The hand luggage checklist for perfect nails

There’s nothing worse than a chipped, raggedy nail that you can’t fix because you left your nail clippers at home. Oh, apart from half-painted, peeling polish that’s staying put thanks to a lack of nail polish remover.

Sephora know how tough packing for a holiday can be. Remembering clothes, wash products and even nail varnish is easy. Ensuring you’re able to maintain your glamorous look can be trickier. Forget that half-hearted packing list and rely on our essential guide instead. We're here to run you through the must-have holiday hand luggage items to ensure perfect nails while on holiday. After all, there are way more important things to worry about, like topping up your tan and having fun with your loved ones!

Nail polish

Nail polish is your number one companion when it comes to bold and beautiful holiday nails. From long-lasting nail lacquer to pretty nude shades and glittery numbers, there’s something for every style and complexion in the Sephora Collection.

Top coat

Applying a top coat over your nail varnish is a sure-fire way to secure your look. A clear swipe of top coat won’t change the look or colour of your nail varnish but it will extend its wear-time. This is perfect for shorter holidays when you don’t have space to pack polish and remover to re-do your look. Instead, top coat will help preserve nail colour from the start to finish of your long weekend away. Handy indeed!

Base coat

Like top coat, you’ll find that your nails stay gorgeous for longer with a base coat. Those in the Sephora Collection are enriched with protein, Vitamin E and calcium which promote nail health by strengthening them against chips and breakages. Applying just one coat will fill in ridges in your nails and craft a smooth surface for nail polish application. Better yet, base coat improves the wear-time of your polish. Use it in addition to top coat for the ultimate protection against chips and scratches. Don't be caught abroad without it this holiday!

Nail polish remover

No explanation is needed for this holiday essential. Sometimes when you’re away from the shops and chemists you know, it can be tough to track down products you find everywhere at home. Unfortunately, topping up chipped nails with additional polish doesn't usually look as seamless as you would hope. Solve the problem by packing a trusty nail varnish remover. Opt for a smaller-sized bottle or even distribute just enough to a travel mini container.

A nail file

If there was a desert island where we could only bring one nail product, it would definitely be a handy nail file. Taking up almost no space whatsoever, metal nail files and cardboard emery boards easily slide into your handbag or holiday holdall. Keep them close when you need to salvage an emergency broken nail.

Nail clippers

Did you know nails grow faster in warm climates? For longer holidays or periods of extended travel, you might consider packing a pair of nail clippers. Nothing feels worse than long, scratchy nails which can also harbour bacteria in countries with limited hygiene facilities. Keep nails short and clean with a simple pair of nail clippers. Plenty of pedicure kits will contain a pair for toenails - no one likes long nails that catch on your shoes or socks!

A cuticle remover

Keeping your nails clean and glam is worthless if untidy cuticles let you down. Use a cuticle remover to push back or remove clip away fast-growing cuticles that detract from your otherwise gorgeous look. The Sephora Collection includes a range of convenient cuticle removers which can be bought separately or as part of a manicure or pedicure kit.

Manicure sets and pedicure kits

If packing all these products separately sounds like a pain, invest in a manicure kit for gorgeous fingernails or a pedicure kit for perfect feet and toes. Why not pick up The Sephora Manicure Set which comes in a handy leather wallet and contains a nail clipper, cuticle remover, mini nail file and tweezer? Alternatively, The Great Manicure Kit boasts a bold red nail polish, as well as a nail clipper and cuticle stick. Pair either one with a Sephora Essentials Manicure Kit containing a top coat, base coat and two nail varnish-dissolving wipes. Nail that holiday look - we dare you!