What's In My Desk + My Updated Master List!
I feel like this is the year of elevating things in my life, so to start, I recently got a new desk and did a major reorg of my office! I’ve also gotten new tools and products and find myself reaching for different things than I used to in the past so I feel like we were all due for an updated desk tour AND master list spreadsheet!
I love having one place to point you guys to for all of my favorite things, and I hope you find the spreadsheet to be super helpful but I also wanted to call out some of my favorite things in this post too!
If you ever need to reference these items again, I put everything in this spreadsheet that you can always find in the bios of my social media or on my website too.
Desk Tour:
I’m back on my long form video grind! I’ll be posting a few new videos every month so make sure you’re subscribed :) In this video I’m taking you on a tour of my desk, showing you how I organize my tools and polishes, and sharing some new products too!
Education:
This is obviously the most important part of doing your nails! And if you didn’t know, I have a few different long form tutorial classes on my website that break down my entire process step by step in real time so that you aren’t left with any questions! This is content that you won’t find anywhere else. The classes are perfect for any one who is interested in doing their own nails or client’s nails. Each link below has a ton of information on what the videos contain, so make sure to click through to learn more or leave a comment if you have questions!
As a newsletter subscriber, if you haven’t gotten a course yet, you can use code LOVELETTER10 for 10% off your first one!
Nail Prep Tools (manual, no e-file):
Nail Files (I always use 180/240 for both shaping and surface prep!)
Lint Free Wipes (these are essential because cotton balls leave too much fuzz!)
90% Isopropyl Alcohol (I never recommend using acetone during gel manicures (unless you’re soaking off your gels) because it can actually cause adhesion issues since it’s a solvent. Isopropyl alcohol will dehydrate and cleanse perfectly instead!)
E-File Nail Prep Tools:
Professional E-File (the one I always use now!)
Carbide Barrel Bit (for rebalancing)
Large Polishing Diamond Ball Bit (for exfoliating skin after the manicure)
Amazon Dust Collector (I used to think these were optional but they are actually really important at capturing all of the dust from gel removal! It can be very harmful to breathe in all of the dust particles. I also wear a mask and glasses whenever I remove my gel now too.)
Professional Dust Collector (more powerful and better for more frequent use)
Implement Disinfection Solution (this gets your tools disinfected AND doesn’t rust them!)
Gel Lamps:
These lamps work well with the gel I like to use and recommend! Of course other lamps will work, but I always recommend making sure that your lamp has a wavelength of 365-405 nanometers to cure the gel below properly. It’s also important to replace your lamp often. The timing totally depends on the quality and usage. I recommend looking for are signs of uncured gel (like denting, wrinkling, shrinking), or repeated lifting, that hasn’t happened often in the past. Or if there is a general decline in the quality of your manicures, it’s probably a good idea to upgrade!
Kokoist Le Blanc Lamp (I use this lamp pretty much every time I do my nails and I LOVE it! This lamp is an investment, but it is amazing quality and will likely last longer (aka years longer) than the other options.
Kokoist Hybrid Infinity Lamp (another great option from Kokoist! This one is not cordless like the above)
Amazon Lamp (similar specs to the above lamp but with lower quality LEDs that will not be as strong for as long as a professional lamp. I recommend replacing this after 6 months if you’re a nail professional, or after 1 year if you do your own nails)
Base Gel:
Wear these alone for simple soft gel manicures or underneath builder gels to help with longevity and adhesion.
Kokoist Megastick Base (the best for ensuring adhesion!!!)
Kinetics Max Base (super adhesive and will help gel adhere to even the most difficult nails - I’ve been loving this one recently!)
Soft Builder Gel:
Soft gel can be soaked off with acetone!
Kokoist Platinum Filler Base (Clear builder and base gel in one. HEMA Free, Formulated with antibacterial ingredients to help your nails stay healthy while doing fills)
Nail Thoughts Tinted Builder Base Gels (3-in-1 base gel, builder gel & color gel! Also comes in clear. There are sooo many colors. Check out the Kokoist tab on the spreadsheet for my favorites + links to photos!)
Hard Builder Gel:
Can’t be soaked off, they must be filed. These products are less flexible than soft gel!
Kinetics Gel In Bottle (This is a hard gel in a bottle and self levels really easily. It can be used to build short extensions)
Kinetics Classic Gel Medium (Potted hard gel, self levels slowly. Might require some surface filing. Pair with base underneath (like Kinetics Max Base or Kokoist Mega Stick Base. You can builder shorter to medium extensions with this.)
Color Gel:
Kokoist & Nail Thoughts Favorites (broken out by color!)
Sweetie Nail Supply Favorites (broken out by color!)
Top Gel:
Kokoist Ultra Glossy Non Wipe Top Coat (the BEST of the best. Thicker but self levels. Perfect for encapsulating art and designs)
Kinetics Max Top (slightly thicker viscosity for encapsulating thinner work, can be applied in 2 layers if needed!)
Brushes:
Nail Thoughts Brush Set (comes with an application brush, a liner brush and a smaller art brush. My most used brushes for pretty much every situation!)
Kokoist Brush Cleaning Gel (Don’t use acetone or alcohol on these, you’ll ruin them!! USE THIS INSTEAD!)
Hydration:
Kokoist and Nail Thoughts Nail Oil (it’s sooo thick and smells incredible. By far my favorite cuticle oil I’ve tried)
Prequel Urea Moisturizing Milk (my current favorite! Urea is like a super ingredient for skin, it both exfoliates dead skin and helps lock in moisture for softer hydrated skin!)
EOS Hand Cream (my other favorite - sooo hydrating and not greasy. Comes in several scents and also unscented)
Popular Blog Posts:
Kokoist Master Blog Post (so many photos & a breakdown of their products!)
Gel Allergies 101 (what they are & how to prevent them)
My Exact Manicure Routine Explained
Make sure to check out my Master List Spreadsheet for even more of my favorites + my website and blog for even more info!!! If you have any specific questions, be sure to leave a comment :)
Ok bye!!
💋