STYLE

Thanks to some pretty genius hacks—plus the newest stickers, press-ons and polishes—even a novice can, um, nail it.

Maximilista

@uvisuvi

Stickers are the perfect way to dress up your digits in a matter of minutes. Manicurist Tina Wang recommends the totally fun designs from Deco Miami. We couldn't resist these colorful cuties (peep the avocado) from the Deco Miami Sunny Side Up collection ($10, deco.miami). Press on and top with clear polish to make 'em last.

Taste the rainbow

@lolo.nailedit

It may not be an over-the-top or complex design, but painting each nail a different color is way more interesting than your typical tips. You can go the rainbow route with ROYGBIV or choose more muted tones for an ombré effect that goes from dark to light. L.A. Colors Color Craze Extreme Shine Gel Polish (from $3 each, lacolors.com) comes in 89 shades to make your mix-and-match mani a breeze. 

Feelin' floral

@oliveandjune

Fresh daisies on a base of lilac? Spring, you can start now. Let two coats of light purple polish (we're into Essie Lilacism, $10, essie.com) dry, then go in with a nail art pen (try Olive & June, $48 for six, oliveandjune.com). For each daisy, do five dots of white in a circle and finish with one dot of yellow in the center, mixing it up with the number and placement on each nail.

Check, mate

@xjuliatalisman

The retro look of these checkerboard, rust brown-colored tips is a serious vibe rn. We're loving the look of the two side-by-side party nails from these Chillhouse Want S'more press-ons ($16, chillhouse.com). This set even comes with its own gentle glue, phew.

Pearly girly

@abrowngirlrecommends

A super easy way to spiff up your set? Add some pearls. They're already sticky, so you don't have to add glue. PSA: A tweezer comes in clutch for applying just right. (Try: Lights Lacquer 3D Pearl Nail Stickers, $7, lightslacquer.com.)

Graphics grl

@getquickies

For salon-worthy designs without the price tag to match, we give you press-on nails. "Black and white designs are having a big moment this year," says manicurist Brittney Boyce. (We love this edgy look from Get Quickies, $30, getquickies.com.) Just affix them onto clean, bare nails and rejoice. 

Wrap it up

@nailsoflaofficial

Sure, you could spend hours trying to paint the perfect diagonal lines, but nail wraps score you the look in less than 10 minutes. These stickers, which last for about a week, cover your full nail and come in different sizes. (Try Nails of LA The Modest Wrap, $8, nailslofla.com.)

Barely there French

@betina_goldstein

Skip the chunky line—this is all about the micro-tip, says Wang. A metallic shade like Un/Dn Laqr Lightning Strikes Metallic ($18, undnlaqr.com) makes it even cooler. Pro move: Use a nail stamper (check out the Maniology Clear Stamper Collection, $9, maniology.com).

Iridescent dreams

@brimariieee

The chrome nail trend walked so that velour could run. There's a velvety texture to these tips, plus a mesmerizing sheen that shifts as you move your hands (Kiss Velour Fantasy Sculpted Nails, $13, kissusa.com). File the sides to create this chic almond shape.

Hey, girl! Just wanted to let you know that this story originally ran in our April/May 2023 issue. Want more? Read the print mag for free *today* when you click HERE.

Top image: @oliveandjune
Slider image: @abrowngirlrecommends

by Lisa Desantis | 4/8/2023