DIY Artificial Nails

I’m not exaggerating when I say fake nails have changed my life. I’ve always wanted long, beautiful oval shaped nails, but in reality mine are thin and prone to breaking and peeling. Plus, my nail polish would only last a few days. I’ve also done at home gel (which I have a post about), and although that lasts long, my nails were still rather stubby.

So I picked up some inexpensive full-cover artificial nails at the drug store, and safe to say I’m a convert! What I love most about these is you can paint them with any normal nail polish, and the polish sticks so well and is perfectly smooth. The nails stay on for about a week with no chipping or peeling polish. This is what I’ve been doing for my DIY nails all January and February – I just love how they look and having pretty nails always makes me feel put together.

*Essie “Mindful Meditation” [neutral] & “Set in Stones” [glitter]*

How To & Tips

Start with clean, dry nails. Use acetone or any nail polish remover to make sure there is no left over polish or oils on your nails.
Push back or remove the cuticles.
Buff the surface of your nails to create a rougher surface for the glue.
Select the sizes of artificial nails that fit and lay them out in the order you’ll apply them. They have numbers on the underside, so it’s easy to tell which size you’re using.
Apply the glue to your natural nail, making sure it’s covered but not pooling at the edges.
Apply the artificial nail, starting from the cuticle.
Press lightly and hold for 5 seconds.
File and shape to your liking.
Paint as you normally would! Skip the base coat, but be sure to use a top coat.

It’s quite easy once you get the hang of it, and I love that you can’t even tell they’re fake! My DIY nails last about a week, though sometimes a couple of them start lifting or pop off. In that case, I just re-glue them and I’m good to go!