The Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab tests new nail varnishes every year. The GH Beauty Lab hasn’t yet tested nail stickers in our Labs. The products are both Beauty Lab experts’ picks and top-rated, based on carefully vetted online reviews.

Choose whether you would prefer a sticker that is gel- or polish-based. Gel versions will generally last longer — just as gel does over regular polish — but may be more difficult and take longer to remove. Look for sets with additional stickers in case you have to redo the set (most of them do). The colors and patterns that you like can be changed.

Always follow the packaging directions for best disposal and use. “Make sure that your nails are clean and oil-free before laying down the sticker,” Wnek says. “Most if not all the brands provide an alcohol pad for this reason.”

Wnek shares her general application method:

1. Prior to starting, you should determine what size and shapes stickers you’ll need for each nail. They should be placed on a smooth surface right in front of each nail.
2. To remove oil, clean your nails using an alcohol wipe.
3. Follow these instructions but be sure to take the time and remove all film before laying them down on your nails.
4. To gently remove any extra, use the file provided. Your nails can look bigger if you take off more than one nail. Take your time. “I find it best not to trim nails before application and just use this time to file down nails in case I accidentally file off too much of the sticker,”She stated.

Nail stickers must be used immediately after they are applied. “They dry up once they are exposed to air,”Wnek explained.

Use nail polish remover/acetone to remove nail polish just like regular lacquer.

It will depend on what brand you choose and how frequently you wash your hands. Wnek says that stickers last between one and two weeks. However, they begin to fade at the tips.

It is short: “No.” “I haven’t found these stickers to be damaging to nails,”Wnek. “The ones I have used don’t require you to file the nail’s surface (like when getting an in-salon gel manicure) before application and they come off easily with acetone.” The only annoying thing that can occur is that nails may feel a little tacky after removal (almost like there is Elmer’s glue on them) but you can easily rub it off.

Danusia Wnek shares her expertise on how to remove and shop for nail stickers. Danusia is a color cosmetic designer and often spends hours looking at nail and makeup products in shops.

Dori Price researched the most popular picks for this story. She has 15 years experience writing and researching nail stories. Her knowledge is complemented by the expertise of industry experts such as nail technicians and dermatologists. Expert in nail color, care, nails treatments and professional services.