The 10 Essential Nail Kits for Your Best Manicure, Ever (2024)

As the saying goes, big things come in small packages. Kudo notes that this handy manicure kit from Tweezerman offers "a practical reliable kit for a more affordable price." Inside you'll find a clipper, nail cleaner, cuticle "nipper" and file, which are made from durable stainless steel and built to last. And, thanks to its included carrying case, you can keep it in your bag for an unexpected nail emergency.

What reviewers are saying: "This is a high-[quality] nail kit from Tweezerman that I have purchased multiple times over the years (I lose stuff). The cuticle clippers are precise!! The file, although tiny, really does work well. It comes in a very handy durable cute case that I keep in my bag."—Sandi F.

Tenoverten is known as one of the It Girl salons of New York City, partly because of their elevated, non-toxic manicure offerings. The brand's luxe tool and nail care favorites make it easy to take their salon experience home.

The $198 price tag of this coveted set from the brand might elicit some sticker shock, but it's worth the investment. Crafted in Germany, you'll discover two sets of stainless steel clippers, a double-sided file, a pushback tool, and cuticle snippers with a scratch-resistant coating to repel water, oil, and bacteria.

What reviewers are saying: "I have been wanting to purchase this set since I discovered your company. I love the ease, precision, and the case set. It is compact and easy to take with me when traveling, also." —Mary D.

Along with Olive and June's beloved nail strengthener and cuticle serum, this three-piece kit also contains their high-shine top coat to leave your nails glossier than ever. And to minimize mess, you can toss them all in the set's included ziplock pouch for easy storage.

What reviewers are saying: "Where have you been all my life? My cuticles finally look presentable! And the top coat is the icing on the cake!! Super glossy!" —Terri C.

This Amazon shopper-approved nail kit option features a nail file, cuticle pusher, and three different clippers to suit several nail thicknesses and shapes. In addition to shaping tools, the kit also contains eyebrow scissors, an acne tool, and more that makes it easy to tackle all your beauty needs in one fell swoop. And did we mention it's available for under $10? No wonder why nearly 8,000 customers are raving over it.

What reviewers are saying: "I travel a bunch, and I'm often looking for my nail stuff to throw in my travel case. Not anymore! This little kit has everything and it's small enough to easily stash in an overnight, weekend, or checked bag. I would recommend this nail kit for anyone who travels." —Lynn

Prefer not to wear polish but still want salon-level nails? Thanks to Bare Hands' pared-back manicure kit, you can double down on care without all of the extra bells and whistles. For a seamless dry gloss manicure that enhances natural shine without a topcoat, the brand keeps it simple with two products: A citrus-scented cuticle oil and a glass file to gently buff and smooth your nails.

What reviewers are saying: "I honestly can’t believe how much I love this kit. I’ve always wanted to love nail polish but I just don’t—I prefer the look of healthy natural nails. This takes that look and brings it up to 11."—Caitlin

Not only are each of the tools in this professional-level manicure set made of glass, but they're also perfect for smoothing ragged cuticles. Before even reaching for Butter London's cuticle pusher and file, allow their Melt Away Cuticle Exfoliator to do the heavy lifting around your nail beds.

What reviewers are saying: "I love this product so much! It made removing dead or dry skin in the cuticle area so easy! It literally was like melting away the excess, overgrown cuticles on my nails. Because I could easily push back my cuticles and did not have to cut the skin, it made for a pain-free process that was great for my nails." —stephinitelyglam

If you're looking for a manicure set that can rival what the professionals use, what better place to start than a pick from celebrity artist Deborah Lippmann's line? This streamlined, five-piece set contains a diamond-ceramic nail file, cuticle pusher and nail cleaner, nail clipper, cuticle nipper, and even a pair of tweezers.

Plus, each of the included tools is coated with a silver-ion treatment to help reduce surface germs while keeping rust, scratches, and abrasion to a minimum.

What reviewers are saying: "I have been enjoying this set of instruments for nail care; they all work well and are a great purchase. I highly recommend them."—Deborah H.

The creators behind one of Bazaar's favorite electric trimmers also happen to make a handsome, travel-ready nail kit. The five-piece set is made entirely of stainless steel and is nicely housed in a water-resistant case that makes it simple to pack in your bag or carry-on.

What reviewers are saying: "It has basically everything you would need for nail care, and it's travel size too! Very convenient." —Sarah S.

If you're looking to get some bang for your beauty buck, consider this cheery, 13-piece nail kit from Glamsquad to keep you well-stocked. The colorful set includes five emery boards to shape your nails to perfection, along with a stainless steel clipper. Plus, the brand's cuticle trimmer, scissors, and dual-ended tools help keep your nail beds in line and make it a breeze to remove lingering dirt and debris.

What shoppers are saying: "I absolutely love this manicure kit. It comes with anything and everything you need. Each of the products in the kit is made to last and from a great brand. If you are looking for a manicure set, I highly recommend this one." —Tburton21

• Emi Kudo is a celebrity manicurist.
• Maurisha Allen is the founder of Live in Color Studio in Castro Valley, California.

Simply put, it depends. Allen says clippers, nail files, alcohol wipes, and an oil or lotion are crucial for overall nail health. If you're on the hunt for a salon-worthy setup, Kudo is a major proponent of "a good penetrating cuticle oil, sharp cuticle nippers, and buffers, [plus] orange wood sticks to clean underneath of nails and push back the excess cuticles."

With that said, if you only use your manicure kit for maintenance between appointments, a file and clipper can go a long way. Before adding one of the best manicure sets to your shopping cart, consider how you'll use it. "Although having any beauty service done for you is a luxury, maintaining your nail care is essential like taking care of the rest of your hygiene at home," Maurisha Allen, owner of Live in Color Studio explains. "A manicure set will help you do that in case you don't have the time or luxury to have someone do it for you."

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