21 Nail-Art Essentials That Every At-Home Manicurist Should Own
Nail-art has made a huge comeback in recent years, and even more so, at-home nail-art designs. With the right manicure essentials and tools, anyone can become a nail pro (or at least close to it) in the comfort of their 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 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, salon-quality manicure that's so good, people will be asking you where you got it done at.
Keeping up with the latest nail trends 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 one should own for when creativity strikes — or you scroll past a really good DIY nail design on Instagram.
Nail-Art Brush Tool Kit
Let's start with the basics: brushes. A set of fine, nail-art brushes like the Red Carpet Manicure Nail Art Tool Kit ($12) will allow you to paint intricate designs.
Dip Powder Kit
A true nail lover has the tools for every type of manicure — regular, gel, acrylic, and dip powder. The Nailboo Dip Kit Starter ($75) has all of the basics you need to give yourself a salon-quality dip powder mani at home.
Grip Enhancer
A steady hand is key when drawing on nail-art. Luckily, the Olive & June poppy, which is included in The Starter Set ($28), makes gripping your nail polish brush easy.
Nail Art Stencils
Drawing on a french tip — or any design, for that matter — free-hand isn't easy but using a stencil, like the eBoot 1275 Pieces 49 Designs Nail Art Stencils ($6), makes it a breeze.
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 ($18) include abstract illustrations.
Nail-Art 3D Rhinestones
Create a luxe-looking manicure with 3D rhinestones. The Nibiru DU Multi-Shapes Glass Crystal Rhinestones ($8) kit includes a sticking pen, tweezers, and a storage box.
Basic Manicure Tools
Every at-home manicure kit needs the standard tools in it. The Sephora Collection Tough as Nails Deluxe Manicure Kit ($20) even comes with a chic carrying case.
Metallic Nail-Art Foil
Foil manicures are a huge trend right now, and the look is surprisingly easy to do at home. The Sinen Gold Silver Copper Rainbow Foil ($5) has 12 metallic shades to get you started.
Nail-Art Star Stickers
These Olive & June Nail-Art Stickers White Stars ($8) dress up any regular manicure in seconds.
Rainbow Nail-Art Foil
To really embrace the foil nail-art trend, stock up on more colors with the CottonHeart Starry Sky Foils Nail-Art Transfer Sticker Paper ($5).
Nail-Art Polish Guard
Every nail-art beginner can benefit from the Sally Hansen Nail Treatment Big Polish Guard ($5) because it makes cleanup easy.
Loose Nail-Art Glitter
Whether you use it for acrylic nails, gel nails, or to dress up regular polish, loose glitter like the Glitties Diamond Dust Iridescent Fine Glitter Powder ($9) comes in handy.
Top Coat
Lock in your nail-art design with a long-wear top coat, like the Orly Top 2 Bottom Top Coat ($10).
Nail-Art Pearls
Half pearls allow you to dress up your manicure by glueing the 3D shapes anywhere you want. Try the Lifestyle-Cat White Half Pearl Beads ($5) to get the look.
Base Coat
Prep your nails before starting your nail-art masterpiece with a base coat. The Essie Here to Stay Base Coat ($10) helps extend the wear of your polish and prevents chipping.
UV LED Gel Nail Dryer
You don't need to visit a salon to achieve a flawless gel manicure, as long as you have an at-home kit, like the Sunuv UV LED Nail Dryer Light For Gel Nails Polish ($40).
False Nails
The Kiss Full Cover False Nails in Oval ($5) contains 100 nails for you to create an at-home acrylic mani.
Nail-Art Sequins
The more nail decorations you have in your kit, the better. The Volodia Holographic Nail Sequins ($6) feature 12 different holographic sequin shapes for you to play with.
Nail-Art Tape, Dotting Tools, and More
You'll be set with this Teenitor Nail Painting Nail-Art Tool Kit ($9), which features brushes, nail-dotting tools, foil, manicure tape, and rhinestones.
Nail-Art Corrector Pen
Mistakes happen, but the Nails.Inc. SOS Corrector Pen ($12) makes it easier to remove polish from your cuticles without messing up the entire nail.
Nail-Art Rhinestones, Gems, Studs, and Foils
You'll never run out of nail-art essentials with the Teenitor 11440-Piece Nails Rhinestones, Foil Flakes, Gems, and Studs ($13) kit from Amazon.