Sure, it's hard to not get distracted by all the pretty polish colours [1] out there; after all, they can instantly boost your mood [2]. However, the first thing to think about before attempting an at-home manicure is making sure your nails — and hands — are in good shape, too.
Nails can get brittle [3] and dehydrated after repeated gel or acrylic treatments, and now could be just the time to give them a rest [4]. Still, even if you're going to go polish-free, there's no reason why you can't use these products to treat your cuticles and trim your nails, so your hands look and feel great.
At Sephora especially, nail-care products of all types are flying off the (virtual) shelves now that more people are ready to DIY a polish change [5] — including celebrities [6] — so ask yourself: do you have everything you need? Find the products from Sephora that let you totally nail your at-home manicures ahead.
Deborah Lippmann Marshmallow Whipped Hand and Cuticle Scrub
If you're looking for a special treat, this Deborah Lippmann Marshmallow Whipped Hand and Cuticle Scrub [7] ($29) exfoliates dead skin cells and clears pores with AHAs and BHAs, so your hands (and cuticles) are soft and smooth, no matter how often you've been washing them lately. Now, why not warm a towel in the microwave to take it off when you're done?
Sephora Collection Tough As Nails Deluxe Manicure Kit
The bestselling Sephora Collection Tough As Nails Deluxe Manicure Kit [8] ($20) has all the tools you need to get started on an at-home manicure, including several clippers that tackle different parts of your nails and cuticles. Plus, it's a perfect size to toss in a bag when it's time to travel again.
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Touch Hand Cream
Sure, the Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Touch Hand Cream [9] ($15) is meant to soften your hands, but its key ingredient is actually magic for your nails at the same time. Antioxidant-rich brazil nut feeds the protein enzymes that help nails grow and stay healthy and treats your cuticles, too.
Josie Maran 100 percent Pure Argan Oil Mini
Adding a dab of this popular Josie Maran 100 percent Pure Argan Oil Mini [10] ($17) to your cuticles softens them, so they're easier to push them back when that time comes.
Nails Inc. NailPure Top Coat
While the Nails Inc. NailPure Top Coat [11] ($15) doesn't directly touch your nail (unless you're spreading it on solo), it includes a regenerating complex that boosts your keratin production, so nails are harder and healthier-looking than ever and still allows oxygen to get to your nails despite the layers.
Rosebud Perfume Co. Rosebud Salve in a Tube
This Rosebud Perfume Co. Rosebud Salve in a Tube [12] ($7) has countless uses all over your body, including treating any dry, damaged cuticles you may see.
Moroccanoil Hand Cream
This lightweight Moroccanoil Hand Cream [13] ($24) features a blend of oils and butters including avocado, mango, and cocoa. It keeps the skin all over your hands hydrated and supports skin's natural barrier against the elements that may dry out your hands or cause cracked cuticles.
Nails Inc. Sweet Almond Nail Polish Powered By Matcha
Yes, it's a nail polish colour, but this Nails Inc. Sweet Almond Nail Polish Powered By Matcha [14] ($15) adds in moisturising sweet almond oil to nourish the nail bed as you sweep it on, alongside matcha powder packed with antioxidants to keep nails protected and strong.
Earth’s Nectar Mint Leaves Scalp Oil
Yes, we realise this Earth's Nectar Mint Leaves Scalp Oil [15] ($19) treats your head [16], but it does double duty as the mint, almond, and jojoba oils can be massaged in to hydrate your hands, promote natural blood circulation, and add moisture to dry cuticles, too.
Deborah Lippmann Rich Girl - Broad Spectrum SPF 25 Hand Cream
This Deborah Lippmann Rich Girl - Broad Spectrum SPF 25 Hand Cream [17] ($28) keeps hands protected against the sun, plus plant extracts from grape and algae brighten dull skin while shea butter and avocado oil tackle even a hint of fine lines.
L'Occitane 100 percent Pure Shea Butter
Or, opt for pure L'Occitane 100 percent Pure Shea Butter [18] ($13-$39) and target cuticles with this vitamin E-rich deep-conditioning balm that softens cuticles (and the rest of your hands), so they stay supple and safe.