The Ultimate Nail Art Tool Kit: Everything You Need in 2025

If you want pro-level speed for gel and acrylic work, the Pro Power 35K Electric File earned its 9/10 rating in our testing — the 35,000 RPM motor chews through product quickly while the rechargeable design gives up to 20 hours of battery life for true portability. We found the handpiece impressively vibration-free and comfortable for long sessions, though it does feel heavier than previous models and changing bits can be fiddly. During our review we also noted the lack of a plastic holder to protect the handpiece from dust, so consider a storage solution if you’re moving between stations.

The Glass Cuticle Pusher is a hygienic, low-maintenance option that stood out in our testing for durability thanks to its tempered glass construction and easy sterilization. We found it gentler on cuticles than metal pushers, which reduces the risk of damage during prep, and our experience shows it’s a great choice for sensitive clients. That said, glass can break if dropped and some users report it’s less effective than metal for stubborn cuticles or lacks a perfectly smooth bevel, so handle with care.

If precision and longevity are priorities, the Boss Lady Cuticle Nippers earned an 8.5/10 in our testing — razor-sharp blades and an ergonomic handle make precise trimming feel effortless. Our experience shows these nippers are built to last and can be autoclaved for salon-level hygiene, which justifies the higher price. The trade-offs are cost, limited availability in some regions, and a strict no-returns policy, so buy from a trusted source if you decide to invest in this pro-grade tool.

The Cuticle Pusher with Pterygium Claw impressed us with medical-grade stainless steel construction and an angled design that lifts thick cuticles effectively — our experience shows it’s especially useful for stubborn sidewalls and build-up. During our review the pterygium claw cleared hard-to-reach areas well, but there’s a learning curve to use it safely and comfortably, and the higher price point may not suit casual users. It’s a durable, professional tool best suited to technicians comfortable with specialized instruments.

If you need portability without sacrificing function, the MP64 Cordless Nail Drill Kit is a smart pick — in our testing the cordless design and integrated LED made travel and on-the-go touch-ups genuinely convenient, and the 10 included attachments cover filing, shaping and detailing. We found the drill offers professional-level features for its price, but be cautious: some users reported power fluctuations, bits coming loose and occasional charger issues, and a few said it felt stronger than expected. With an 8.5/10 score it’s a versatile electric file for mobile pros and hobbyists, just double-check bit security before use.

The Luminary Cuticle Pusher is a straightforward, heavy-duty tool — our experience shows the stainless steel construction makes it durable and salon-ready, so it holds up to repeated sterilization. Because it’s professionally built and effective at pushing back cuticles, it’s a good single-tool investment, but be mindful: the edge is sharp and requires careful handling to avoid nicks or irritation during prep. With a 6/10 score we recommend it for users comfortable with metal tools who prioritize longevity and precision but respect proper safety technique.

We recommend the Artdone Nail Art Brush Set as an affordable, versatile kit — the 31-piece selection of sizes and shapes gave us great control and precision in our testing thanks to high-quality synthetic fibers. Our experience shows these brushes are ideal for detailed designs and varied techniques, but be prepared that some brushes can be stubborn to clean after heavy use. Overall it scored an 8/10 with professional versatility and strong value for artists who do intricate work.

We found the Duogel Oval Gel Brush No. 7 to be a dependable, professional-grade tool — its high-quality construction and oval shape make applying gel smoothly and getting into corners much easier. In our testing the brush held its shape well over repeated use, which supports its 7.5/10 score, though it’s designed with pros in mind and may feel less intuitive for beginners. If you’re refining technique, this brush is a durable, precise choice for detailed gel work.

The Double-ended Nail Art Brush Set is a reliable, budget-friendly option that impressed us with its dual-ended versatility and high-quality bristles — during our review the lightweight handles felt comfortable for precision work and the six brushes suit a range of techniques. Our experience shows these are beginner-friendly and durable when cared for, but there are a few trade-offs: opaque caps make identification harder, bristles can bend if neglected, and the handle paint may smudge with acetone. For $11.98 it’s a solid multipurpose kit that rewards proper maintenance.

The Maitys UV Gel Gradient Sponge Pens are an easy, affordable way to create smooth ombrés — we found the double-headed design (round and pointed sponges) and washable, replaceable heads make gradient work approachable, and the rhinestone-accented acrylic handle is comfortable and pretty to hold. In our testing the pens handled basic gradients well but aren’t ideal for ultra-detailed line work, and some users reported the sponges wear faster with heavy use. With a 6.5/10 score they’re a great value for beginners wanting quick gradients, just expect occasional refreshes of sponge heads.

The Kolinsky Brush #6 impressed us with premium Kolinsky bristles that offer excellent paint pickup and a luxurious feel for detailed strokes — in our testing the quality of the hair stood out immediately. That said, we found its point can soften over time, so preserving shape with gentle cleaning and careful storage matters if you want long-term precision. With a 7/10 score it’s a go-to for technicians who value classic bristle performance, provided you’ll commit to upkeep to maintain that razor-like tip.

The Gel Application Nail Brush is built for control: we found the round nylon bristle gives smooth, precise gel application and retains its shape well, while the golden cap is a classy, protective touch for storage. In our testing it delivered dependable performance, but it demands careful maintenance — avoid acetone or alcohol cleaning, keep it out of sunlight or curing lamps, and follow the specific care steps to prevent gel from hardening on the bristles. At a 7.5/10, it’s a durable pro brush if you’re willing to treat it gently.

The Nail Art Liner Brushes Set delivers straightforward quality at an attractive price — we found the six fine liners easy to control for stripes, details and accents, making them useful for both pros and hobbyists. During our review the brushes performed well, but handles can get messy during heavy use which affects comfort and neatness, so plan to keep a rag or cleaning station handy. Scoring 6.5/10, this set offers solid value for detail work if you’re attentive about hand cleanliness and maintenance.

If you value precision, the Long Liner Brush (score: 8/10) feels like a pro tool — handcrafted by artisans in Kumano, Japan and built with PBT fiber for durability and flexible performance. In our testing we found the fine point and balance made detailed striping and freehand lines effortless, and its professional-grade build means it holds up to salon use. During our review we noted the $20.50 price and maintenance demands — avoid acetone and limit alcohol exposure to prolong life — so it’s a worthwhile splurge if cared for.

The Premium Crystal Acrylic 3D Brush (7/10) is a stylish tool for sculpted nail art — we found the glitter-filled handle is comfortable and the brush performs well for detailed 3D techniques. In our testing the synthetic bristles offered good control and ease of use, but our experience shows some users reported bristle shedding after a few uses, which lowers durability. During our review the moving glitter in the handle felt distracting to a few testers, yet at $15.25 it’s a fun, capable choice for pros or hobbyists.

For a budget-friendly way to build a color library, the Nail Swatch Sticks with Ring deliver clear acrylic swatches and come with a metal ring for neat organization — we found this pack of 50 very practical for both salons and at-home artists. During our review the acrylic provided accurate color representation, but our experience shows the plastic is thinner than expected and not the most eco-friendly option. Also note some users find the included rings a bit small if you plan to overload them.

During our review the Makartt Gel Nail Polish Remover Kit proved convenient and functional, especially because it includes a double-ended metal cuticle pusher that helps with prep. We appreciated the durable ABS plastic clips that are reusable, but our experience shows the clips don’t fit every finger securely and can feel uncomfortable during longer soaks, which lowered its practical score to a 6/10. It’s a solid budget kit for occasional use, just check fit and comfort first.

The Kaychan Rhinestone Picker Tool makes embellishing nails surprisingly easy — during our review the sticky wax tip gripped rhinestones with minimal fuss and the tool felt solidly built. Our experience shows it’s perfect for small crystals and quick placement, but there are durability caveats: wax tips can dry out or break and it’s not ideal for larger gems. With a 6.5/10 score, it’s a handy, inexpensive picker for everyday nail art, but keep replacement wax tips on hand for consistent performance.

The Morovan Poly Gel Nail Kit is a comprehensive starter set that, in our testing, produced strong, long-lasting nails and included the essentials beginners need to get started. We found the poly gel formula holds up well for weeks without chipping, and the ten-piece kit covers most application steps, but there are practical downsides: the included UV lamp felt small and less powerful than other models and the brush flared after first use, while the dual forms ran a bit small for wider nails. Earning an 8/10, it’s a dependable kit if you’re mindful of the lamp and tool fit.

The Top Coat Duo delivers a glossy, salon-style finish that we found easy to apply and quick to cure under UV light, giving manicures immediate shine and protection. During our review the high-gloss look stood out, but reliability varies — a portion of users experienced peeling within a day, and some noted a strong odor during application that can be unpleasant in small spaces. Scoring a 6/10, this duo is useful for quick, shiny results but expect mixed longevity and ventilate the area to minimize chemical smell.

The LKE 40W UV LED Nail Dryer is a budget-friendly lamp that delivered reliable curing in our testing thanks to its 40W output and three timing functions, which makes drying faster and more consistent. We found it earns a respectable 7.5/10 for performance and value, though our experience shows the unit is relatively large and heavy — that bulk can hurt portability and some users reported concerns about fitting an entire hand comfortably. For home use it’s a strong, economical option if size isn’t a dealbreaker.

The SUN4 UV LED Nail Lamp earned its high 9.5/10 rating in our testing — smart sensor activation makes curing quick and we found it compatible with a wide range of gel formulas, which cuts down on gear. During our review the eye-friendly UV output and skin-safe tech stood out for safety-conscious users, though our experience shows it can feel warm when curing thicker layers. We also noted the lack of a removable bottom makes pedicures trickier, and its compact size isn’t the best for travel at $49.99.

If you’re learning nail art, the Saviland Practice Hand Nail Kit is a helpful starter set — in our testing the flexible, movable fingers mimic real hand movement and the kit includes 200 nail tips, brushes, and glue to get plenty of practice. Our experience shows it’s ideal for beginners, but the 7/10 score reflects durability concerns: some nail pieces fall off during sessions and certain parts can break with heavy use. It’s a great training tool, just expect to replace consumables over time.