, treatments for growth and repair and more—including budget-friendly drugstore gems right alongside premium salon-quality products. Plus pro tips for getting the most out of your manicures and pedicures between salon visits.
The Best of Nail Products (All Types)
So treat yourself to beautiful, healthy nails with these can’t-live-without products we reliably turn to over and over again to fix almost any nail issue you can think of. Go ahead and add these top-performing stars to your cart before you do anything else today—we promise you won’t be disappointed!
Nail Polish Kit
A nail polish kit is a comprehensive collection of all the essentials needed to attain a salon-level manicure right at home.
It generally includes a range of nail polishes in various colors and finishes, a base coat for preparing the nail surface, and a top coat for sealing and adding shine to the finished design.
Some kits go the extra mile, packing in nail art tools, such as brushes and dotting tools, to allow for more intricate and personalized detailing.
The Best-Selling Nail Polish Kits Right Now
The versatility and convenience of a nail polish kit make it a must-have for both novice nail enthusiasts and experienced manicurists.
With everything consolidated in one place, it significantly reduces the process of searching for individual components while offering the opportunity to experiment with different looks.
By selecting a kit with a well-tested formula, you can ensure a long-lasting, chip-resistant manicure that speaks volumes about your personal style.
Nail Polish Remover
Nail polish remover is a vital component in the process of maintaining healthy, clean nails.
This essential product is designed to efficiently strip away the layers of nail polish, making it a precondition for a new manicure and maintaining the cleanliness and health of your nails.
There are two primary types of nail polish removers:
- acetone
- non-acetone
Acetone removers are highly effective at breaking down nail polish, including stubborn glitter and gel polishes, but can be drying to the nails and surrounding skin.
On the other hand, non-acetone removers are less harsh and more nourishing but might require more effort to remove certain types of polish.
The Best-Selling Nail Polish Removers Right Now
Using nail polish remover is straightforward, but care should be taken to limit contact with the skin, and it’s important to rinse hands thoroughly afterwards.
To keep your nails and cuticles healthy, it’s recommended to use a nail polish remover that includes nourishing ingredients such as vitamin E and aloe vera.
With an array of options available, your choice should align with your specific nail care needs and the type of polish you usually wear.
RELATED: Best Nail Polish Removers of 2024
Glass Nail File and Case
A glass nail file is a nail care tool, celebrated for its durability, effectiveness, and hygienic properties.
Unlike traditional emery boards or metal nail files, a glass nail file is gentler on the nails, reducing the risk of splits and breaks.
It works by filing down the nail in both directions without causing any damage, which is especially beneficial for those with weak or brittle nails.
The fine grit surface of a glass file is permanently etched, meaning it never dulls and is always ready to deliver a smooth, flawless finish.
A glass nail file comes with its own protective case.
The Best-Selling Glass Nail Files and Cases Right Now
The case safeguards the file from accidental damage, ensuring its longevity, and also helps maintain its cleanliness, a critical aspect in nail care.
Just like the glass file, the case is easy to clean, often requiring no more than a quick rinse under warm water.
Transporting a glass nail file in its case also reduces the risk of injury from accidental contact with the filing surface.
Considering the durability and effectiveness of a glass nail file and case, it’s an investment that delivers impressive long-term value in nail care.
Top Coat
A top coat is a clear polish that is applied after the colored nail polish, playing a critical role in nail care and manicure finish.
Its primary function is to seal the color, add shine, and prevent chipping, thereby extending the life of your manicure.
Top coats come in a variety of types to cater to different needs and desired finishes:
- Traditional glossy top coats are the most common, providing a high-shine finish and acting as a protective shell for the nail polish underneath.
- Quick-drying top coats are popular among those who need a fast-drying solution, working to dry all the layers of polish in record time.
- Matte top coats are used when a non-shiny, contemporary finish is desired, transforming any glossy polish into a matte finish.
- Gel top coats are good for those looking to maintain the longevity of their manicure.
The Best-Selling Top Coats Right Now
These top coats, when cured under a UV or LED lamp, form a hard, glossy finish that can extend the life of a manicure for up to two weeks.
Some brands even offer “gel-like” top coats that do not require a lamp but still provide a similar level of shine and durability.
Regardless of the type of top coat you choose, proper application is key to maximizing its benefits.
It’s recommended to apply a thin layer of top coat, ensuring to cap the end of the nail to seal the polish completely.
Reapplying the top coat every few days can also help maintain the manicure’s shine and durability.
Your choice of top coat can significantly influence the final result of your manicure, making it a product worthy of careful consideration.
Nail Polish Display Rack
A nail polish display rack is an essential organizational tool for anyone with a vibrant collection of nail polishes.
It’s both a sensible storage solution and an attractive way to showcase your collection, transforming your nail polishes into a decorative piece of home decor.
Crafted from a variety of materials such as wood, acrylic or metal, these racks come in various designs and sizes to accommodate a diverse range of collections.
The structure of a nail polish display rack is often tiered or stepped, presenting each polish bottle in a viewable line, making it easy to identify colors, brands or finishes at a glance.
This not only simplifies the process of choosing the right polish for your next manicure but also prevents the bottles from getting cluttered or lost among other items.
The Best-Selling Nail Polish Display Racks Right Now
Furthermore, by storing nail polishes in a display rack, you can position them upright, which is the optimal orientation to maintain the polish quality over time.
This helps prevent the polish from collecting and hardening around the edges of the bottle, ensuring smooth, easy application every time.
While designed primarily for nail polish, these racks can also be used to store and display other nail care products such as top coats, base coats, and nail art tools, making all your manicure essentials easily accessible in one place.
Overall, a nail polish display rack is a functional, stylish addition to any nail care regimen.
Regardless of whether you’re a professional manicurist or a home-based nail art enthusiast, a display rack can help you keep your nail polish collection organized, preserved and beautifully showcased.
Gel Polish Remover Kit
A gel polish remover kit is an essential tool in the nail care regimen, especially for those who frequently use gel polishes.
This kit is specifically designed to effectively remove the stubborn, long-lasting gel polish without damaging the natural nail.
It typically includes items such as foil wraps, removal pads soaked with acetone, a cuticle pusher, and sometimes even a buffer and nail file.
Removing gel polish requires a different process than regular nail polish.
The tightly bonded polish doesn’t simply wipe off with regular nail polish remover.
Instead, the polish needs to be broken down with acetone, which is where the foil wraps and removal pads come into play.
The Best-Selling Gel Polish Remover Kits Right Now
The removal process involves soaking the nails in acetone, using the foil wraps to hold the soaked pads in place.
The acetone penetrates the layers of the gel polish, breaking down its structure and enabling it to be gently scraped off using the cuticle pusher.
It’s important to note that while the acetone is a powerful and effective solvent, it can be drying to the nails and skin.
Therefore, a gel polish remover kit often includes a nourishing component like a cuticle oil or a hand cream to replenish lost moisture and maintain the health of your nails and hands.
In summary, a gel polish remover kit is a comprehensive solution for removing gel polish safely and effectively.
It presents a method that is less damaging to your nails compared to other removal methods while also providing nourishing care to combat potential dryness.
It’s a must-have for any gel manicure lover, enabling you to switch up your nail color with ease whenever the mood strikes.
Cuticle Pusher and Nipper
A cuticle pusher and nipper are fundamental tools in any comprehensive nail care regimen, contributing significantly to the health, cleanliness, and aesthetics of your nails.
Cuticle pusher, as the name suggests, is designed to gently push back the cuticles, the tiny skin layer that grows at the base of the nails.
This not only gives the nails a neat and clean appearance but also creates a seamless canvas for a flawless application of nail polish.
They are typically made of stainless steel or plastic and come in various shapes and sizes to accommodate different nail shapes and preferences.
Cuticle nipper, on the other hand, is a small, sharp tool designed to trim the excess, overgrown cuticles that have been pushed back.
It’s crucial to use a nipper with precision, as reckless cutting can lead to cuts or injuries, potentially causing infections.
A quality nipper is characterized by its sharpness, precision, and comfort in handling, often made from durable materials like stainless steel to withstand frequent use and sterilization.
The Best-Selling Cuticle Pushers and Nippers Right Now
While the use of these tools requires careful attention, they can significantly enhance the overall look and health of your nails when used correctly.
Regular maintenance with a cuticle pusher can help prevent the cuticles from overgrowing, while the nipper can keep them neatly trimmed.
These tools not only contribute to a professional-looking manicure but also promote healthier nails by keeping the nail bed clean and free from bacteria.
The cuticle pusher and nipper are, therefore, essential tools, whether you’re a nail care professional or simply someone who enjoys at-home nail care sessions.
Nail Polish Ring Holder
A nail polish ring holder is a handy tool that redefines convenience in nail care.
This innovative accessory is designed to securely hold your nail polish bottle, leaving your hands free for a more focused and steady application.
It features an adjustable ring that fits comfortably on two fingers, while a sturdy holder on top cradles the nail polish bottle at an angle, ensuring you can reach every last drop of polish.
The design of a nail polish ring holder is typically universal, meaning it can accommodate a wide variety of nail polish bottle shapes and sizes.
The holder grips the bottle firmly, preventing any potential spills or mishaps that can occur, especially when you’re trying to balance the bottle on a surface.
This feature is particularly beneficial for nail art enthusiasts who often deal with intricate designs that require steadiness and precision.
The Best-Selling Nail Polish Ring Holders Right Now
Moreover, a nail polish ring holder is not just about functionality, but also about style and comfort.
They are often available in a range of vibrant colors and styles to suit different preferences.
Made from lightweight yet durable materials, such as silicone or plastic, these holders do not feel heavy or cumbersome on your fingers, letting you have a comfortable, fuss-free manicure session.
In conclusion, a nail polish ring holder is a unique, innovative tool that brings ease, efficiency, and a touch of flair to your nail care routine.
Whether you’re a professional nail artist, a DIY nail care enthusiast, or someone who simply enjoys polishing their nails, this tool can make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
It’s an essential addition to your nail care kit that offers a practical solution to an age-old challenge in nail painting.
UV Lamp Nail Dryer
A UV lamp nail dryer is an indispensable tool in the realm of gel manicures.
It’s a specialized device that uses Ultraviolet (UV) light to cure or “set” gel nail polish, transforming it from a liquid to a solid, glossy finish that can last for several weeks without chipping.
UV nail lamps emit UV light at a specific wavelength, typically around 365nm, which is absorbed by the photoinitiators present in the gel polish.
This absorption triggers a chemical reaction that converts the liquid gel into a hard, durable coat.
The process is almost immediate, taking anywhere from a few seconds to a couple of minutes per layer, depending on the specific lamp and polish used.
The Best-Selling UV Lamp Nail Dryers Right Now
One of the significant advantages of using a UV lamp nail dryer is the speed and efficiency it offers.
Unlike traditional air drying methods, a UV lamp cures gel polish almost instantly, reducing the risk of smudges or dents and ensuring a perfect manicure every time.
It’s also a requisite for gel manicures, as gel polish will not harden or cure without exposure to UV light.
However, it’s important to use UV lamps responsibly, due to the potential risk of UV exposure.
Wear protective gloves or apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen on your hands before using a UV lamp to protect your skin.
To summarize, a UV lamp nail dryer is a key player in achieving salon-quality gel manicures at home.
It provides quick and efficient curing of gel polish, ensuring a flawless, long-lasting manicure.
However, it’s essential to take protective measures against UV exposure to safely enjoy the benefits of this tool.
