The Essentials for Every Nail Art Addict's Manicure Kit

It's difficult to get to the salon on a regular basis to keep your nails in good condition. So, if you can't make it to your bi-weekly appointment for some killer nail art, or you simply enjoy creating your own nail art, here are the nifty tools (apart from the essentials, like base/top coat, cuticle pusher, nail file, paint remover, and so on) that you'll need to step up your nail game. You can get all these items from sites like eBay.

1. Matte Topcoat: A matte topcoat provides your nails with an immediate cool-girl, non-glossy mod look.

2. A Nail Polish Correcting Pen: You don't need to be a master nail artist to have flawless-looking nails; all you need to know is how to correctly clean up around your nail bed for a clean, professional finish. Because of its precise tip, which is soaked in polish remover, a polish-erasing pen can effortlessly erase any imperfections along the sidewalls of your nails.

3. Glitter Nail Polish Remover Pads: If you love glitter but find it difficult to remove, you'll want to invest in a textured pad that will quickly brush away any finely milled or grittier glitter.

4. Nail Repair Formula: If you wear artificial nails or have gel paint applied to your nails on a regular basis, your nails might become dry and brittle. Giving your natural nails a week off and using a nightly product that repairs and nourishes your nails to a healthy, strong state while you're polish-free is a smart suggestion.

5. Striping Tape: This extremely thin metallic tape may be put to your nail and left on to enhance your nail art, or it can be pushed onto your nail and taken away to make very straight lines.

6. Foils: When you paint your nails the desired base color, add a transparent adhesive over top, and then swiftly press and tear the tape away, leaving behind imperfect traces of foil on your nails for a beautiful finish, foil paper makes a cool pattern.

7. Dotter Tool: A dotter tool is a way to go if you want to put tiny or huge dots on your nails, or if you want to build a design out of a succession of circles. It produces flawless little or big dots in a matter of seconds.

8. Striper Brush: A striper brush may be purchased at any beauty supply store, or a small, thin paintbrush can be used instead. This teeny-tiny brush aids in the creation of fine lines and exquisite detail. If you're using different hues, make sure to wipe the brush well with nail polish remover before dipping it into another.

9. Loose Glitter: Sprinkle a little loose glitter (available at any craft shop) evenly over your base color while it's still wet, or concentrate it at the tip of your nail for an ombré look.

10. Studs: Keep small studs, metallic circles, colorful crystal domes, and iridescent shavings in your manicure kit, which you can also get at your local craft store if you want substantial 3-D embellishments on your nails.

11. Domed Pearls: To give your fingers a more ladylike look, keep pearls and transparent crystals in your manicure kit.

12. Nail Stickers/Wraps: If you don't have time to make cool nail art, get a prepared design and press it onto your fingertips for attention-getting nails.

13. LED Nail Lamp: To cure (or harden) the recipe for a longer-lasting finish, most gel polishes for sale require an LED lamp.