Salon Quality Manicures at Home

Happy #ManiMonday! There really is a hashtag for every day isn't there? #ManiMonday is one of my favorites though.  When I was in elementary school, most kids passed the time playing video games, rollerblading, or watching cartoons.  I got super into nail art.  That hobby eventually expanded to include all aspects of manicures.  One thing I've learned is that the right tools and products make a big difference.  I've developed a few favorites I'll go through, as well as a few techniques that make a quick, clean manicure simple. 

My list of "must-haves" follows:

• Good base coat and top coat.  I love Seche's base coat and topcoat.  The topcoat goes on thick and smooth, dries fast, and keeps my nail polish perfect for days.  I can usually go 1.5-2 weeks before I need to re-polish.  Alternatively, CND's Vinylux line is another favorite.  It lasts me typically 2 weeks, and only requires a topcoat, no base coat.  Basically magic.
• Quality polish.  I know, I'm a snob, but I'm convinced it makes a difference.  I favor OPI and CND.  I've tried Essie and China Glaze and been unimpressed with their longevity and coverage. 
• Cuticle cream, cuticle pusher, and nippers.  I've linked the exact items I have of each below, and I swear by them.  Clean, groomed cuticles are one factor that really sets a professional mani apart from a DIY. 
• Nail file.  I don't have any strong feelings about these (shocking I know...)

And on to a few items that are super convenient, but not required:

• Quick-dry spray.  I swear by OPI's Rapi-Dry spray, plus a bottle lasts like a decade.  No seriously, I bought the big size nearly a decade ago and it's just now getting low.
• Plastic backed cotton pads.  These handy little plastic backed cotton disks make polish removal SO much easier.  Plus they protect your nails, so if you're doing a pedi you won't ruin your mani.
• Nail polish removal pen for all the oopsies.

Any handy manicure tips?  What is your favorite top coat and polish?

linked up with manic monday with more pieces of me and on the daily express // #howifall with chacha and rachelle  // i would so rock this // style to inspire // monday morning gossip // sophisticated style  //  mix it monday  //  creative monday