Whether bare and buffed or boldly varnished, perfectly manicured digits are the ultimate accessory. Who needs a trip to the salon with these essentials in tow?

Who needs a trip to the salon with these essentials in tow?

and Kara Jillian Brown

Don’t underestimate the power of a manicure. Fresh polish and shaped talons can do wonders for helping you feel put together even when you feel anything but. 

For days when you’re sporting clean, bare nails or bold, eye-catching ones alike, you need the right roster of products to deliver a stunning set that lasts. Keep scrolling to discover the nine best nail products, such as the cuticle nippers our beauty editor can’t live without and the drugstore nail polish one manicurist swears by.

Best Polish:

Essie Gel Couture, $13.00 Shop Now

This is still my all-time favorite polish. It’s a long-wear formula that really stands the test of time and maintains its shine longer than most other polishes. It also comes in a huge assortment of beautiful shades, both opaque and sheer. The brush is amazing for foolproof application—it’s white and rounded to follow the curve of your cuticle to get as close as possible. —Holly Falcone, celebrity manicurist

Best Gel Polish:

Aprés Gel Color, $15.00 Shop Now

I’m a gel girl through and through, and there’s no brand with a better color selection than Aprés. I’m constantly inspired by the brand’s hues, which range from classic to funky. The polishes go on smooth, making for the perfect manicure. —Kara Jillian Brown, beauty editor

Best Nail Art Brushes:

Fleury Rose Nails Essential Brush Set, $65.00 Shop Now

Nail art is one of the biggest pleasures in my life. I love sitting down with tiny brushes to create a tiny masterpiece—and the best sets come from Fleury Rose. She's a celebrity manicurist who has tried all the brushes out there; this set is a curated mix of all the brushes you need to be your own manicurist. —K.J.B.

Best Buffer/File:

Deborah Lippmann Smooth Operator, $14.00 Shop Now

Smooth Operator is a four-way buffer made of premium fabrics, which makes a great “finisher” for your manicure. Unlike any other buffer, this leaves your nail beds completely smooth. Each surface is numbered to help with proper buffing, leading to a superior natural shine. —Gina Edwards, celebrity manicurist

Best Cuticle Nipper:

Tweezerman Great Grip Cuticle Nipper, $29.00 Shop Now

I have two pairs of these nippers, one at my desk at work and one at home. They're hands-down the best cuticle nippers I've ever used. They provide a clean and precise cut so I can keep my mani clean at all times. —K.J.B.

Best Nail Treatment:

Typology Nail Serum, $30.00 Shop Now

This is a keratin plant-based nail serum for dry, brittle, and splitting nails. Use it every day with your favorite hand cream for results in as little as five days. Tip: Apply in the evening before you go to bed and allow it to work its magic overnight. —G.E.

Best Cuticle Remover:

Sally Hansen Instant Cuticle Remover, $5.00 Shop Now

A drug store classic! This does some deep cuticle-removing work in seconds. —H.F.

Best Cuticle Oil:

CND Solar Oil Nail and Cuticle Conditioner, $14.00 Shop Now

I've tried tons of cuticle moisturizers, but I'll always come back to this nail oil. It provides gorgeous shine and keeps my nails looking their best even as the polish grows out. —K.J.B.

Best Pedicure Kit:

The Serum Doctor Flawless Feet System, $56.00 Shop Now

Serum Doctor helps with cracked, dry heels thanks to tea tree oil and glycolic acid to help stressed feet. The best part of this dynamic duo is the foot file. The reusable file removes hard-to-get areas while resurfacing the skin. It's a favorite of mine for any pedi services. —G.E.