12 Nail Stickers That'll Instantly Level-Up Your Mani

Yes, I am a nail-art "pro" now.

12 Nail Stickers That'll Instantly Level-Up Your Mani

IDK about you, but I've always been embarrassingly bad at painting my nails. Here's the thing, though: You'd never actually know that just by looking at my hands, since I'm secretly obsessed with a genius little alternative called nail stickers. All you do is peel and smooth 'em over your nails, and you're basically left with a salon-worthy manicure (no lengthy tutorials or drying time required, tvym) that lasts for up to a week. And considering the majority of nail stickers are made with real nail polish, they're just as shiny and glossy as the real deal.

Don't believe me? Keep scrolling for the 12 best nail stickers—and a couple tips and tricks for getting the most out of 'em—that are about to fully convert you. Work smarter, not harder, amirite?

Best Gel Nail Stickers

1. Dashing Diva After Glow Gloss Ultra Shine Gel Palette

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, and 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).

Best Floral Nail Stickers

2. Scratch Florista Nail Wraps

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.

Best Minimalist Nail Stickers

3. Olive & June Nail Art Stickers in Lucky Stars

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 Lucky Stars, which includes a cute lineup of gold and silver decals that look great against everything from red nail polish to French tips.

Best Abstract Nail Stickers

4. Artips Delilah Gel Nail Strips

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.

Best Mix-and-Match Nail Stickers

5. Ciaté London Cheat Sheets

Perfect for mixing and matching on each nail, these stickers from Ciaté London include everything from pastel leopard spots to neon geometric lines. Just stick them on your bare or painted nails and lock them in with a thin layer of top coat. Easy, right?

Best Customized Nail Stickers

6. ManiMe Stick On Gels in Berry Compote

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.

Best Nail Stickers for Easy Removal

7. Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips

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.

Best Glitter Nail Stickers

8. Incoco Nail Polish Strips in Love Potion

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.

Best Pedicure Nail Stickers

9. Dashing Diva Sorbet Sunrise Gloss Ultra Shine Gel Pedicure

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.

Best Solid Nail Stickers

10. Tough Girls Nail Polish Strips

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.

Best Nail Sticker Variety

11. Kingmas 50 Sheets Nail Art Stickers

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.

Best Affordable Nail Stickers

12. Le Mini Macaron 'La Touche Finale'' Mini 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).

This story originally appeared on: Cosmopolitan - Author:Ruby Buddemeyer