Nail tools and products to buy now

Woman with nail art

Want your nails in tip-top shape? Check out the latest tools to help turn those worn-down hands into works of art.

Nail art made easy

Gel nail starter set

Get gel

Gel polish manicures are now at your fingertips. SensatioNail’s Starter Kit comes with everything needed for do-it-yourself gel nails. The LED light seals color in minutes, just like the pros! Color lasts two weeks. (CVS, $60)

Nail lingerie

Dazzle

Designed for the nail novice, L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Nail Lingerie makes 3D nail effects simple. Add jewels and sparkles to nails with ease. No drying time. (Drugstore.com, $9)

Check out these nail art tutorials >>

Bling it on leather and skulls nail kit

Go leather

Inspired by the Midwestern kinda gal, Nails Inc. has created a leather-effect polish. This sexy shade goes on glossy but dries to a leathery-looking texture. This collection also includes crystal skull embellishments to create unique nail art at home. Glue (and directions) included. (Sephora, $25)

Velvet manicure set

Go velvet

Ciate turns nails into velvet-coated masterpieces with their simple two-step kit. While polish is wet, sprinkle a bit of crushed velvet on your tips. No top coat necessary. (Sephora, $19)

Handy tools

New York manicurist Julie Kandalec says to ditch the worn-out wooden nail file for a more durable glass nail file. “I can’t live without one,” she says. “They prevent the nail from splitting and are especially crucial for saving brittle nails. The grit never wears out, and best of all, they are environmentally friendly.” Find glass files at Pampered.com.

Corrector pen

Sally Hansen’s Ahead of the Curve Sapphire File is another top choice. The metal makes it super-durable. Clean it with soap and water, and reuse.

If you want hangnails to take a hike, try the Sephora Collection Angled Cuticle Nipper. And while you’re at it, clear trapped dirt and makeup with the Tweezerman Pushy and Nail Cleaner. The Corrector Pen by Nails Inc. is another must-have for polish lovers. Clean up and correct mistakes on the go.

Want to look polished without the polish? Give those bare nails a quick rub-down with the CND Glossing Buffer Block.

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