Ms. Manicure Handy Dandy Mani Kit Review (by Janine)

I hate doing my own nails. Seriously. The color part I can handle – I can even do colored tips and little gems – but the shaping part has always been a problem for me. That is, until I received the Handy Dandy Mani kit from Ms. Manicure ($9.99).

The Handy Dandy Mani kit includes Cuticle Sticks, Cuticle Clippers, Nail Clippers, Nail Scissors, Washable Salon Board, 4-Way Buffer, and Slanted Tweezers. It even includes instructions for the self-manicure impaired like myself. Best thing? All of that for just 10 bucks. There is nothing worse than having to sacrifice your looks just because money is tight, and with these products, you’ll never have to choose between gorgeous nail beds and your Top Ramen.

The kit doesn’t come with any cheap creams or polishes like most hastily packaged manicure sets. Instead, it includes an empty pouch to fill with your own favorite nail polish, cuticle oil, etc.

I also received the Call Your Buff 6-way buffer ($2.99), which is ideal for shaping nails, and something no handbag should go without. Unlike a typical emery board with one or two surfaces, Ms. Manicure’s buffer is equipped with six unique sides. This seemed excessive at first, but this might be the first time I got all of my nails to the same perfect squoval (between square and oval) shape.

Ms. Manicure and Ms. Pedicure products are perfect for freshening up hands and feet on at-home spa nights, but they can do more for you between manis than just sit under your sink. Some other beauty uses:

Use a pumice stone to remove fuzz from clothing. Lay sweaters or other clothing on a flat surface and go over with a clean and dry pumice stone (Ms. Pedicure’s Rock ‘n Sole, $1.99). Similarly, a soft buffer (Ms. Manicure’s Call Your Buff) can gently remove some stains from materials such as suede.

Just this week I used my Handy Dandy Mani kit for my false eyelashes. Use the dainty Nail Scissors to cut lash strip to desired size, apply glue, and use the Slanted Tweezers to secure lashes in place.

When you need to keep yourself together between salon appointments, Ms. Manicure & Ms. Pedicure products — found in your local drugstore — are multifunctional and budget-friendly.

Editor’s Note: Product(s) featured in this post were provided by brand PR to Frappelattes Beauty & Lifestyle Blog for editorial consideration.