Best At-Home Manicure Tools & Products | Expert Picks

Lisa Shin

Stay-Put Pick

Thanks to a strengthening formula, Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Color in Posh Plum ($2.95, drugstores) won't budge.

Tester says: "This polish never got a nick, even without a topcoat."
— Jessica Davis, Columbia, Missouri

Lisa Shin

Super Natural

A gray-beige hybrid, Essie Nail Polish in Sand Tropez ($8, essie.com) looks fresh.

Tester says: "My new neutral; it's ideal for both work and Pilates."
— Eleanor Langston, beauty director

Lisa Shin

Quick Fix

With a built-in topcoat, Revlon Top Speed Fast Dry Nail Enamel in Ocean ($5.99, drugstores) sets in 60 seconds.

Tester says: "It dried fast and is glossy days later."
— Aubrey Johnson, Fort Worth, Texas

Lisa Shin

Bright On

OPI Glam Slam Collection Nail Lacquer in Simply Smashing ($8.50, Ulta stores) is the first nail color designed by tennis star Serena Williams.

Tester says: "The shade has a cool factor and holds up when I play sports."
— Megan Murray, Caseyville, Illinois

Lisa Shin

Get Buff

For neat nails, use Sonia Kashuk Nail Buffer ($4.99, Target stores) to smooth rough spots.

Tester says: "My nails had a healthy, natural shine."
— Olivia Ellis, Overland Park, Kansas

Lisa Shin

Handy Hydrator

The shea butter in Love & Toast Hand Creme in Gin Blossom ($10, beautyhabit.com) quenches skin.

Tester says: "This lotion keeps my hands from getting chapped on chilly runs."
— Noelle Medina, Laguna Hills, California

Lisa Shin

Tear Repair

Roll almond oil-laced Julep Essential Cuticle Oil ($8.95, julep.com) around nails to mend frays.

Tester says: "My cuticles were softer after just a few days."
— Alexandra Smoldt, Des Moines, Iowa

Lisa Shin

Ace of Base

Paint Chanel Protective Base Coat ($23, department stores) on tips to keep polish in place.

Tester says: "It helped my color last."
— Kelsey Mirando, Tulsa

Originally published in FITNESS magazine, February 2011.