The Best of the New Nail Art

There are gels, there are overlays, there’s longer-lasting, there’s eye-popping… there’s kind of everything. It’s a nail moment the universe is having, and everywhere you go, there’s something new to do.

You get this done at a salon, but it lasts—smooth, flawless, never going dull.

Maintenance Factor: Takes 45 minutes to do and 15 minutes to remove.

Lasts For: Never—literally never—chips. But you go back to the salon every three weeks for a fresh coat.

These are stickers—press one of the six zillion designs on and you’re done. Peel off or use polish remover.

Maintenance Factor: Five-minute manicure, no drying time.

Lasts For: A week or so (longer if you ignore smudge-prone tasks like dishes).

Paint on the nontoxic formula and peel off when you’re ready—no remover.

Maintenance Factor: Like a regular manicure, but it peels off in seconds.

Lasts For: A few days to a week—if you’re lucky.

You pick from many looks, then have it done for you or buy all the products for DIY.

Maintenance Factor: Twenty minutes or so, depending on difficulty.

Lasts For: It’s regular polish (just looks cooler), so … a little more than a week.

An at-home version of salon gel treatments, this takes under five minutes to dry and leaves a patent finish without UV light. We were impressed.

Maintenance Factor: Twenty minutes to put on, five to remove.

Lasts For: One of our nails chipped slightly after 10 days—still way more durable than a regular mani.