The Best Nail Kits
Getting professional-grade results from an at-home manicure can be easy with a little practice and the right tools. Equipping yourself with a high-quality nail kit is a great way to take your nailcare routine into your own hands, and with a range of options spanning gel and acrylic applications, there's plenty of room to get creative in the process. We've carefully selected this list to bring you the best value sets available today, so get ready to cut through the options to find your favorite.
What to Look For
Choosing the right kit depends on how you like to wear your nails. To help you make the right decision, we highlighted any additional tools, accessories, or nail care products included in the set. Our top pick for comprehensive nail care at home is the comprehensive set from Utopia Care, which comes with more than enough tools for most needs. But if you’re looking to get creative with gel or acrylic, check out the complete kits from Young Nails and Auroarc, both of which are suitable for beginners. Read on below to find the rest of our favorites.
Utopia Care Manicure Set, 15-Pieces
Tooled up
With fifteen high-quality tools nestled inside, this set from Utopia Care contains all you need to keep natural nails looking healthy and at their best. Each tool is crafted from resilient stainless steel, resulting in durability that will deliver results like new time and time again. It also comes with a protective case fitted with a luxurious PU leather inner, so you’ll feel pampered each time you open it up.
Pros:
- Additional tools for hand care, foot care, and facial treatment
- The lightweight case is ideal for travel
- Available in a range of bold color combinations
Cons:
- The cuticle trimmer isn’t the most precise
Young Nails Pro Ultimate Acrylic Kit
Layer up
This complete kit from young nails contains all you need to apply and care for acrylic nails at home. Thanks to the many professional-grade nailcare products inside this kit, you’ll be all set to experiment with creating your own designs outside the salon. Beginners are welcome here, too, as the kit comes with detailed instructions to guide you through each step of the process.
Pros:
- 100 assorted tips and 100 nail forms included
- Wide range of products lets you sample the spectrum to find your favorite
- Video tutorials also available on the Young Nails website
Cons:
- We would’ve liked more tools to be included at this price point, but we think it’s worth it nonetheless
Auroarc Gel Nail Polish Kit
Gel manicures often look better for longer than acrylic alternatives thanks to their incredibly resilient constitution. If you’re looking for a way to get great results at home and save on trips to the salon in the process, this all-inclusive kit from Auroarc is the way to go. The set includes a variety of glossy colors and a 48-watt LED curing lamp, so you’ll be all set for several treatments to come.
Pros:
- LED curing is quicker than with UV alternatives
- Durable LED beads boast over five years of operational life
- Three-button operation on the lamp couldn’t be simpler
Cons:
- The included gel polish can chip more easily than some pricier alternatives
Aullua Premium Manicure Set, 8-Pieces
Creature comforts
Keeping your nails looking fresh when you’re away from home can be a pain if it means carrying a full-sized kit with you wherever you roam. This premium manicure set from Aullua takes things back to basics, with a stripped-back eight-piece collection of the essentials. It all packs into a sleek, slender carrying case that will fit snugly inside your pocket.
Pros:
- The handsome matte black finish on these tools is also anti-slip
- Double-machined blades make these clippers and scissors extra sharp
- Additional tweezers, files, and facial care tools make this a versatile package
Cons:
- It can be difficult to remove the flat tools from this slimline case
Teenitor Professional Nail File Set, 5-Pieces
If you’re a regular at your local nail salon, you might have already seen these professional files knocking around on occasion. This great value set of five will allow you to achieve the same results at home. With a range of grits covering the full spectrum, you’ll have no trouble finding the right tool whether you’re removing thick gel polish or touching up delicate imperfections
Pros:
- Made with top quality EVC+ emery board for ultimate durability and performance
- Double-sided for a longer lifespan
- Comes in a handy travel pack for transport and storage
Cons:
- Some might find these files too wide for shaping work
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of tools should I expect in a basic nail kit?
If you’re just looking for a kit to take care of the essentials, there are a few basic tools you should consider. Most kits typically contain a buffer, clippers, cuticle pusher and nippers, tweezers, and a nail file or emery board. Kits for acrylic or gel nails will contain specific tools for their application or removal.
How often should I replace the tools in my kit?
Though durable tools will be built to last, every material will eventually wear down with use. You should replace the tools in your kit as soon as they become dull or damaged. Generally, it’s recommended to replace them every few months.
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