Nail art has made a huge comeback in recent years, and even more so, at-home nail-art designs [1]. With the right nail-art essentials and tools, you can get one step closer to becoming a nail pro [2] in the comfort of your own home. Not only is doing your own manicure a huge money saver, but it can also be fun — and dare we say therapeutic.
From nail-art stickers [3] to fun decals, press-on foils, loose glitter, and mini gel kits, there's no shortage of nail products out there for you to shop and build up your at-home manicure collection. With the right nail-art tools at your disposal and a little practice, you'll be on your way to achieving a professional-looking manicure [4] until you can next get to the salon.
Keeping up with the latest nail trends [5] is easy when you have everything you need to copy the look in your own nail-art kit. Ahead, we rounded up the best nail-art essentials that every budding nail artist should own for when creativity strikes — or you scroll past a really good DIY nail design on Instagram [6].
— Additional reporting by Tori Crowther
Nail-Art Brush Tool Kit
Let's start with the basics: brushes. A set of fine nail-art brushes like the Nailene Nail Art Tool Kit [7] (£10) will allow you to paint intricate designs.
Basic Manicure Tools
Every at-home manicure kit needs the standard tools in it. The Lily England Manicure Kit [8] (£17) is a five-piece set in a beautiful gold shade, which comes housed in a chic black case.
Cuticle Remover
Avoid the temptation of cutting too much cuticle off with the CND Vinylux Cuticle Eraser, Gentle Exfoliator [9] (£10). Simply apply to the cuticle area, leave it to work, and use a metal pusher to gently push back and remove excess cuticle skin.
Cuticle Oil
If you want to start using cuticle oil more often (which helps prolong the life of manicures, including acrylics and gels) but hate the faff, join the club. To help keep our cuticles looking fresh, we simply apply OPI Pro Spa Nail Cuticle Oil To Go [10] (£8) whilst at our computer, taking a tea break, or sat watching the TV. Easy peasy!
Nail-Art Polish Guard
Every nail-art beginner can benefit from the Red Carpet Manicure Over Polish Guard — Cuticle Barrier [11] (£13) because it makes cleanup so easy.
Topcoat
Lock in your nail-art design with a long-wear topcoat, like the Seche Vite Nail Treatment Topcoat [12] (£9).
Base Coat
Prep your nails before starting your nail-art masterpiece with a base coat. The Essie Here to Stay Base Coat [13] (£9) helps extend the wear of your polish and prevents chipping.
Nail-Art Corrector Pen
Mistakes happen, but the Nails.Inc. SOS Corrector Pen [14] (£13) makes it easier to remove polish from your cuticles without messing up the entire nail.
Clear Nail-Art Stickers
Nail-art stickers on a clear back allow you to peel, stick, and place designs onto any nail-polish shade. The Ciaté London Cheat Sheets [15] (£16) include abstract illustrations.
Nail-Art Tape, Dotting Tools, and More
You'll be set with this Teenitor Nail Painting Nail-Art Tool Kit [16] (£12), which features brushes, nail-dotting tools, foil, manicure tape, and rhinestones.
Nail-Art 3D Rhinestones
Create a luxe-looking manicure with 3D rhinestones. The Nibiru DU Multi-Shapes Glass Crystal Rhinestones [17] (£7) kit includes six wheels of flat-back rhinestones and a picker pencil.
Metallic Nail-Art Foil
Foil manicures are a huge trend right now, and the look is surprisingly easy to do at home. The Cosmic Shimmer Golden Jewel Gilding Flakes [18] (£5.50) are already cut into tiny flakes and kept in a small pot for easy storage.
False Nails
The Kiss Full Cover False Nails in Oval [19] (£6) contains 100 nails for you to create your perfect length and shape with no salon visit necessary.
Iridescent Nail-Art Foil
To really embrace the foil nail-art trend, stock up on more shades with the Nail Foil Transfer Sticker Roll Set [20] (£6), which comes with 10 rolls.
Loose Nail-Art Glitter
Whether you use it for acrylic nails, gel nails, or to dress up regular polish, loose glitter like the Biodegradable Nail Glitter [21] (£9) comes in handy.
Nail-Art Pearls
Half pearls allow you to dress up your manicure by glueing the 3D shapes anywhere you want. Try the Multiple Size Pearl Gemstones [22] (£2) to get the look.
Nail-Art Sequins
The more nail decorations you have in your kit, the better. The Volodia Holographic Nail Sequins [23] (£7) feature 12 different holographic sequin shapes for you to play with.
Mini Nail-Art Stickers
These Le Mini Macaron 'La Touche Finale' Mini Nail Stickers [24] (£5) can be worn on bare nails or over polish.
Nail-Art Rhinestones, Gems, Studs, and Foils
You'll never run out of nail-art essentials with the Teenitor Professional Nail Art Kit [25] (£12) from Amazon.
Nail Strengthener
Whether it's too many improper gel removals, acrylic extensions for years, or just weaker nails, sometimes our nails just need a teeny bit more TLC. Enter: OPI Nail Envy Nail Strengthener [26] (£20). It's a little on the expensive side, but it's worth it — trust us. The formula is rich with calcium, and hydrolysed protein helps avoid splitting and peeling, in addition to helping speed up the natural nail-growing process.
Gel Removal Kit
One of the worst things you can do to your nails is not removing gels properly. Although it's always better to go to the salon and have them removed by a professional, sometimes you just have to make do at home. Thankfully, there are some nifty kits such as the Nailsinc Gel-Less Remover Kit [27] (£15) to help make things so much easier and better for our nails.