Want a celeb-worthy mani? These are the tools and tips our favorite stars’ nail artists swear by.
QUEENIE NGUYEN
Clients: Jessica Alba, Anna Kendrick, Saoirse Ronan, Alessandra Ambrosio
Must-Have Products: Nguyen is all about hand care. Masks and exfoliators are a must, including her favorites PAUME Overnight Hand & Foot Hydration Mask ($38), Patchology Rosé Fingers Hand Mask ($10) and SIDIA The Hand Exfoliant ($42). She also swears by red light therapy to help “revitalize and improve skin firmness,” using the Solawave 2-in-1 Skincare Mini ($89). Another one of Nguyen’s best practices is UV protection during a gel mani, so she always has Coolibar UV Fingerless Gloves ($35). She also loves ORLY Builder in a Bottle ($22). “It’s a staple in my kit because of its flexibility for multiple services in terms of nail extensions, nail protection, nail repair and more,” says Nguyen. And to lug all of her essentials around, Nguyen relies on her trusty Hulken Bag (starting at $99).
Pro Tip: “My nail-care motto is ‘Nails are jewels, not tools.’ It is very important to protect your nails by taking care of them daily,” says Nguyen. “Do not use your nails to open packages or lock the door. Protect them from chemicals and bacteria by wearing gloves for certain household activities.”
ZOLA GANZORIGT
Clients: Hailey Bieber, Sydney Sweeney, Sabrina Carpenter, Adele
Must-Have Products: Ganzorigt is the mastermind behind many of our favorite celebrity nail trends, but when it comes to her essential products, she always keeps a couple of neutral pink tones in her kit, including OPI Nail Polish in Bare My Soul, Put It In Neutral, Bubble Bath, Passion and Funny Bunny ($12 each). For the darker end of the spectrum, OPI’s Black Onyx and Alpine Snow ($12 each) are regulars in her arsenal.
Pro Tip: “Prepping the nails before the actual manicure is really important,” says Ganzorigt. This step—along with regularly using cuticle oil—helps keep your nails strong and preserves a manicure for longer, she explains.
ELIZABETH GARCIA
Clients: Karlie Kloss, Doja Cat, Kim Kardashian, Kali Uchis
Must-Have Products: Did you know nail cleansers exist? Garcia’s favorite is Gelish Nail Surface Cleanse ($9), which is one of her staples. For cuticle care, which is a huge part of a stellar manicure, the nail artist uses Deborah Lippmann’s ($22) and essie’s formulas ($15). Other assets in her kit include Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Top Coat ($6), Revlon Nail Clippers ($4) and Nécessaire The Hand Cream ($28).
Pro Tip: Remember to exfoliate your hands frequently to get rid of dry and dead skin, says Garcia. “Don’t be afraid to apply masks and treatments to your hands as well to keep them looking young and rejuvenated!”
BRITTNEY BOYCE
Clients: Megan Fox, Kim Kardashian, Kate Hudson, Rosé
Must-Have Products: Boyce tells us there are so many products manicurists have to carry with them, but among the bunch there are a few ride-or-die products. For the perfect gel overlay or hard gel fill, she loves ORLY Builder in a Bottle ($22), and to achieve a flawless application of gel extensions, she uses Aprés Nail Gel Extensions ($117).
Boyce also created Lost Angels Press-On Extensions ($16) “so everyone can afford to have perfect nails without needing to go to a nail salon. Many of my celebrity clients have worn them and loved them!” When she’s looking to level up a mani with 3-D designs or charms, she swears by Daily Charme Stay Put Jewelry Gel ($20).
Pro Tip: “I use cuticle oil up to 10 times a day,” Boyce says. “It makes a huge difference in nail wear and appearance.”
STEPH STONE
Clients: Charli XCX, Gracie Abrams, Miley Cyrus, Michelle Monaghan
Must-Have Products: When it comes to the top items in her kit, Stone is pretty practical. She says she needs a tiny concealer brush for cleaning up any painting out of the lines with nail polish remover, and she always has rubbing alcohol to swipe on the nail beds before polish. “It’s not just for sanitation, but also to cleanse the nail beds of any oils or debris for a long-lasting manicure.”
To shorten dry times, Stone uses essie Quick-E ($10). “Not only does it help speed up the time that your nails are dry to the touch, but it also makes your cuticles look gorgeous,” she says. “These are a huge staple in my kit, especially during rushed times like when I’m on set or before a red-carpet event.”
Pro Tip: “My top nail-care tip is to use cuticle oil regularly. If you do nothing else, use cuticle oil,” urges Stone. “Not only does it keep nail beds strong, but also the skin around the nails. The more hydrated you are, the less your skin will get hangnails, which often lead to picking and biting.” She recommends essie’s on a roll apricot nail & cuticle oil ($15). “The rollerball application keeps the process spill-free, and the formula smells amazing!”
JULIE KANDALEC
Clients: Emily Blunt, Anya Taylor Joy, Viola Davis, Jessica Chastain
Must-Have Products: Kandalec has a kit filled with top-of-the-line tools, including an E-file with diamond bits, and bamboo mascara wands. She also always carries her Nail Art Book ($24) with her, which she created to help lay out nail looks and colors seamlessly.
For the perfect “your nails but better” mani, she relies on the Lights Lacquer Your Perfect Base Lacquer Duo ($26). Another essential is Seche Vite’s Dry Fast Top Coat ($11). “It’s been around forever for a reason! It dries super fast and doesn’t smear nail art.” Kandalec also stocks her kit with KISS Max Speed Nail Glue ($3). “When timing is crucial and clients are moving around a lot, this saves me!” For hand and cuticle care, her go-tos are Aprés Cuticle Serum ($15), Weleda Skin Food ($14) and La Mer The Renewal Oil ($295).
Pro Tip: “Stop peeling your nails off! Proper removal might cost between $10 and $50, but it will save you three to four months of damage,” says Kandalec. She also advises DIYers to “never buy a nail kit from Amazon unless it’s from a trusted professional brand like Gelish or Olive & June.”
