Nail color usually gets all the attention, but don’t overlook the humble nail prep products that can help that home mani last and look like it was done by a professional. We dug up three clever products that make it easier to get a flawless manicure at home.

Liquid Palisade by Kiesque: While the name gives no clue to this product’s function, it’s a genius invention, useful to non-ambidextrous people everywhere. The worst part of doing your own mani? Trying to paint with your non-dominant hand. Liquid Palisade makes that a bit more tolerable by forming a barrier (Allure likens it to blue painter’s tape) around your cuticles. After you’re done painting, any drips peel right off with the Liquid Palisade gel, leaving you with a perfect manicure. It’s also useful for doing nail art such as multiple colors on one nail or a French (if you must). ($22)

Deborah Lippmann Turn Back Time: This new base coat, billed as containing a “micronized diamond core powder”, takes a cue from skin care. Light-reflecting optics are all the rage for your face these days, because they can hide a multitude of sins. Deborah applies those same principles to your nails. When worn alone, this base coat evens out any ridges, and can disguise stains or yellowing caused by your dark polish habit. It can also be used as a traditional nail lacquer base. ($18)

Sally Hansen Complete Care 4-in-1 Treatment: It’s a basecoat, topcoat, nail strengthener, and growth stimulator. Why buy four products when you can buy just one? We *heart* multi-taskers, especially when they work. ($12.99)