If there is one beauty and self-care ritual I like to keep up with, it's getting my nails done. I can skip a blowout or a facial if need be, but I really love having my nails done. I just feel like myself with a fresh coat of polish [1]. However, I haven't set foot in a nail salon in two months, and while I appreciated the time for my nails to take a polish break [2], I wanted a little creature comfort. I ordered the Olive & June Studio Kit [3] ($50), and it's a game changer.
I am not a natural artist; the worst grade I ever got in high school was in drawing and painting. I don't even own nail polish; I always use the salon's. So I was super excited to try the Poppy [4] ($16), the Olive & June universal nail polish tool. The idea is that you put the Poppy [5] over your nail polish bottle, and it keeps your hand steady so you can paint easily. Reader, it works. It works astonishingly well. I used their brand of polish (which by the way might be the best polish ever), and the above picture is my nails after seven days, no touch-ups or anything. Not bad for my very first at-home manicure.
I was reluctant to dive into a manicure kit because I felt like I was washing my hands so often that polish felt futile. However, there is a unique joy I feel in looking down at my fingers and seeing my lavender polish. I'm not only proud that I was able to tackle something I had previously designated impossible, I'm also proud that I did something for myself [6], and I highly recommend finding something that brings you joy. I'm already thinking about my next manicure.
Olive & June The Studio Box
I bought the Olive & June The Studio Box [8] ($50) and it has everything you need for an at-home mani. It comes with a nail clipper, buffer, file, clean up brush, nail polish remover, one polish, one top coat, and a poppy.
Olive & June The Poppy
This Olive & June The Poppy [9] ($16) is genius. I could even paint with my left hand thanks to this.
Olive & June TT Polish
This lavender Olive & June TT Polish [10] ($8) is the one I used, and it's gorgeous.
Olive & June CHM Polish
I was naive and started with an opaque polish. This sheer neutral Olive & June CHM Polish [11] ($8) is perfect for true beginners.
Olive & June HZ Polish
This rosy neutral Olive & June HZ Polish [12] ($8) is what I want to try next.
Olive & June The Top Coat
You can't forget this Olive & June The Top Coat [13] ($8).