Nail art is a form of self-expression embraced by beauty and self-care enthusiasts. It can be as simple as a press-on decal or as involved as a rhinestone-studded design. No matter your style, you’ll find all the pieces you need in a nail art kit.

We've put together this buying guide comparing nail art kits, including our favorites. Aifaifa DIY Nail Art Tools tops our short list for its well-rounded assortment of design and manicure tools.

Almost all nail art kits include embellishments like rhinestones, pearls or other 3D items. Nail striping tape is often included as well, which is essential for elaborate geometric designs. Decals, stickers and stick-on templates are also popular.

Some nail art kits come with design or manicure tools, too. These include application tools like manicure tweezers or nail dotting tools for fine, detailed designs. You’ll also find brushes, nail polish remover pens or mini glue sticks.

Nail art kits may range from 40 to 3,000 pieces. While it seems cost-effective to choose a kit with a higher piece count, note that quality tends to suffer. Instead, some consumers prefer nail art kits with fewer pieces and better-quality embellishments and tools.

The most common embellishments in nail art kits include gems, glitter, beads, pearls or decals. Some embellishments have adhesive backing for quick and easy application. Many nail art enthusiasts recommend adding at least a little nail glue to these to extend their wear time. With these as well as other embellishments that require glue, you need brushes or tweezers for precision application.

What sets nail art kits apart the most is their color variety. Basic kits feature embellishments in a single color or limited color palette. More diverse kits may feature dozens of colors, finishes or types of iridescence, offering more design potential.

At the very least, nail art kits have individually sealed embellishments and tools. Only some of them are resealable, so many users end up buying storage cases. Because nail art pieces are so tiny, jewelry bead cases are a handy option.

Other nail art kits come with their own storage or carrying cases. They usually have handles for portability. These cases have additional compartments to house manicure tools, embellishments or nail polish.

Inexpensive nail art kits cost less than $15, but tool and piece quality is decent at best. Mid-range nail art kits cost closer to $25 and typically come with better embellishments and tools. Kits priced over $25 include high piece count sets or those with premium manicure tools.

A. Once you set embellishments, cover them with a couple of coats of clear top coat to seal them onto the nail. Apply an additional top coat every two or three days as well. Another option lies beneath the embellishment — use salon-quality nail glue since it's more reliable.

A. It goes without saying that nail artists have serious talent. While you might not have the experience or training they have, practice makes perfect. Over time, you'll improve your application and artistry to achieve the high-quality nail art look you envision.

Aifaifa DIY Nail Art Tools: available at Amazon

Our take: A beginner-friendly kit with a variety of embellishments and tools, as well as its own carrying case.

What we like: One of few kits that comes with a range of dotting tools. Instructions are beginner-friendly. Well-rounded color variety across embellishments. Comes with striping tape for geometric designs.

What we dislike: Doesn't contain as many pieces as other nail art kits.

AddFavor DIY Glitter Nail Art Set: available at Amazon

Our take: Budget-friendly option with many pieces that will last through years of fancy manicures.

What we like: Embellishments are cased in organized wheels. Pieces come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Buyers are big fans of the holographic striping tape. Water transfer stickers are easy to use.

What we dislike: Kit does not come with a storage container or carrying case.

Bememo 2,030-Piece 3D Nail Art: available at Amazon

Our take: Kit whose high piece count is a smart, cost-effective choice for nail artists.

What we like: Crystals come in six sizes. Kit has enough pieces to completely cover nails if desired. Some crystals are curved to sit better on the nail. Stunning colors and shine.

What we dislike: Lacks tweezers and nail art tools seen in other kits.

Sian Babish is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.

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