I love getting my nails done professionally as much as the next girl—but if I’m being honest, I don’t always have the time (or the budget) to hit the salon every two weeks. Enter: the DIY manicure. Once I figured out what products actually worked (and which ones weren’t worth the hype), doing my nails at home became one of my favorite little self-care rituals. It’s relaxing, fun, and genuinely satisfying—especially when the end result is just as pretty as something I’d walk out of a salon with.

If you’re trying to level up your at-home DIY manicure game, here are the tools and products I actually use and love—plus a few tips to make it last.

Just a note: this blog post contains affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you if you purchase through these links I make a small commission.

Nail Prep Is Everything

Let me say it louder for the girls in the back: your manicure will only look as good (and last as long) as your prep. Skip this step and even the best polish won’t save you.

Here’s what I recommend:

• Olive & June Nail Polish Mani Prep Set (5ct): This set comes with all the basics to get your nails prepped and primed for polish. Think: cuticle pusher, clean-up brush, buffer, and more. It’s compact, easy to use, and perfect for travel or everyday use.
• Olive & June Nail File + Buffer Pack: This combo is super gentle on your nails, which is important if you’re doing manis regularly. I keep one of these sets in my bag just in case I need a quick file on the go.

My Go-To DIY Manicure Polish Picks

If you want a no-chip, glossy finish without the UV light, these are my top picks. They’re super beginner-friendly and the colors are so fun for summer.

• Summer Polish Set: These shades are giving beach vacation energy, and I love that they’re curated to work together. The formula is long-lasting and dries evenly—no streaks, no fuss.
• Quick Dry Spring/Summer 25 Set: When I need a mani but don’t have the time to sit still, I reach for this. It dries in under two minutes and still delivers great coverage.
• Spring/Summer Super Stick Set: These shades have a slightly thicker formula that gives that “plump” polish look—and they seriously last. If you’re rough on your hands or just don’t want to redo your nails every few days, this one’s for you.

Or Go Full Gel

Sometimes, I want that ultra-glossy, chip-resistant gel finish—and Olive & June’s at-home system is totally worth it.

• Spring/Summer Gel System: Everything you need for a long-lasting gel mani in one kit. It includes a LED lamp, top coat, polish remover, and more. Once you get the hang of it, it’s so easy—and the results are salon-quality.
• Summer Gel Polish Set: These colors are vibrant and perfect for the season. Pair them with the gel system and you’re golden for 10+ days.
• Olive & June Gel Essentials Kit (Target): A solid option if you want to dip your toes into gel without going all in. It includes the basics and is easy to use even for beginners.

Press-Ons That Actually Look Good

No shade to your drugstore fake nails from middle school—but these are not those. These press-ons are modern, easy to apply, and look so real.

• Olive & June Classic French Press-Ons (Short Squoval): These are the perfect mix of clean, classy, and cool. I love them when I want something that looks super polished but still effortless.
• Glamnetic Press-On Nails – Hailey: These give serious cool girl vibes. The shape and color are on trend, and they hold up better than most.
• Glamnetic Press-On Nails – Ulta Beauty Edition: A little bolder, a little sassier. I throw these on when I want something fun for the weekend or a special event.

Tips to Make Your DIY Manicure Last

If your at-home manis tend to chip after a day or two, don’t worry—you’re not doing it wrong, you probably just need a few adjustments. Here are my favorite ways to extend the life of your DIY mani:

• Don’t skip base coat. It gives the polish something to grip and helps prevent staining.
• Cap the edges. When you paint, swipe the brush across the very tip of your nail. It helps seal in the color and prevent chips.
• Hydrate your cuticles. Dry cuticles can cause polish to lift early. Keep a cuticle oil or balm nearby and use it daily.
• Wear gloves for chores. Seriously. Dish soap and cleaning products are brutal on polish. Slip on some gloves and your mani will last way longer.

Whether you’re into soft neutrals, bold colors, or glossy gels, you really can get a gorgeous, long-lasting mani at home. With the right tools and a little practice, it’s easy—and honestly, kind of therapeutic.

Let me know which set you’re trying first, and don’t forget to save this post so you can reference it later!