Since my move to New York City at the beginning of this summer, I’ve been especially cognizant of how I delegate my time and money when I’m out and about. However, that doesn’t mean skimping on opportunities to practice self-care when I can carve out quiet moments during my busy days. As much as I would love for that to mean treating myself to nonstop nude manicures at a nail salon, I’ve limited myself to monthly visits.
In between appointments, I keep my nails bare or give them a hint of neutral color as part of my easy at-home manicure routine. Wondering which helpful manicure tools and nourishing treatments I keep on deck so my nails and cuticles can look their best? Keep scrolling to discover my top manicure product recommendations and some helpful tips and tricks for clean, healthy-looking nails.
The Best At-Home Naked-Mani Staples
1. For Removing Old Nail Polish
Londontown
Kur Strengthening Lacquer Remover
Investing in acetone-free nail polish removers has been instrumental in revamping my nailcare routine. This one by Londontown removes polish without drying nails or stripping them of their natural oils. My nails look and feel much healthier thanks to this formula’s blend of botanical oils and extracts.
Customer Review: “If regular polish removers make you nails peel and split, this is the product for you. I have been using Kur for six months now and my nails are hard and strong. A terrific alternative to acetone polish removers.”
Manicurist
Green Flash Gel Polish Remover
On the rare occasion that I do a gel manicure at home, I swear by Manicurist’s Green Flash Gel Polish line for long-lasting color and healthy nails. When I’m ready for them to go, the brand’s Green Flash Polish Remover lifts the polish in a minute with a 97.5% plant-based formula enriched with castor oil.
Customer Review: “After using this product several times, I find that leaving it on for two minutes works the best for my nails. After the two minutes, it peels right off! Highly recommend.”
Deborah Lippmann
The Stripper to Go Lavender Nail Lacquer Remover and Finger Mitt
I don’t hear enough about nail polish remover wipes, and I’m on a mission to correct that! This Deborah Lippmann find removes nail polish in seconds while preventing dryness with a formula using lavender essential oil and aloe vera extract. A finger mitt is also included that can be slipped onto the index finger for fast and effortless removal.
Customer Review: “The Stripper To Go is an excellent way to manage nail care. The packets provide a fully usable finger “mitt” that is very effective in removing old nail polish in a healthy way.”
Côte
Takeoff Towel Acetone-Free Nail Polish Remover
I also like to use this acetone-free nail polish remover wipe by Côte. It gently and effectively wipes away polish for a clean nail bed without any harsh chemicals or chalky residue. In fact, its formula features rosemary leaf extract, aloe, and a Tuscan blood orange oil blend. Each box comes with eight towels—perfect for tucking away in your bag for quick nail fixes on the go.
Customer Review: “I love this product and have reordered it many times. It smells lovely but it’s not overpowering, it is made with safer ingredients, and it is amazing for travel. One little towel takes off the polish of both hands!”
2. For Cuticle Care
Londontown
Kur Nourishing Cuticle Oil
One of the best tips I learned from my nail artist at Gene Juarez Salons and Spas was to always keep cuticle oil on my bedside table so I could easily apply it before bed. Londontown’s Kur Nourishing Cuticle Oil is one of my go-tos because its crafted using a lightweight florium-infused formula to instantly deliver hydration.
Customer Review: “This is by far the best nail oil I’ve ever used. It actually works. Easy to apply a nice pleasant smell rubs into nails without a big mess. I actually have just gotten my second bottle. It will be a staple in my nail care.”
Developed for damaged cuticles undergoing the healing process, The Rose Oil is infused with a nourishing blend of vitamin E, horsetail leaf extract, rose flower oil, and more to deliver deep hydration and strengthen dry, brittle nails. I especially love its roller applicator for being easy to use and mess-free.
Customer Review: “I love The Rose Oil for my cuticles. I have cuticles that are dry and grow up onto my nails and this oil helps soften them and keeps them from splitting. Plus I love the rose scent. Using this and the cuticle eraser has been a game changer for me.”
Butter London
Melt Away Cuticle Exfoliator
I like to treat my cuticles to this Butter London cuticle exfoliator during my at-home manicures. This one is a fast-acting, pain-free product formulated with conditioning ingredients that soften and gently exfoliate cuticles. Consistent use of the Melt Away Cuticle Exfoliator has made managing pushing back my cuticles much easier.
Customer Review: “As someone who suffers from dry hands and thus dry cuticles, I’ve been resigned to my nails always looking bad. This stuff works instantly and it works perfectly! My nails and cuticles have never looked better after only one treatment. I can’t recommend this enough!”
Sally Hansen
Instant Cuticle Remover
To help break down stubborn cuticles, the Sally Hansen Instant Cuticle Remover is key. After squeezing a thin strip of the product around the cuticles and just under the nail tips, I wait 15 seconds and then use a cuticle pusher tool to push back cuticles and finish by washing off the excess product in warm, soapy water.
Customer Review: “I’m obsessed with this product. I keep it on slightly longer than the recommendation before wiping it off and pushing my cuticles back. With regular use and doing my nails myself, I save so much money by not going to the nail salon!”
Utopia Care
Cuticle Pusher Tool
I’ve gotten my hands on a number of cuticle pusher tools, but this one by Utopia Care is one of my favorites. Measuring 5.5 inches with a curved end on one side and a knife-like end on the other, this tool is designed for painless nail maintenance. Plus, it’s crafted from durable metal and perfect for hard-to-reach nooks and corners.
Customer Review: “I’m a nail tech, and this is my absolute favorite cuticle pusher. It’s not too harsh and it fits perfectly in the bed of the nail.Such a great product! 10/10 would recommend to everyone!”
3. For Gentle Buffing and Filing
Buffing nails removes dead cuticles while smoothing nail surfaces and edges and is essential for any at-home manicure. To bring out the natural glow of my nails, I love using Tenoverten’s two-way nail buffer. It’s soft and compact and has two sides (pink and cream) that can buff and shine the nails to perfection.
Customer Review: “I love how shiny my nails look after using this. Even after I apply nail polish and remove it they keep a little bit of that luster which has NEVER happened with other buffers like this. After using press on nails religiously my nails needed a little TLC and this product has been a godsend! I cannot recommend it enough.”
Tweezerman
Black Nail Buff (2 Pack)
Tweezerman’s Black Nail Buff is designed with numbered pads to easily file, buff, smooth, and shine nails. Whenever my nails have gone through any type of trauma (e.g., one too many gel manicures that cause breakage), I trust this tool to gently and effectively smooth and shine my nails without sacrificing comfort. Be careful not to over-buff, as it can weaken the nails!
Customer Review: “This nail buffer offers a variety of nail care options including file, buff, smooth and shine all in one product. I am in the process of restoring the health of my natural nails after years wearing acrylics. This buffer is an integral part of that care.”
Deborah Lippmann
Smooth Operator Nail Buffer File
This all-in-one tool by Deborah Lippmann is a multitasking buffer that creates the perfect manicure by shaping, smoothing, and buffing the nails with easy-to-follow numbered sides. I take this tool wherever I go to correct chipped edges (which is especially helpful when I’m wearing a bare nail look).
Customer Review: “I’ve tried a few nail buffers and this is the best. It’s versatile and useful. As I’ve gotten older, my nails seem to peel more. This smooths out the peels and edges prior to applying polish. I had my last one for a while, so it does last. Love Deborah Lippmann products. They never disappoint!”
Londontown
White Glass Glass Nail File
At this point, it’s no secret that I love a multipurpose nail tool. The White Glass Nail File by Londontown helps prevent splitting, cracking, and chipping with consistent use. Described by the brand as “a gentle and precise alternative to traditional nail files,” it’s great for shaping tough nails and fragile nails for a smooth finish.
Customer Review: “This has been one of my winning purchases. I often do my own nails, and this genius product speeds up the entire process. It feels gentle on the nails, but tough enough to get my desired shape. Highly recommend not to pass up on this.”
4. For Creating Flawless-Looking Nails
Butter London
Nail Foundation Priming Base Coat
Before reaching for my usual neutral nail color, I like to go in with Butter London’s Foundation Priming Base Coat that acts as a protective layer and fills in nail ridges, prevents nail stains, and locks polish onto the nail. When I’m short on time, I wear this base coat alone since it provides sheer, nude coverage with a matte finish.
Customer Review: “I like to use this not only as foundation before applying nail polish but use it on its own when I don’t have time to paint and dry my nails. Leaves a hint of color like I put in effort and dries quick enough that I don’t have to sit and wait as long.”
Londontown
Kur Conceal & Go Nail Color Set in Milky
Have you ever heard of a nail concealer? This set features Londontown’s cult-favorite Foundation Priming Base Coat, which gives the illusion of flawless nails with reflective brighteners and a milky finish. It also includes a top coat that offers a gel-like finish for any manicure.
Customer Review: “How am I just discovering this product!? I have been painting my own nails for years and am always in search of a product that has a great brush applicator, a natural color and lasts…well, this is it! It’s fast drying and lasts for 2 weeks. Recommending to all my friends!”
Sienna Byron Bay
Dawn Trio
When I do decide to paint my nails, I go for neutral shades for the ideal naked-looking manicure. The Dawn Trio stands out to me because it features three shades that look good on all skin tones and is formulated with natural ingredients derived from sugarcane, cassava, cotton, and corn.
Customer Review: “Amazing natural colors—long lasting which is a must for me. I generally get one week before I need to redo my nails. Overall I’m extremely happy and already have some other colors on my wish list.”
DeMert
Nail Enamel Dryer Spray
I don’t always use a spray to help speed up the drying time for my manicures, but I love this one by DeMert when I’m in a rush. It’s fast-drying and non-smearing and uses organic protein-mink oil and panthenol to help condition my cuticles and nails.
Customer Review: “Always used this spray when I used to do my nails at the nail salon, but now that I do my nails mainly in the comfort of my own home, I love the fact that I can use this dry spray to set my nails after two thin coats of nail polish.”
