Nail-art [1] has made a huge comeback in recent years, and even more so, at-home nail-art designs [2]. With the right manicure essentials and tools, anyone can become a nail pro [3] (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 [4] to fun decals, press-on foils [5], loose glitter, and mini gel kits [6], 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 [7] that's so good, people will be asking you where you got it done at.
Keeping up with the latest nail trends [8] 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 [9].
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 [10] ($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 [11] ($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 [12] ($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 [13] ($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 [14] ($18) include abstract illustrations.
Nail-Art 3D Rhinestones
Create a luxe-looking manicure with 3D rhinestones. The Nibiru DU Multi-Shapes Glass Crystal Rhinestones [15] ($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 [16] ($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 [17] ($5) has 12 metallic shades to get you started.
Nail-Art Star Stickers
These Olive & June Nail-Art Stickers White Stars [18] ($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 [19] ($5).
Nail-Art Polish Guard
Every nail-art beginner can benefit from the Sally Hansen Nail Treatment Big Polish Guard [20] ($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 [21] ($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 [22] ($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 [23] ($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 [24] ($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 [25] ($40).
False Nails
The Kiss Full Cover False Nails in Oval [26] ($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 [27] ($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 [28] ($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 [29] ($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 [30] ($13) kit from Amazon.