Giving myself a little manicure is a weekly essential. I love taking the time to catch up on YouTube or TV, and paint my nails. I always feel so much more put together with my nails painted, and I think it can really finish a look and add a level of sophistication. I've put together some of my manicure favourites that I reach for regularly when doing my nails.




Decent base coats and top coats a key for me when I paint my nails. Not only does a top coat add longevity to my nails but it also adds an extra glossy shine which I love. I'm quite picky when it comes to base coats, I want something that is going to protect my nails, help with growth and that I can paint on by itself if I'm in a huge rush. My perfect duo of base and top coat come in from Essie, and the prep 'n' protect nail care set. The grow stronger base coat does exactly what I want to it, and the good to go top coat adds the glossy finish whilst have a fast drying formula.


Of course the actual nail colour is needed, and as I have a pretty large collection split between my uni home and family home it always takes ages for me to decide what colour to actually choose. I love me a good neutral or pastel shade, but a colour that I've been reaching for recently as spring draws closer is this beautiful violet toned shade from Nails Inc.

I mentioned these products in a recent post, but what would a manicure be without nice looking hands? I much prefer my hands when the nails are painted and they're soft. For me that's slathering them in Soap and Glory hand cream and keeping my cuticles pushed back which adds to the manicure, using the Sally Hansen Cuticle balm.

What are your manicure picks?

Em x