I love for my nails to be done. Actually getting them done? That’s another story.
There are certain little things that instantly make me feel more put together. A good outfit. My jewelry. My hair cooperating. And definitely my nails being done. But here’s the thing:
I don’t actually love getting my nails done. I just love for them to BE done.
I know, but there’s a difference. Going to the nail salon, making the appointment, sitting through the appointment, sometimes satisfied, sometimes not, and almost always overpriced this just isn’t my favorite form of self-care. Most days I just want the result without all the extras. Give me the cute nails without making it an entire outing.
Over the years, I’ve tried different options and figured out what works for me, what doesn’t, and what I’m willing to do myself. Which brings us to the latest addition to Steffanie’s Most Loved: my at-home nail routine.
Acrylics Just Aren’t for Me
I’ve tried acrylic nails, but something about them irritates my skin, so they’re just not my thing.
That eventually led me to other options, including press-ons and Gel-X. And honestly, I think there’s a time and place for a good press-on. They’re quick. They’re cute. They can get you together when you need your nails done without making an appointment. But then there’s the runaway nail. You know the one. You’re going about your business, look down, and realize somebody has left the building. That’s the part of traditional press-ons that has never been my favorite. Although I will say this: when you’re dealing with any of these at-home nail salon solutions, keeping a little nail glue on deck is always a good idea. Not because I expect my nails to fall off, but because life happens. Something gets caught, a nail starts lifting, or apparently I’ve decided to use my nails as tools again. I’d rather have the glue and not need it than be somewhere walking around with nine nails.
If I’m Going to the Salon, Gel-X Is My Nail of Choice
Once I discovered Gel-X, that became my preferred way to get my nails done professionally. I jokingly call Gel-X a glorified press-on, but it’s basically the elevated version of what I want from a nail extension. Instead of an acrylic enhancement being built on the nail, Gel-X uses a full-cover soft-gel extension that’s adhered with gel and cured under a nail lamp. I get the shape and length I want and that polished, finished look that makes me happy when I look down at my hands. So if I’m going to sit in the nail salon? Gel-X is usually what I’m getting.
And Then I Found BTArtbox
When I started reaching for press-on nails, one of the first for me to try was BTArtbox, and what caught my attention was how much closer the experience felt to the Gel-X-style nails I already like. Full-cover nail. Gel application. Cure it. Finished manicure. Except I’m at home and for a budget-friendly price.
Now, I need to make something very clear. I have not suddenly discovered a passion for doing my own nails. You’re not about to catch me turning into a nail tech. But BTArtbox has gotten me to a place where I’m actually not opposed to doing them myself, because I’m confident my nails will pass the style check and stay on for the full occasion. I can sit down when I have the time, put on a set I genuinely like and get that polished look without making another appointment. For this season of my life, that convenience matters.
The Nail Prep I Was Missing
I’ve also learned something since doing more of this at home:
Your nail prep matters just as much as the actual nails.
I added a nail dehydrator and primer to my routine, and they’re now two things I don’t want to skip. The dehydrator helps remove surface oils and moisture from my natural nails before application, while the primer helps prep the nail for better adhesion. It doesn’t take much extra time, but I’ve noticed that being intentional about my prep gives my nails a better chance of staying where I put them. Because if I’ve actually convinced myself to sit down and do my own nails, we are NOT having one make a run for it tomorrow.
One of My Favorite Finds: UV Nail Gloves
This is one of those little products I probably wouldn’t have thought about when I first started doing gel nails. UV-protective manicure gloves. Because gel systems require a curing lamp, my hands are exposed to UV light during the process. So now I wear fingerless UV-protective gloves that cover most of my hands while leaving my nails exposed to cure.
And I really like them. They’re simple. They don’t interfere with doing my nails. And as I’m getting older, I’m much more conscious of the little things I do repeatedly and how I can make those routines a little more intentional.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends protecting the skin on your hands during gel manicures, including applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30+ sunscreen or wearing dark, opaque fingerless gloves before putting your hands under the curing light.
For me, the gloves are easy. Put them on. Do my nails. Done.
Don’t Forget the Cuticles
My last step is probably the simplest: almond oil.
Once everything is finished, I massage a little almond oil around my cuticles. It makes the entire manicure look more finished, gives my cuticles some much-needed moisture and is something I can continue using between sets. Because you can have the cutest nails in the world, but dry cuticles will absolutely tell on you. They also determine how long your set will last. It’s inexpensive, simple, and something I actually reach for. Which is exactly why it belongs here.
What’s Actually in My At-Home Nail Kit
Right now, my routine is pretty simple:
BTArtbox nails for the full-cover Gel-X-style look I prefer.
Nail dehydrator + primer because I’ve learned not to rush the prep.
UV-protective nail gloves because I’m trying to be more thoughtful about repeated exposure from my curing lamp.
Almond oil to keep my cuticles moisturized and make everything look finished.
And yes…
A little nail glue on deck.
Because I’m a realist.
Would I Choose This Over Going to the Nail Salon?
Sometimes, yes. And I think that’s actually why BTArtbox made my Most Loved list.
I’m not going to pretend I’ll never get my nails professionally done again. If I’m going to the salon, Gel-X is still my nail of choice. But now I don’t feel like going to the salon is my only way to get the result I want. There are weeks when I don’t want another appointment on my calendar. There are times when I’d rather spend that money somewhere else. And sometimes I simply want to do my nails at home, on my own time, put my stuff away, and keep it moving.
BTArtbox gives me that option.
And somehow it has taken a woman who doesn’t particularly enjoy doing her own nails and made her say:
Okay…I could do this again.
That’s probably the best review I could give it.
Steffanie’s Most Loved: Real Products. Real Routine. Real Life.
That’s really the point of this series.
Steffanie’s Most Loved isn’t about everything I’m buying. It’s about the things I’m actually using.
Products that have earned a spot in my bathroom, closet, beauty routine, home, or everyday life because they solve a problem, make something easier, or simply make me feel good. I’m trying to be more intentional about what I buy and what I recommend. I don’t need every new thing. I want the things that actually work for my real life. And right now, this little nail setup works. Because after all of these years, one thing hasn’t changed:
I still don’t love getting my nails done. I just really, really love for them to be done. And now I have another way to make that happen.
Shop My At-Home Nail Routine
These are the products I’m currently using for my at-home nail routine. I’ll continue updating my Most Loved list as I find products that genuinely earn a spot.
BTArtbox Nails
Nail Dehydrator
Nail Primer
UV-Protective Manicure Gloves
Almond Cuticle Oil
Nail Glue, because you never know.
Some links on this page may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my link, at no additional cost to you. As always, I only share products I genuinely use, like, or think are worth knowing about.
TA TA for Now,
Steffanie Monae’
