Ulta Tips

Each year, researchers at the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab test nail polishes. The GH Beauty Lab hasn’t yet tested nail stickers in our Labs. These products include Beauty Lab picks, top-rated products and highly vetted products that have been reviewed online.

First choose whether you prefer a gel- or polish-based sticker. Gel versions will generally last longer — just as gel does over regular polish — but may be more difficult and take longer to remove. Look for sets with additional stickers that can be used to cover any mistakes. Most sets have this option. The colors and patterns that you like can be changed.

Follow all instructions on packaging to ensure the most efficient use of your product. “Make sure that your nails are clean and oil-free before laying down the sticker,” Wnek says. “Most if not all the brands provide an alcohol pad for this reason.”

Wnek shares her general application method:

1. Determine the exact size and shape of each sticker before you start. They should be placed on a smooth surface right in front of each nail.
2. Use an alcohol wipe for oil removal to clean nails.
3. Follow these instructions but be sure to take the time and remove all film before laying them down on your nails.
4. To gently remove any extra, use the file provided. Your nails can look bigger if you take off more than one nail. Take your time. “I find it best not to trim nails before application and just use this time to file down nails in case I accidentally file off too much of the sticker,”She stated.

After applying nail stickers, you must immediately apply nail stickers. “They dry up once they are exposed to air,”Wnek explained.

Use nail polish remover/acetone to remove nail polish just like regular lacquer.

The exact time will vary depending upon the type and brand of sticker as well as how you live (e.g. how frequently do you wash your hands). Wnek claims that stickers will last up to 2 weeks. After that, the tips begin to fall off.

Short answer: No “I haven’t found these stickers to be damaging to nails,”Wnek. “The ones I have used don’t require you to file the nail’s surface (like when getting an in-salon gel manicure) before application and they come off easily with acetone.” The only annoying thing that can occur is that nails may feel a little tacky after removal (almost like there is Elmer’s glue on them) but you can easily rub it off.

Danusia Wik gave her tips on how to get and remove nail stickers. Danusia is a color cosmetic designer and often spends hours looking at nail and makeup products in shops.

Dori Price researched the best picks for this story. She has 15 years experience writing and researching nail stories. Her knowledge is complemented by the expertise of industry experts such as nail technicians and dermatologists. Expert in nail color, care, nails treatments and professional services.