NAIL FILE

This is the first time we’ve featured this category. After we did a shout-out for ‘beauty accessories’, we received submissions across quite a few different categories, and since it’s really not fair to compare a nail file with a silk pillowcase, we’ve separated out the winners.

Oh, and if you’re still using the old-fashioned emery board-style file, you may want to upgrade, on the strength of our testers reports on these glass/crystal options. In our experience, they do require a bit more care – you wouldn’t be the first person to snap a nail file in your bag, by accident – but the results speak for themselves. 

Because they’re made of glass, the files can easily be rinsed under the tap after use to remove the nail ‘dust’ that builds up when you file.

GOLD AWARD  Margaret Dabbs Crystal Nail File

From the country’s top medi-pedicurist – who (hurrah!) was awarded an OBE in the New Year’s Honours in 2023 – a slim file created of crystal, in a protective sleeve. According to Margaret Dabbs, it ‘seals the nail edge to prevent the nails splitting’ (unlike regular nail files, which can actually encourage that to happen), and is suitable for use on gels, as well as natural nails. (Our testers trialled the regular-sized file, but a smaller version is also available.) Once described as ‘The Rolls Royce of Nail Files’ in The Telegraph, our testers rather agree!

£16 - click to buy 

OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:

‘It worked 100 times better than any other nail file I've ever used – effortless, leaving nail edges smooth and not at all jagged. I love it so much I bought five for Christmas presents for members of my family! Update: after Christmas, my 25-year-old super trendy London living daughter was so impressed with the nail file I gave her for Christmas that she has posted all over her Instagram and Tik Tok showing how wonderful it is!’ • ‘An excellent nail file that delivers on its promises. Elegant design and ergonomics delivering results every time – smooth, well-shaped nails’ • ‘No harshness, easy to use to achieve the shape I desired. Reduced time compared with other files I have used in the past’ • ‘I found this nail file a complete game-changer and wondered why I'd not come across it before. No more sandpaper-looking nail files for me! ’ • ‘A revelation! My go-to nail file before this was a metal nail file, which I have had for years , and works really well, but this is streets better, and it makes filing your nails so quick and easy! Thrilled to have discovered it! Thank you!’ • ‘I’m already a convert to crystal files as my nails are healthier when I use them – they don’t snag or break as they do when using a traditional emery board, which rips them to piece (especially when they are weaker in the winter)’ • ‘Really easy and quick to file my nails to the shape I want. I like to keep my nails short due to my job and I found this really to keep on top of; there weren't lots of snaggy bits left on the ends like there are with other files’ • ‘A fabulous nail file – far better than anything I have used in the past. With care, this nail file will last a long while.’

£16 - click to buy 

SILVER AWARD  Ruby Hammer Large Nail File

One of our favourite make-up artists, for many a decade, Ruby has over the past few years launched a slowly-growing capsule collection of make-up and accessories, many of them in her signature shade, an appropriately ruby-ish red. This luxe file – 19.5 cm. in length – is created from tempered glass, for strength and to prevent splitting and peeling.

£18 - click to buy 

OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:

‘Very easy to use, larger than the standard nail file but still easy’ • ‘Leaves the nail tip smooth with very little effort. I’m totally converted, as are two of my friends! I have gel builder on my nails so they are difficult to file (even with my favourite nail file), and take a lot of effort to get them to a reasonable length between manicures. I couldn't believe just how quickly and effortlessly this tidied up my nails and I think it is less damaging too. I took it on holiday with me and my friend was complaining that her nails were too long, but she had forgot her nail scissors; I told her I had a nail file but she said she couldn't use it as nail files make her cringe. I told her this was different; she couldn't believe how easy it was to use and that it didn't “grate” her nails - her words. She ordered one as soon as she got home and later got it out of her bag to demonstrate it to our other friend – she is now the proud owner of one too’ • ‘It's a fabulous nail file; I’m recommending it to anyone who loves their nails. Very easy to shape, coming from someone who is rubbish at filing’ • ‘This is magic. The best nail file ever invented – I am obsessed! I loved this product from the first time I used it. It filed my nails (fingers and toes) so quickly that I did not have to use scissors. It was a pleasure to use and left a really good smooth finish on my nails’ • ‘I loved that it worked so quickly and did not damage my nails. I will never go back to a metal nail file (my normal) after using this’ • ‘Honestly, when I opened my Beauty Bible package, I was a bit like: “Oh, a nail file; that is not very exciting – but I’m actually surprised at how good it was! My only concern is that it would break if dropped, so I would only use at home.’

£18 - click to buy