Nails

7 Nail Essentials from Celebrity Manicurist April Foreman

Celebrity manicurist April Foreman is the guru behind Charlize Theron and Natalie Portman's flawless fingertips and toes. Now she shares the 7 nail essentials everyone should have in their mani/pedi kits

by Cinya Burton

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Red Carpet looks are inspiring, but what really stirs up discussions in the Total Beauty office are the often-overlooked celebrity manicures.

Every morning we play beauty detective, zooming in on event photos, trying to figure out the exact lacquer shades and how to do the nail art trends A-listers are wearing. After all, while it may take a not-so-small miracle for us to look like Charlize Theron or Jennifer Lopez, we can try to imitate their nails and actually make some progress.

Skip ahead to get the 7 nail essentials to get a celebrity-worthy manicure.

But here's some insider info: It takes more than knowing what nail polish colors to use to get a manicure that looks trendy and flawless. Celebrity manicurist and pedicurist April Foreman says the real secret is making sure these nail essentials are in your medicine cabinet. "The right tools will keep your skin soft and make your manicure last longer than it otherwise would," she says.

Foreman is no stranger to the Hollywood spotlight; she's been buffing and polishing the fingertips and toes of clients such as Natalie Portman and Christina Ricci for years. So when we had the chance to take a peek inside her mani/pedi toolkit, we couldn't wait to see her favorite nail essentials. Here are the must-haves Foreman says every woman should own.

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Older comments

where do i find a glass nail file? i want one so bad!

by 92jess11 Friday, April 26, 2013 at 06:59PM Report as inappropriate

Great information. I can't wait to try a glass nail file!

by GigiSD Sunday, April 14, 2013 at 10:55PM Report as inappropriate

i love

by krissy_alston Saturday, April 13, 2013 at 03:09PM Report as inappropriate

I'll be looking for that Seche Vite dry fast top coat.

by Monique3 Thursday, March 14, 2013 at 06:33AM Report as inappropriate

I wonder how much a glass file costs.

by Lili04 Sunday, February 24, 2013 at 03:57AM Report as inappropriate

I could benefit from cuticle oil since I do my own nails, and I moisturize, but for some reason, my right thumb is always dry! I bought Seche Vite at Sally's Beauty, but haven't tried it out yet since I'm trying to finish my other top coat bottle. I wonder if Sally's has a glass file.

by darkangel81 Thursday, February 7, 2013 at 08:37AM Report as inappropriate

How about vegan polishes?

by Sari Saturday, January 26, 2013 at 03:00PM Report as inappropriate

I myself prefer the metal nail files as they are flexible and they have the tapered end for cleaning under nails. Also, at the dollar store, you can get a pack of 4 for a buck and they last months!

by gourmetgirl Wednesday, January 16, 2013 at 05:47AM Report as inappropriate

Perfect essentials, maybe I should look into getting a glass nail file and not slack off on the weekly foot scrub.

by Chantilly Wednesday, January 16, 2013 at 12:59AM Report as inappropriate

I would love to know where you are finding Seche Vite for $4!!!!

by barbarag Tuesday, January 15, 2013 at 04:50PM Report as inappropriate