The Nail Kit that Made Even Me Like Doing My Nails at Home

Everyone says it, I actually mean it. I am the most untalented, worst nail-painter in the world. I hate the process of it, I hate the steps and I hate that nail polish doesn’t stay on my nails. Even at a salon I don’t like getting my nails done. It feels like a waste of time but I LOVE I feel like I have it together when they are done. Armed with extra time on my hands and a bucket list of things I want to get better at, I researched Olive and June. It’s like the Glossier of nails. However, dare I say, it actually does what it says it will vs Glossier? They both have pretty pink packaging so either way you kind of feel like a millennial-pink sucker.

You can buy their Studio Box or the three main components, Poppy, the nail colors and their incredible top coat at Target. If you want to get really fun, they also have nail stickers. Quite frankly, it’s feels like a scam to buy all of those materials just to do your nails. However, I realized I didn’t even have fingernail clippers so it wasn’t that ridiculous. I am a person who believes you do not mix product lines so I bought the Studio Box.

Note: Due to an overwhelming response thanks to all of us learning how to do our nails, your box will take forever to get to your house. It will be worth it.

The Olive and June Kit

All of your box kits come with the same materials. Nail polish remover, Poppy, their distinct nail clippers, touch-up brush, buffer, nail file and top coat. My kit had a special offer to choose to two colors, HZ and BEB (I ended up ordering a third from Target). I absolutely love the packaging. They know what’s up. I’m now using the box as my storage for all my nail tools.

Olive and June Tips

I’m going to bullet this out so you can get a TL;DR version:

• They are all about prep, do not skip on this. The prep is minimal, but it is IMPORTANT.
• Watch their Nails 101 video.
• The polishes are all 7-free which is important. I don’t know why other than they are toxic but they are very proud of that so you can feel good about what you’re putting on your nails.
• “Close” off your manicure at the ends by running your polish and top coat across the top edge of your nails.
• It takes a second to get used to Poppy, but she is worth it. This really is a game-changer for getting both hands to look good.
• CUTICLE OIL TWICE A DAY! Keep that thing on your bed stand and buy a second one for your purse.
• Reapply a second top coat after a few days to help maintain your mani.
• Your first coat should be very thin. Second one a little thicker and then a super thin third coat.

My results

I have done my nails twice in the last week. Not because they have chipped. Rather, it’s been because I’ve been excited to practice! Right now all my colors are in the nudes (which all of their colors feel very muted), which is extremely on brand for me. They do have two reds that are pretty and someday I will get bold enough and actually do a real color other than pinky nudes.

From start to finish, it takes me about 30 minutes. I do about 5 minutes of prep, and then wait 3-5 minutes between all of my coats and then at least 15 minutes for my topcoat to dry. I never fully trust that it’s dry so I still proceed with caution for about 20 minutes after.

I’ve been using my cuticle oil religiously right after I do my skincare. I don’t know if I am drinking their Kool-aid, but I really do think that has extended my manicures. I’ve reapplied a top coat about every two days and only noticed very minimal chipping after I had done a ton of manual labor. I don’t know how much I’m going to do my nails in a post-COVID-19 world. If I keep it up though, I still think the price of $50 for the kit is worth it as it’s basically the price of a dip manicure and better for you.

Listen, if this nail dummy can do this, you can do it. I’m shocked that I am so excited about this. I really was excited to do an Olive and June review! Never thought I would say that. I hadn’t even planned on it hitting the blog. However, I think if my friends get sent one more photo of a manicure I’ve done, they will end it with me. If you don’t want to use their products but want to learn more about getting the perfect mani, check out their Instagram Live bootcamp! One more random thing, Olive and June are the founder’s grandmothers and that is the sweetest thing ever.