I think we all know that even the best base coat, polish and top coat don’t make for a perfect manicure on their own. As a matter of fact, I believe that the small, behind-the-scenes products are what really make a perfect mani or pedi.

Here are five non-polish nail products that you absolutely need in your manicure arsenal:

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1. Cutex Quick & Gentle Instant Nail Polish Remover

I do my nails two to three times a week, and my least favorite part of the process is removing my polish – I used to use so many cotton balls/paper towels, not to mention polish remover, and it was always a serious hassle.

But as soon as I picked up a tub of Cutex Instant Polish Remover ($2.49 at drugstore.com), I was hooked. Inside is a giant sponge with slits in it. All you do is put a finger in, twist it around for 20 seconds and your polish is completely gone. The best part is that when the sponge dries up, all you have to do is pour any kind of polish remover back in and you’re good to go.

2. Seche Vite Seche Restore (Nail Polish Thinner)

You know what’s the worst? When you pull out an old favorite polish and it’s goopy and thick and doesn’t apply evenly. When this happened, I used to mourn the loss of the polish and toss it out. Now, all it takes is a few drops of nail lacquer thinner to bring even the messiest, oldest formula back to life.

When it comes to nail polish thinners, I like Seche Vite Seche Restore ($9 at Ulta) because it comes with a eyedropper so that even the biggest klutz (like me) can’t overdo it.

3. Sally Hansen Instant Cuticle Remover

Before I discovered Sally Hansen Instant Cuticle Remover ($5.49 at CVS), I thought that the only way to take care of my cuticles was to pay $20 for a professional manicure. Now I know that for $5, I can push back and cut the worst-looking cuticles. All it takes is a thin coat of this and 15 seconds, and my cuticles are as soft as butter.