My Self-Nail Routine Is So Easy I Can't Stop Doing It

I’m someone who can’t relax without my nails done.

While there was a time I went to salons, now I prefer gel nail stickers. The kits have also become very easy to use.

『Ongels』: Unique and Cute Designs

My first experience with nail stickers was with 『Ongels』.
When my eldest daughter was born in 2012, I naturally chose the path of DIY nails.

Apply base coat, cure for 10 seconds. Apply sticker, cure for 10 seconds. Apply top coat, cure for 30 seconds.
And that's it!
I thought it was so convenient, but in 2020, it has definitely evolved.

Since Ongels are gel nails, you need to properly remove them with a gel remover. That's another hassle!

In 2012, I wasn't doing proper hand care yet, and my cuticles weren't perfectly done, which bothers me now, haha.

Addicted to 『Incoco』

I absolutely love Incoco, born in NY, because of its incredibly cute designs. It’s easy to apply and can be removed with nail polish remover! That was the best part.

When I was at a pop-up event at Ginza Matsuya, a staff member suddenly took my hand and applied one sticker to my finger, and that was it—I was hooked.

They usually last about two weeks, but when it's time for a change, the tips of my nails can chip a bit... that's the only downside.

But new designs are always coming out, and they're still cute.

Currently Obsessed with 『Gelato Factory』 Perfect Fit

Quality that makes you want to buy in bulk

I'm currently obsessed with and using 『Gelato Factory』. These are made in Korea.
Be careful not to confuse them, as there are regular nail stickers and "Perfect Fit" stickers that last like gel. The "Perfect Fit" ones are amazing.

I loved them so much that I ended up buying a bulk set.
They arrived packed to the brim in a huge box, which instantly boosted my mood! Boom!

While they don't have many outlandish designs, they offer a lot of well-thought-out designs. You can even mix and match them with other colors since they can be stored after opening. If you use them sequentially, one box will last you about 2.5 applications.

Usage is extremely easy

To use, simply apply and file away the excess at the tip of the nail. To make them last longer and look more like gel, I apply a top coat. Just one coat and cure under a UV light. There’s no "uncured gel" residue either, so it’s really easy.

I do my thumbs and the other four fingers, about 30 seconds each, twice, and I'm done.

And modern LED-UV lights are so compact! For just about 1000 yen, you can get a foldable one, making it super convenient.

Quickly done and this shine. It lasts about 2 weeks.

The amazingly fast "removal" is what sets it apart

Above all, the most outstanding feature is the **"removal"**!
Gel nails, as you know, are a pain to remove, and I hate the removal process more than the application.

These nail stickers, surprisingly, just peel right off. Despite their quality—sticking firmly for two weeks—you can just insert a spatula and peel them off without any remover!
That said, sometimes a tiny bit of the nail surface might come off, so they do provide a remover. But this remover is like a sticker peeler. Just one drop, and they peel and slide off so satisfyingly.

My storage method

It's nothing special, but since they can peel off more easily if exposed to the air too much, I fold the creases in reverse and put them into the next pack. If one peels off, I just take out one and stick it on.
It’s easier than nail polish gel nails.

No foot nails available

As of September 2020, unfortunately, the "Perfect Fit" series does not include foot nails. However, there are tons of super cute designs available for regular nail stickers. If you cure them with gel to make them more durable, they could work!

The trending 『ohora』 for feet

These are 'ohora' stickers, which are themselves gel. Compared to Gelato Factory, these stickers feel softer and adhere more snugly.
Since the stickers are already gel, there's no need to apply separate gel.

Just cure under an LED-UV light and you're done!

They feel like they'll never come off. But removal might be a bit bothersome.

So I use them for my feet. The designs are mostly simple.

Nail tips are 'DASHING DIVA' Magic Press

Being clumsy, I often bump or pinch my toes, and my big toenail tends to get injured. So with stickers, the shape might not look clean, or there might be an uneven surface.

That's why in summer, I use 'DASHING DIVA' tips.

To apply, just place them on your nails and you're done. It's even better if you firmly press them down after a bath or when your nails and hands are warm.

What's so great is that they absolutely "don't come off"! They really stay on until your nails grow out (about a month), until you try to remove them! But, when you do want to remove them, they come off smoothly.

And they look so good, you can't even tell they're tips.

Of course, they have them for hands too. I use my hands a lot, so I don't use hand nails, but for those who can't grow out their nails for work but want stylish nails just for the weekend, these tips are absolutely perfect!
They don't look like tips at all.

My love for easy nails won't stop

There are so many types of nail stickers now. Try them out according to your desired design, application time, and removal time!

Right now, "easy removal" seems to be my essential condition!