GERmanikure Original patented genuine crystal 3pc mani-pedi file set in black

These are AMAZING, and worth the price. I will never use sandpaper boards or cheap glass files on my natural nails again. Metal and disposable nail tools are out, too. These have made my the most tedious part of painting my nails nearly effortless.I picked up doing my own nails during the pandemic and was unintentionally causing damage with my newbie/salon inspired nail care. After learning more about nail anatomy, particularly what is and isn't cuticle, I realized I needed to be more gentle and put the nippers down. I'll say a little more about that at the end since it's mainly relevant to the review by being the top reason why these are so great.The nail file works very, very well. I had already stopped clipping to avoid damage, but was getting peeling from cheap files that were rougher than they looked and didn't seal the edge like this one does. I also used to feel like filing was a chore and took forever, but with this file you want to slow down a little and watch the shape because it's so effective.The foot file is perfect, and there's not much I can add to that. I love that there's two textures, and it's hefty. I will be gifting some of these, for sure.Alright... it's the cuticle stick that's really changed my life and you definitely need one. I find you want to keep the flat face as close to the nail as possible, and after pushing I do a gentle swipe from side to side. The pointed end works so well to gently scrape away any extra sticky cuticle, it takes care of any rough bits from the proximal nail fold (that people would typically cut), and works down callus really well. I would sometimes overwork the corners of my nails with metal tools, and this tip gets right in there. I am still SO satisfied by how such a light touch just sweeps the cuticle and hard bits away, every time. My nail plate and the skin around my nails looks perfect and clean now, just like the stunning nail swatchers you see out there. I always wondered how they managed that!Unfortunately I wasn't being smart with my tools and didn't put the cuticle stick back in it's case. It rolled off the table to a laminate floor and the tip chipped, which shouldn't be a surprise if it happens to you. The listing does mention that the *files* are made extra thick to avoid breakage, but it doesn't say anywhere that any of these tools are unbreakable. It very clearly reminds in the features section that these are glass and require care, and I think it should be obvious that the pointed tip on this piece would be fragile. I was bummed, but I can only blame myself and won't complain about having to replace it. Don't be like me and break your new tool within weeks, use the case or at least set these on a tray with edges while you're working.So, back to gentle nail care and why these are so perfect for it... the cuticle we want to remove is only the dead dry bit that you find flat on the nail plate, while everything surrounding the nail is alive. There's another piece called the eponychium that has often been described/shown as cuticle, but it isn't. The skin on your fingers wraps around the edge we see to the underside (proximal/lateral nail folds). Nipping or tearing that edge only splits the skin, causing rough fraying or scabbing if you go too deep. As that heals the skin will grow thicker and tougher to protect itself from more damage so it can do it's job preventing the area where your nail grows. It's wild to realize that cutting (as well as picking, scratching, etc.) is what causes the issues people think they need to fix... with more cutting. Once you understand, it's surprising how widely the practice is encouraged and I would urge people to stop. Scabs from nicks or inflammation will cause issues in the newly growing parts of your nail. Check out the salon life on you tube for top notch info on gentle hand and nail care, they also swatch polish and do diagnosis videos on photos people send in. For an accurate image if you're not a video person, there's an older article you can find by searching "nail anatomy, scratch magazine." Unfortunately a majority of nail anatomy images you'll find online call the eponychium cuticle or point to the skin fold, and that's misleading.With proper care and tools like these, you'll absolutely love your fingertips.

I love this set. I was a professional manicurist for 20 years and when these files came along, no other could compare. They do wear down over time, but that's what happens with all files. These look great, come in nice sheaths and clean up with a quick swipe on a towel or a dip in liquid. Can't go wrong here!🙂

The unforgivable flaw in this set involves the pointed end of the cuticle pusher—after one manicure on professionally maintained nails, all the etched texture was gone from the tip, leaving only a smooth and sharp point behind. This was both dangerous and disappointing. I’m also not really impressed with the coarseness (too fine a grit) or length (a bit short overall with too small of a handle) of the glass pedicure bar, but it does work well for the more sensitive and delicate skin on areas in the arch and on the sides of the feet. The nail file, however, is superb!

Nice professional product that shipped fast. I plan to buy more.

Excellent quality.