This teen-approved manicure kit is cheaper than a manicure

Shortly before school started, my 16-year-old daughter came home and dramatically waved her arms at our kitchen island. “Mom, I’m going to get my nails done. All my friends have their nails done and they’re so cute!” she announced. As touching as her teenage plea was, with five kids in our family, the budget for acrylic nails or any type of regular nail care simply didn’t exist.

However, I wanted to teach my daughter that there are creative ways to save money for the things you want in life, so I offered her a compromise: If she could find supplies and learn how to do her nails, I would Pay for the kit. My daughter took the task seriously and purchased this $23 acrylic manicure set on Amazon.

Curkey acrylic manicure set with UV light

This kit is perfect for beginners who want to learn how to do manicure at home, like my daughter, who rave about what it includes. “It’s only 20 yuan, and there are so many things!” she said gushingly. This all-in-one kit includes 24 different colors of acrylic powder, UV nail lamp, acrylic nail drill and manicure tools. I recommend setting up your manicure station in a well-ventilated room as some of the supplies have a strong smell.

Following the kit’s instructions (and some YouTube videos), my daughter put on a full set of bright yellow acrylic nails with swirly tips on her own. The first try wasn’t perfect, but she’s thrilled with the results. “It’s a little difficult to do, but as long as you don’t mind your nails looking bad at first, it will save you a lot of money,” my daughter explained. She’s right: The kit costs $23, far less than what I’d pay for a gel manicure at the salon.

Curkey acrylic manicure set with UV light

Despite the difficult learning curve, my daughter insisted on having her, her sister’s and her friends’ nails done. She has changed at least 10 sets of nails and still has plenty of supplies left. While I wish some of the tools were higher quality, the kit is worth the investment considering how much my daughter uses it. I’m so proud of her for learning new skills and being creative in delivering something you care about.

If you’re looking to inspire your at-home manicure skills, or just want some simple press-on acrylics that don’t require a drill, Amazon has other great manicure kits to choose from, starting at just $6.

More manicure kits on Amazon

Born Pretty acrylic manicure set (with diamonds)

DouborQ acrylic manicure kit

Jodsone Gel Nail Kit (with UV)

Kiss Impress Press Nails

Saviland acrylic manicure set (with diamonds)

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