Kiki Inbox: Essential Tools For Manicures and Pedicures

August 21, 2016

Dear Kiki,

Hey Kiki! I want to save money by doing my own manicures and pedicures at home. The only problem is I’m not sure what tools I should have in my kit other than nail polish and nail polish remover. Can you please help me in this area?

Thanks,

Ashley

Re: Essential Tools For Manicures and Pedicures

Hi Ashley, I think its great that you are going the route of wanting to do your own manicures and pedicures at home because it is so rewarding. Manicures and pedicures are two different beauty treatments that do require the right tools. Here are the tools that you should have in your kit:

Nail Polish Remover

When you buy a nail polish remover, make sure its alcohol and acetone free removers. Go for an acetone free remover for lighter shades and a nourishing acetone remover that contains aloe or vitamin E for darker shades.

Cutex Non Acetone Nail Polish Remover $2.99

Base & Top Coats

Base coats prevent pigment from getting into your nails, which leads to yellowing and prevents polish from drying nails. It basically smooths the surface and help the polish to adhere so it won’t chip. If you find yourself having weak nails, use a strengthening formula. Top coats help the nail polish to last and also adds shine.

Nailtiques Formula 2 Plus $9.50

Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat $8.99

Nail Clippers

Invest in high quality clippers, especially if you do your nails at home a lot like me. The clippers will stay sharp longer and provide consistently cleaner cuts. If your on a budget and can’t afford high quality clippers, any clippers from the drug store will do the trick, just long as you replace them at least annually.

Tweezerman Stainless Steel Fingernail Clippers $5.99

Nail Buffers

There are two types of nail buffers: classic and newer textured. The classic ones gently polish nails to shine and the newer textured have two more surfaces that is designed to remove tiny ridges, smooth bumps and polish the surface of the nail.

Lippman Collection Smooth Operator Buffer $12.00

Emery Boards

Fine grade surfaces smooth the nail edge while a coarser surface shortens and shapes the nails.

Revlon Compact Emory Boards $2.25

Cuticle Nippers

Basically use to snip away hang nails. When you want to clean your cuticle nippers, just place them in boiling water for about 8 minutes and then wipe them with alcohol.

Mehaz Nippers $26.98

Orangewood Sticks

The purpose of orange wood sticks is to push back the cuticles and remove polish from the crevices around your nails.

Tweezerman Manicure and Pedicure Sticks $9.30

Cuticle Remover & Cuticle Oil

Cuticle remover exfoliates and softens your cuticles. Just apply it before soaking your nails. Cuticle oil moisturizes the cuticles, but does not remove them.