Beauty 101: My Favorite At Home Manicure Products

I love a good mani/pedi just as much as the next girl but usually, I opt for getting a pedicure at a nail salon instead of a manicure. I just find them more relaxing and whenever I get a manicure, I feel like it's a waste of money. They always chip as soon as I leave the salon and I can't touch it up since I usually don't have that nail color at home.

I also really enjoy constantly changing my nail color (clearly -- I mean, take a look at my Manicure Monday series) so I always opt to do my nails at home. 

However, I never really took care of my nails, I always just put the polish on and hoped for the best. It's only been recently that I've been discovering different products to not only help my nails but make every manicure better than the last.

Here are a few of my favorite, must-have products for the best at home manicure:

1. Julep Oxygen Smoothing Base Coat: One of the best nail treatments on the market are by far, the Julep Oxygen Nail Treatment. It's the perfect base coat while also acting as a nail treatment; it allows oxygen to get to the nails which encourages healthy nail growth. This is really the only base coat I use (aside from one other) and I've noticed that my nails don't peel as much as they used too.

2. Essie Treat Love & Color: When I heard that Essie was coming out with these treatment nail colors, I immediately purchased two of them. I have the Laven-Dearly and Treat Me Bright. These are a nail strengthener and a great base coat when I want to take a break from the Oxygen Smoothing one. I haven't noticed too much of a difference but these are nice and sheer so I can wear them alone if I want to as well. 

3. Essie Gel Setter: This is by far one of the best top coats out there. It makes any nail polish turn to a gel formula, adds a high shine and gives your manicure a bit more longevity. I haven't used another top coat ever since this came out. It's THE must-have of this list! 

4. ORLY Flash Dry Drops: I don't know why everyone hasn't come out with Quick Dry Drops but they're a manicure lovers dream and a must have if you're doing an at home manicure. After I let the Gel Setter dry for a minute or two, then drop two drops onto each nail. My nails are pretty much immediately dry and it adds an extra layer of protection for your mani.

5. NCLA So Rich Apricot Cuticle Oil: I never knew the importance of taking care of your cuticles until they got so bad I started bleeding. Now, whenever I'm having myself a pamper night, I'll put some of this cuticle oil on my hands and let it soak in. I've tried other cuticle oils and creams but this one just seems to work best. It's not too sticky, greasy, or oily and really sets into your nail beds.

Below are a few other tools and treatments that I really enjoy:

What are your favorite nail treatments?

xoxo

B