With the global pandemic forcing businesses to temporarily shut down all over the world, beauty and wellness shops such as spas and salons have taken a pause at providing much needed services to the public. Social distancing has driven many people indoors to social distance and for good reason. Covid-19 can be contracted while out and about in public, especially when in close contact with others (which is why it’s very important to wear face masks while outdoors). Salons and spas are public spaces that make it difficult to practice social distancing, which is why many are opting to do their own haircuts and manicures. In light of this, we’ve come up with a list of at-home manicure essentials to help in maintaining good personal hygiene, a key step in preventing the spread of Covid-19.
Maintaining your nails while social distancing is easy with at-home manicure essentials. In fact, there are several benefits to this. Not only does it save money, as manicures and pedicures can be expensive (depending on the salon you go to), it is also time saving. You no longer need to drive to your favorite salon for some pampering. In addition, maintaining your nails at home also helps you learn new skills. To ensure an enjoyable pampering experience, check out these at-home manicure essentials and the best gel kits you can use at home right now.
The Top-rated Best Gel Kits on Amazon Right Now
1. Beetles Home DIY Gel Nail Polish Starter Kit
If you’re looking to learn how to apply gel nail polish at home and keep safe while you’re at it, invest in the Beetles Home DIY Gel Nail Polish Starter Kit, which contains everything you need for a perfect at-home gel manicure. It includes a range of gel nail polish and nail art accessories you need to be creative with your nails, at the comfort of your own home. This kit includes a high power UV LED light nail lamp, 12 pieces of classic colors, including glitter colors, 9 pieces of nail art designs, and handy, sturdy manicure tools. This kit offers easy application and good tenacity, with gel polishes that feature a toxin-free formula with low odor and no harsh ingredients or adhesives that may damage nails. It also includes a gel base and top coat to complete the process. This product has an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “This little kit is great! It comes with step by step instructions and I absolutely love all the options to decorate. The nail polish is very nice, kinda small, but the amount of stuff that comes in this kit makes up for that. I did my toes and it’s basically paid for itself compared to what you would spend in a nail salon. The UV lamp is ok quality, I did 2 times at 120 seconds. Again that’s 6 mins total dry time which for the price you can’t beat! I’m stoked about this kit and can’t wait to do my nails again! The packaging was on point to, none of the items were damaged. Must have DIY COVID kit!” Candice Marion
2. Vishine Gel Nail Kit with UV LED Nail Lamp and 6 Colors
With 6 trendy and well-selected nail gel colors, this fantastic at-home nail gel kit from Vishine includes a range of tools and nail care essentials with a price that won’t break the bank. If you’re looking to spend no more than $40 on an at-home kit, then this is for you. It includes 6 gel nail polish, a 40-watt UV LED nail lamp, one top coat, one base coat, a nail file, a nail buffer, a nail brush, a cuticle fork, a dotting pen, a cuticle pusher, two nail separators, one revitalizing nail formula, 2 sheets of French stickers, and two striping tapes. This product has an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “Purchased this set for my 12 year old daughter and I to use during social distancing. Very easy to use. Trendy neutral color selection. Nail polish bottles are smaller than a normal polish bottle. But I’ve never used all of any polish bottles I’ve purchased….so probably better to have smaller quantities. Polish bottles seem about half of what you see in a salon.” Ae9292
3. Modelones Gel Nail Polish Kit
With a range of updated tools, gorgeous nude colors to go with any summer OOTD, and a 48-watt UV LED light, this gel nail polish kit from Modelones hits just the right spot for value for money, ease of use, and it’s being appropriate for beginners. You can even get two types of finish with this kit: a matte top coat with a matte finish or a gorgeous glossy top coat for a shiny, gloss finish. Its 48-watt UV LED nail lamp comes with 3 tier settings with a hidden touch to easily operate the lamp. Modelones’ gel polish come in beautiful colors that are all high quality and long wearing, lasting up to 2 weeks. It’s smooth and easy to apply, especially for beginners. This kit includes 4 Elegant Colors Gel Nail Polish, 2 Glitter Gel Nail Polish, a 48W UV LED Nail Lamp, a Matte Top Coat Gel, a Glossy Top Coat Gel, and a Base Coat Gel. The kit also comes with tools such as a nail clipper, nail cuticle softener, cuticle clipper, cuticle pusher and cutter, double-sided nail files, nail buffer, nail dust brush, cuticle oil, nail separator sponges, 20 nail cleaner pads, and 50 nail remover wraps, all housed in a grey portable tool storage box. This best-selling product has an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “Amazing for beginners! I have never done my own gel nails at home and this product was definitely the right move for me! The colors are so pretty. The kit is so easy to use and comes with everything you’d need. If I use regular nail polish they chip within 2 days. This gel has lasted at least 1 week for me without chipping but I’ve wanted to change the color weekly anyways because of all the awesome colors that come with it! I’m obsessed. Would 100% buy again.” Natalie
4. Gershion Poly Nail Gel Kit Beginner Nail Manicure Kit in S-15 Nude Colors
Those who want to sport gorgeous, fresh-off-the-salon nail extensions will love this at-home set from Gershion. Get both nail length and color in one amazing kit. With a unique, extremely mouldable formula, Gershion offers gel polish that comes in gorgeous colors. This poly builder gel kit is perfect for beginners to experienced manicurists. The Gershion nail extension gel dries fast with just 30 to 60 seconds on a LED lamp or 2 minutes on a UV lamp. This kit includes 6 30ml tubes builder gel in differ nude colors, 50 ml slip solution, base coat, top coat, 50 pieces of dual forms in 12 sizes, dual-ended nail brush, spatula, rhinestones, nail pens, and nail file. This kit has an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “These nails were good and weren’t transparent like some other brands I’ve used. The nails lasted 2-4 weeks depending on how active I was using my hands. They are definitely something you should practice and take your time with so they look good. But much cheaper than going to a salon and very similar look.” Bre
5. Gellen Gel Nail Polish Starter Kit with UV Light in Popular Nudes
Spending time in quarantine gives us more time to learn a new skill, such as doing our own nails! With enough practice, we can not only save money, but also learn a new thing or two about maintaining great nails at home. This can be possible with the Gellen Gel Nail Polish Starter Kit, which comes with 6 nude nail gel colors, a glossy top coat, a matte top coat, and a 24-watt quick dry nail lamp so you can cure all kinds of UV/LED based gel products. The lamp is equipped with a LED display screen and 3 timer settings for easy use. With proper application, you can get long-lasting gel nails for up to 14 to 21 days. The Gellen kit has an overall rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “I’ve been struggling with my nails since quarantine started. I’ve tried regular polish, stick ons, and even ordered a dip set before trying this particular set. All have failed me and chipped or came completely off in a couple days or just looked trashy because I’m no nail artist…So far, with my first try, this set is easy to use and has stayed on well for over a week. No chips, no peeling. Looks like quality work! Very satisfied!” Sarah Henry
Other At-Home Nail Care Essentials That You Need to Keep Handy
1. SEPHORA COLLECTION Tough As Nails Deluxe Manicure Kit
When caring for your nails at home, you’ll need the right tools to do the job right. Good thing there’s Sephora Collection Tough As Nails Deluxe Manicure Kit, a deluxe manicure set that provides the essentials you need for a perfect manicure as you practice social distancing at home. Every tool in this set is full size, so it has a right, comfortable fit in your hand. This set includes a cuticle nipper, angled nail clipper, scissors, nail clipper, a double ended cuticle trimmer and pusher, a cuticle trimmer, and a toenail clipper. It also comes in a durable zippered case for proper storage and safe travel. Customers love this so much, it has an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars at Sephora.
Promising review: “Fantastic nail kit. It includes more than just the basics and the tools are super sturdy and amazing quality for the price. Honestly even 1 good cuticle clipper could go for the price of this whole set. The container is cute and small enough to bring anywhere, if needed. Highly recommend buying even if you don’t think you need it, just to have it in case!” Beautyjunkie88
2. NAILS INC. Gel-less Gel Nail Polish Remover Kit
Save time, money, and effort in removing your gel nail polish with this kit from Nails Inc. It is a super speedy gel manicure removal product that’s designed to remove gels at home or when you’re on the go. It contains conditioning acetone to remove gel and UV manicures without having to go to the salon. This product is formulated without phthalates. Shop at Sephora.
Promising review: “The container is where the value is — can be used and re-used with generic acetone polish. The container has bristle walls to rub against as you soak, which speeds up the process. Effective removal of gel nails from the comfort of the couch!” Calgarychic
3. Deborah Lippmann Cuticle Lab Nail Treatment Set
Pamper your nails in the comfort of your own home with this Cuticle Lab Nail Treatment Set from Deborah Lippmann. This four-piece set also includes a professional step-by-step guide on the proper treatment and care of nail cuticles. This highly giftable set (for yourself and your loved ones!) includes the brand’s Cuticle Oil, Cuticle Remover, The Cure Ultra Nourishing Cuticle Repair Cream, The Pusher, and a guide. When used together, this treatment provides powerful exfoliating and hydrating benefits to your nails. The Cuticle Remover works to exfoliate and remove dead cuticles, while The Cuticle Oil moisturizes and soothes dry cuticles and nails. The Cure is an ultra-nourishing cream formula that is powered by patented raspberry stem cell extract, red algae, shea butter, sodium hyaluronate, and vitamins A, C, and E that all together nourish the skin and nails. Lastly, The Pusher is a professional-grade stainless steel dual-ended tool that makes nail maintenance a breeze. This kit has an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars at Sephora.
Promising review: “Ordered this because nail salons are not open due to quarantine and my cuticles were beginning to be a mess. After using this for a while, I might not even go to the salon so regularly when quarantine lifts! Super easy to use, and my cuticles look nice and clean. Every single item in the set is great – it’s not like other sets where one item is used more and another not at all.” Megbs
4. NAILS INC. Nailkale Superfood Base Coat
Keep your nails strong even at home with the Nails Inc. Nailkale Superfood Base Coat, which is packed with antioxidants and loads of nail benefits. Formulated without formaldehyde, acetone, and parabens, this base coat delivers keratin to the nails to support growth, hydration, and prevent breakage and splitting. Its formulation also complies with the brand’s 21-free standard, which means it’s free of 21 harmful ingredients. This environmentally conscious product comes in recyclable packaging. Shop at Sephora.
Promising review: “This stuff is amazing. I bought it on a whim. I’m pleasantly surprised that it works. My nails have never been this long naturally. I don’t really like to fuss around with nail polish at home so I’ve just replaced my usual clear topcoat with this. And I’ve had no breakage and my nails have always been weak and thin.” Kelpie91
5. HUM Nutrition Killer Nails™ Supplements
Nourishment of the nails, skin, and hair begins within. That’s why there’s Hum Nutrition Killer Nails™ Supplements, a uniquely formulated, plant-based biotin supplement that supports stronger, healthier nails and hair. It features a high potency formula that supports nail growth. This supplement contains water-soluble biotin that supports cell growth and the production and metabolism of fat into amino acids. Customers love this so much, it has an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars at Sephora.
Promising review: “My nails have always been weak. I am on my second bottle and my nails have never been stronger. They are no longer peeling and breaking off. They seem to grow faster too. Love this stuff and already have my 3rd bottle ready to go.” Crzyincali
Caring for your nails at home will be a breeze with these at-home manicure essentials. When it comes to the top rated products and highly recommended offerings, The Teelie Blog is the place to be. With weekly stories on curated items that customers stand by, The Teelie Blog recommends only the most reputable products for discerning customers. For more on beauty, skincare, health, and wellness, make sure you don’t miss these stories.
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