17 Best Nail Stickers and Wraps of 2021 for Easy DIY Manicure Art
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If you know me, you know my go-to beauty ~thing~ is a manicure. My camera roll is mostly screenshots of winter nail trends at this point, and I slather my nails in cuticle oil like it’s my GD job. But here’s the thing: Getting a salon-worthy mani every single time is hard, and I don’t always have the time (ahem, patience) to put on a base coat, two color coats, a top coat, and wait for it all to dry to dry. Which is why my manicures now exclusively consist of nail stickers and wraps, which are basically your nail polish’s chiller sibling—just peel, stick, paint on a top coat, and you’re set.
Trust me, nail stickers and nail wraps are the answer to your chipped, dented, and finger-printed DIY manis. And because I care, I found the best nail stickers to try tonight, so you can join me on this hassle-free-mani ~journey~ asap. Keep scrolling for the 17 best nail sticker sets on the internet rn.
1. Best simple nail stickers
These nail stickers are perfect for a minimalist mani. Paint on your fave color for the base (the lighter the color, the more the decals will stand out), then when your nails are totally dry and ready, soak these decals in water for 10-15 seconds to remove them from their backing, and just stick them to your nail. There’s really no better way to rep your sign than with these super-cute astro nail stickers, IMO.
2. Best nail tattoos
If your vibe includes a little more ~whimsy~, try these nail tattoos from Inked By Dani. Apply them just like those temporary tattoos from when you were a kid: Remove the plastic cover, place one face down on your clean nail, and press a damp paper towel on the back for a few seconds. Peel back the sheet to reveal your nail tattoo, and seal it with a glossy topcoat.
3. Best designer nail stickers
K, so these Louis Vuitton nail art stickers are truly the easiest way to add that “designer” vibe to your style (especially if, like me, you don’t actually own anything Louis Vuitton). There’s a ton of different sizes, too, so you’ll have a sticker for every nail. Remember to seal the sticker with a layer of clear top coat to prevent any lifting or peeling.
4. Best full-nail decals
These full-coverage nail stickers could honestly replace your nail polish. There’s no drying time, just apply the decal (after prepping your nail by wiping it with nail polish remover), then trim and file it to fit your nail.
5. Best matte nail stickers
I love the matte and metallic combo in these gel nail stickers, and the gold moons are a real mood. When applying, leave a tiny gap between your cuticle and the sticker and press down slowly to avoid any air bubbles. And DW if you get stuck—they have a v helpful how-to video to walk you through it. Bonus: The set also comes with a nail file specifically to remove the excess decal from your nails.
6. Best gel nail stickers
The coolest thing about Dashing Diva's nail stickers is that they're made with actual gel nail polish (meaning, yup, they're super glossy and shiny). Start by quickly cleaning your nails with the included prep pads, place and smooth the stickers right above your cuticle line, then gently file away any excess material until it fits your nail shape. Pro tip: Hold off on applying any creams, lotions, or oils until your stickers are set (usually an hour or so).
7. Best floral nail stickers
You know those floral manicures you keep seeing all over your IG feed? Yeah, these nail wraps are the easiest, sneakiest way to recreate 'em at home (especially if nail art isn't really your thing). To make your stickers last as long as humanly possible, paint a thin layer of base coat on each nail, letting it dry all the way before you get started.
8. Best minimalist nail stickers
Looking for a couple subtle nail stickers to finish off your manicure? IMO, Olive & June makes the prettiest, minimalist stickers for every occasion. I'm personally a fan of these Lucky Stars, which includes a cute lineup of gold and silver decals that look great against everything from red nail polish to French tips.
9. Best abstract nail stickers
If delicate, abstract nail art is more your vibe, you'll love these gel nail wraps from Artips. These glossy stickers are made with gel polish for the ultimate shine, and they last for a full week—no chipping or peeling included.
10. Best mix-and-match nail stickers
Perfect for mixing and matching on each nail, these stickers from Ciaté London include everything from cute florals and fruits to pink and black cow print. Just stick them on your bare or painted nails and lock them in with a thin layer of top coat. Easy, right?
11. Best customized nail stickers
I get it: One of the more annoying aspects of nail stickers is filing them down to fit your exact nail shape. That's where these customizable wraps from ManiMe come into play—after hitting "add to cart," you'll submit a couple quick photos of your nails so the brand can size your stickers for the perfect fit. Plus, they come in a bunch of cute colors, like the negative-space mani pictured here.
12. Best nail stickers for easy removal
Unlike the majority of nail stickers that require you to gently (albeit, tediously) peel off your mani when you're done with it, this option from Sally Hansen slides right off with a little nail polish remover. Just smooth them over your nails, enjoy them for up to 10 days, and grab a little remover when you're ready for a clean slate.
13. Best glitter nail stickers
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The smartest way to get a glittery manicure without making a g'damn mess? Slap on a couple of these nail stickers from Incoco. They're made with real nail polish, they're v easy to apply, and they're quickly removed with nail polish remover. I mean, you can't really go wrong here.
14. Best pedicure nail stickers
Yup, you can totally use nail stickers on your toes too. These pre-shaped nail wraps from Dashing Diva are perfect for quick and easy pedicures, and they leave you with shiny, fresh color that lasts for days. Now all you need is a pumice stone for the real spa-like experience.
15. Best solid nail stickers
Nail stickers aren't just about cute little decals and accents, BTW—they're also great for creating quick, solid-color manicures. This kit comes with everything you need for a stick-on manicure, including prep pads, a nail file, a cuticle pusher, and teal nail strips.
16. Best nail sticker variety
Not sure what vibe you're looking for when it comes to nail stickers? There's no need to choose when you snag this pack of 50 sheets, which includes a nice assortment of butterflies, florals, and feathers. Hot tip: Since these stickers are on the smaller size, it's not a bad idea to place them onto your nails with tweezers.
17. Best affordable nail stickers
If you're new to the nail sticker game and aren't totally ready to invest, look towards this affordable pack for an easy entryway. It's only $5 but you still get a solid assortment of heart decals that are easy to tack onto any manicure (a win-win).
Sami Roberts Sami is a beauty assistant at Cosmopolitan.
Ruby Buddemeyer Ruby was the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covered beauty across print and digital.
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