21 Nail-Art Essentials That Every At-Home Manicurist Should Own

Every editorial product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission.

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
ulta.com

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
nailboo.com

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
oliveandjune.com

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
amazon.com

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
us.ciatelondon.com

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
amazon.com

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.

Metallic Nail-Art Foil
amazon.com

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
target.com

Nail-Art Star Stickers

These Olive & June Nail-Art Stickers White Stars ($8) dress up any regular manicure in seconds.

Rainbow Nail-Art Foil
etsy.com

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
walgreens.com

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
amazon.com

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
ulta.com

Top Coat

Lock in your nail-art design with a long-wear top coat, like the Orly Top 2 Bottom Top Coat ($10).

Base Coat
target.com

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
amazon.com

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
target.com

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
amazon.com

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
amazon.com

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
nailsinc.com

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.