How do I Choose the Best Nail Art Supplies? (with pictures)

By

Updated May 17, 2024

Our promise to you

WiseGEEK is dedicated to creating trustworthy, high-quality content that always prioritizes transparency, integrity, and inclusivity above all else. Our ensure that our content creation and review process includes rigorous fact-checking, evidence-based, and continual updates to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Although many painters and fine artists might scoff at this comparison, the best nail art supplies are much like the best painting supplies. As with painting, the best nail art brushes are designed to fit well in the hand. Also, like painting, the quality of the finished product will depend on the quality of the paint or, in this case, nail polish. Brushes that have bulky or uneven heads are not useful when trying to create fine details in nail art. Furthermore, nail polish of a low quality will quickly chip or crack on the nail.

In order to choose the best nail art supplies, it is best to either choose products from a trusted brand or to purchase products that professionals use. Although products that professionals use are not always available in the beauty aisle at a drug store, they can usually be found in a beauty supply store or a beauty supply outlet. The good thing about purchasing nail art supplies from these kinds of retailers is that they usually have a large variety of options, which makes it possible to create unique and detailed nail art.

In addition to nail brushes and nail polish, nail art supplies also include decals and rhinestones. Again, the best place to purchase these items is at a beauty supply store. In addition to having a number of options in stock, customers can rest assured that these products are the same products trusted by professionals.

For those who are serious about nail art and are willing to invest in their nail art supplies, an airbrush machine may be purchased. An airbrush machine can be used to create nail art designs that cannot be created by simply using nail polish. Rather, an airbrush machine can be used to create incredibly tiny details and also create graduated color changes. They can also be used with stencils to create patterns on the fingernails.

An airbrush machine and the nail art supplies that are used along with it are likely to be found in a beauty supply shop, but may have to be ordered from a company that sells this kind of equipment. This kind of machine can vary in price but is likely to cost well over $100 USD (US Dollars). As the machine is rather expensive and requires the use of products that are not readily available at most local retailers, it is only an investment for someone who is very serious about nail art.

WiseGEEK is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

By Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane Goettel serves as the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. Over the course, she has edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter “Sapling,” and The Adirondack Review. Diane holds a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.

See our Editorial Process Share Feedback

Discussion Comments

By browncoat — On Jan 16, 2012

@croydon - I think you might have been ripped off. I've never had a rhinestone cost that much after a manicure. Usually all up the bill is less than $30 and sometimes much less depending on what I have done.

I don't get fake nails or fillers on though and I think those are where the really fancy art takes place. It's much simpler as well, since they don't have to factor in hand movements or anything like that.

They can just paint the nails and then glue them on later.

By croydon — On Jan 16, 2012

@indigomoth - I think airbrushing machines that are meant for nail art are probably a bit easier to use for that purpose than the type of airbrushing machine you'd have used in an art school.

I quite like the idea of nail art, but I don't think I'd ever be able to afford it.

I once got a manicure done as part of a beauty package and the woman who was doing it asked if I would like a rhinestone put on one of my nails as an accent.

Since my nails were being done in dark blue and the rhinestone was silver I quite liked the idea, since it was like a starry sky theme.

That is, I liked the idea until it came to the bill. That single rhinestone cost me $14! And it didn't even last all that long.

I shudder to think what it would cost to get my nails painted with actual art. Particularly if they are using quality professional nail art supplies.

By indigomoth — On Jan 15, 2012

I had the chance to use an airbrush machine while I was studying art at a community college.

While it was fun, even with the short time that I used it I could tell that it was extremely difficult to master.

You'd have to use it a lot in order to get the hang of even the simplest patterns. I think in most cases people end up just using it with stencils, because freehand airbrushing is very difficult.

Using it on something as small as a nail must take a lot of patience and a lot of practice. Although I suppose they might use stencils as well, I've seen some incredible details on nails that would take real skill and artistic talent.

Advertiser Disclosure

How We Make Money

How do I Choose the Best Nail Art Supplies?

Our Promise to you

Editorial Standards

Related Articles

Discussion Comments

Diane Goettel

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

WiseGEEK, in your inbox