My Cinderella nail stickers from Loft Japan, matched with Etude House’s Cinderella nail set from the Disney Princess collection 2014
I’ll freely admit it; I get quite obsessive when it comes to all things “mani” (manicure)-related, especially when it comes to nail stickers. I even get friends to buy the most unique nail stickers that they can find while they’re overseas, like these kitschy Cinderella nail stick-ons seen above that were bought from Japanese lifestyle store Loft in Tokyo.
Honestly, what’s not to like? Nail stickers are so fuss-free that all you just need to do is to paste, file off the remainder sticker and add a protective topcoat to seal it to your nail. This makes it infinitely easier to achieve detailed nail art, minus the time spent by yours truly or a manicurist labouring over painting the perfect florals on your nails.
While the most unusual designs tend to be stocked in stores in Japan or South Korea, you can still find quite a few options online and in Singapore. Here are some of my personal favourite go-to brands and stores; let me know if you know of any that I might have missed out!
1. Gummi Nails
Real nail polish nail wraps, $16 from Gummi Nails
I love the “real” nail polish wraps from this local brand, which are so easy to stick on; these can be removed with nail polish remover and have really lasted up to about two weeks, from my experience. I like how stretchy it is because it means it’s less resistant to tearing in case I need to lift and un-stick it to get rid of a crease, for the precise fit, before applying a protective top coat.
2. Stylenanda
Marble nail stickers, $10.90 from Stylenanda
Like I’ve said, I get a thrill from finding the more unique nail stickers; designs that you can’t as easily achieve with average nail polishes and manicure tools. This Korean e-store has a good variety of both the quirky-cute designs and the “OL”(office lady)-friendly styles, like this marble-effect design.
3. Inni Nails
Nail stickers, $12.90 from Inni Nails
Upload and customise your very own nail design or choose from a wide range that your fellow nail enthusiasts have designed. Personalising your nail stickers is as easy as uploading a photo that you’ve taken or choose from the existing patterns, colours and graphics available in the “studio” function of the website. I’ve not bought these nail stickers from the site yet so do share any feedback if you’ve tried it yourself!
4. Sephora
Nail patch art, $15 from Sephora
This popular beauty store has a range of nail stickers by its in-house brand of the same name featuring styles in single hues as well as more party-friendly designs in glitter and leather-like textures.
Sephora store locations can be found here. A small selection is also available online via Zalora Singapore.
5. Tokyu Hands
Coconuts Nail nail stickers, $14 each from Tokyu Hands
This Japanese lifestyle store has a small selection of nail stickers, with classic, can’t-go-wrong designs like florals, dots and houndstooth. These mostly lasted on my nails for about a week, though it would be great if we could see more styles coming in soon.
Tokyu Hands stores in Singapore are located at Orchard Central, #B1-07 and Westgate, #01-36/37.
6. ASOS
Nail wraps, $8.75 from ASOS
Alongside some very on-trend fashion buys, this e-retailer stocks an assortment of nail wraps and false nails as well. I’ve found scented nail stickers, as well as zany print-centric styles from this site, alongside the more subtle transfer-on gold motifs; the latter can be applied to your nails and fingers just like how you put on temporary tattoos.
7. Qoo10
I’d recently purchased a few nail stickers from this huge e-store for just a few dollars each. The styles available, however, tend to be a bit more cartoony (think your favourite Sanrio characters) alongside sweet details like bows and hearts in pink. They are really affordable though, so I can’t complain and most of these lasted at least a week for me. Just be a bit more careful that you don’t tear the sides of the stickers while filing, before you put on the top coat.