Whats In My Nail Kit?

After recently visiting Excel London and picking up some new nail bits and bobs I thought I would share with you what is in my nail kit. Due to the fact that I did mostly pick up nail products on my visit. I am hoping to be posting more about nail trends and inspirations that I might have. 


Although not technically in my nail kit box my gel setting lamp may be the most important piece of equipment. The lamp itself can be used for setting gel nail varnish. However it will not dry or set any other polish just gel products when applied correctly in the first place. This may not sound that exciting but once you have had your nails painted in gel polish you realise how much better it is than normal polish. There is no chipping after a day or two and your nails will look great for up to three weeks.

There is then all the boring yet essential tools and equipment: nail files, nail buffers, nail polish remover, cuticle sticks, scissors, clippers, cotton pads and so on. You will never achieve the perfect manicure or pedicure without any of this. It will require shaping and smoothing out any bumps or ridges, pushing back your overgrown cuticles and even cleaning your nails to accomplish what you desire to paint that one nail. You could paint your nail in the prettiest colour but if they are shaped awfully they will look awful. Its better to have neat tidy nails in good condition than just a cute colour. The most important thing in your nail kit will always be your nail file so make sure its a good one. Although you should use a emery board I always find that a solid nail file is better for the job. To get the right shape, whether is is round or squaoval you will need the best equipment. I personally prefer shorter nails that are all shaped evenly next to each other but if you are having trouble pushing back your cuticles then your nails will seem extremely short. The answer to a long looking nail that is usable and not in fact that long is pushing back your cuticles. You could have nails that don't exceed the length of your finger but are still long with this one simple trick. 

Although when I perform a manicure/pedicure I don't spend forever on the cuticles a little now and again always helps them to keep in good condition. Having a variety of tools to push back your cuticles is the key. You need to start with oil to soften the cuticle itself and then by applying cuticle remover it will help to lift the cuticle off of the nail plate. You then have the choice of a wooden, rubber or metal tool. My personal favourite is the metal pusher but this is only because it can get the toughest of cuticle gone. However if you have a nail that is extremely sore or delicate then the rubber would be ideal, it is soft and still gets the job done at a softer and slower/less painful pace.

The nail polishes are what finish the kit, you can do everything to make your nails perfect. From buffing to filing but without an amazing polish to finish your nails are not complete. In my kit I have a few gel polishes that require the lamp and a few normal polishes that are my favourites. Especially my essie matte polish, this polish enables me to make any of my colours matte with the stroke of a brush. However I will be reviewing this soon on my thoughts and tips for applying and using the polish. 

What advice or tips do you have on achieving the perfect nails?

Lots of love,

Clo x