Nail tools I can't live without!

Over the last few years I have researched and tested several different nail tools. The tools I am going to share with you today, are tools I have consistently used and can't live without! Okay okay, I probably could live without them, but why would I want to do that?! :).
(I have links to all the products, just click on the product name by the numbers and it will take you there.)

1. Crystal Nail File

I rarely use an emery board on my fingernails anymore, I prefer to use a crystal file. A good one is worth the money people! I have always had problems with my nails flaking and peeling, and I feel like this (and a few other nail products which will be discussed in a later post) have really helped with that problem. This girl ain't never going back to those regular nail files. ;) I found this Nail Tek file at Ulta, but they are less expensive on Amazon.

2. Cuticle Remover/Scraper

This Tweezerman cuticle remover is my favorite by far. I prefer it over the rounded ones because those usually don't fit the shape of my nails. This one just works well for me. I use it to push the cuticles back and scrape off any excess. Love it!! You can get this at Sally's Beauty Supply or Amazon.

3. Orange Wood Sticks

Orange wood sticks are cheap and just handy to have around. I use them to help push my cuticles back, or just for plain old clean-up when I am painting my nails. I always have one around. You can get these babies anywhere.

4. Clean-up brush

I LOVE this Sonia Kashuk No 105 smudge brush. It's works perfectly to make a nice clean edge around the cuticles. After your nail polish color has dried, just dip it in pure acetone, dab off the excess on a towel and get to cleaning. Follow up with a fast drying topcoat, and ta-da! It looks like a professional did your nails! This step is what makes all the difference. You can find this brush at Target.

5. Dotting Tool Set

These are perfect for many different types of nail art (polka dots, flowers, etc). I have seen this exact set at Sally's Beauty Supply, but you can get them super cheap on Amazon.

What are some of your favorite nail tools? I would like to know-maybe I am missing out on something really great.

My Spring 2015 Nail Polish Favorites

I am SO excited Spring is here! I love to pull out a few of my bright and pastel polishes this time of year. I went through my collection and pulled together 12 of my favorite spring-time colors. They are in no particular order. 

OPI-You're Such a Budapest. LOVE this gorgeous pastel purple the formula is a crelly (cream/jelly) with a subtle silver shimmer. It's my most favorite polish to date! It glides on your nail and applies very evenly. Swatch is 3 coats.

China Glaze-Wanderlust. This is from their Spring 2015 Road Trip collection. It's a cool toned pink crelly with a coppery shimmer (which was hard to pick up on camera). This is 3 coats.

Essie- Splash of Grenadine (my second favorite polish) is a crelly pinky purple and it applies like a dream! This isn't part of their permanent line, but I found mine on Amazon. 2 coats

OPI-Gargantuan Green Grape is a light blue/green cream polish. There are two versions of this polish. The other one leans more lime green. I prefer this one :). 3 coats 

Essie-Bikini So Teeny is a periwinkle that leans more blue than purple. I love the subtle silver shimmer in this polish, and I feel like it makes it last even longer on the nails. 2 coats, should have done 3 though.

Essie- Playdate is a bright cheery Purple cream. Love this one in the summer time as well! 2 coats

Essie-First Timer is a bright grass green. Love this shade so much. 2 coats

OPI-50 is the New Fabulous is a deeper bright pink. I think this particular shade is discontinued. Although, a shade like this is not hard to find, this just happens to be the one I have. I love it's crelly formula. Are you seeing a pattern here?! Can't get enough crellies!! 2 coats

Illamasqua-Noble is a sky blue polish. This brand is a little more pricey, but the formula gets an A+. 2 coats.

OPI-Lost My Bikini in Molokini is from OPI's 2015 Spring/Summer Hawaii Collection and I couldn't pass it up. I love me a good purple. 2 Coats

OPI-Cajun Shirmp is a cult favorite. It's a bright orange/red jelly polish. I find most orange polishes don't look great on my skin tone but, I feel like I can pull this one off. 2 coats

Sally Hansen- Pacific Blue is one of my most favorite polishes. This cobalt blue is stunning! And the formula is impeccable, and it's only $2! Too bad they recently reformulated it :(. If you can find the old one at the store (with this big uniform X) then snag it!

Hope you enjoyed seeing my favorites. 

What are some of your favorites for this time of year?