Sorry, French Tips—I'll Be Wearing This Cute, Low-Lift Nail Trend All Summer Long

Effortlessly chic and so much fun.

Look, I'm always in the mood for stunning nail art, but there's something about summer that makes me want to be way more experiential with my manicures. Give me all the vibrant, poolside-inspired hues, please! A classic French mani will never be "out," but the warmer weather does inspire more playful nail trends like fruit stamps, shells, and miniature picnic spreads—I devour them all up.

There's just one teensy problem: I have the nail art skills of a scribbling toddler and very little patience in perfect conditions, let alone when the temperature skyrockets above 85°F. That's why I rely on mini nail stickers as soon as the season rolls around. These kitschy little decals elevate my manicures in about five seconds flat, whether I'm sporting an expensive-looking neutral, a vivid coat of coral, or zero polish whatsoever. Essentially, they're my secret weapons for looking extra chic with minimal effort. Who doesn't want that amid sweltering conditions?

Woman with mini nail art.

(Image credit: @jamieeschneider)

Why are mini nail stickers A+ for summer trends?

Different from nail wraps (which cover the entire nail), mini nail stickers effortlessly blur the line between artistic and clean. They're bold yet understated, delicate yet eye-catching, and minimalist with an edge. Many sticker sheets also feature some of the hottest summer nail trends, like slices of citrus, mermaid-inspired details (think shells and pearls), and cheeky pantry items (olives, eggs, anchovies, etc.). Rather than attempting to become a nail art Picasso with a lineup of polishes and needle-thin brushes, you can stick on an appliqué or two for an instantly chic end result with no dry time.

You don't even need a slick of polish if you're really pressed for time; a sticker on each nail creates a chic, low-lift result. That said, you totally could layer them on top of your summer varnish du jour for an extra touch of whimsy. Feel free to play around how you see fit.

Woman with mini nail art.

(Image credit: @matejanova)

How to Apply Mini Nail Stickers

All you need is your sticker sheet of choice, a pair of tweezers for easy peeling, and a glossy topcoat to seal the look. If you do wish to apply your stickers over a polish color, simply paint your nails as usual (base coat, pigment, topcoat), then wait for them to dry completely before adding your stickers. Press them in firmly and apply another layer of topcoat to extend their longevity, and you're golden.

In terms of placement, there are no rules. Apply one sticker in the middle of your nail plate, wear two per nail, alternate them on the tips… Choose your own adventure!

Woman with mini nail art.

(Image credit: @nailartbyqueenie)

The Best Mini Nail Stickers to Shop

1. Chillhouse Chill Stix

2. Inked by Dani Daisy Dreams Nail Art

3. Le Mini Macaron Mini Nail Stickers in Flower Power!

4. Lisa Says Gah x Deco Beauty Nail Art Stickers

5. JinSoon Aura Dots Nail Art Applique

6. Essence Makeup So Cherry Happy Cherry Scented Nail Stickers

7. Ella + Mila French Mani Strips

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Jamie Schneider
Senior Beauty Editor

Jamie Schneider isBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing ’s senior beauty editor based in New York City. With over seven years in the industry, she specializes in trend forecasting, covering everything from innovative fragrance launches to need-to-know makeup tutorials to celebrity profiles. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.A. in Organizational Studies and English before moving to NYC, and her work has appeared in MindBodyGreen, Coveteur, and more. When she’s not writing or testing Wholesale Replica Bag beauty finds, Jamie loves scouting vintage boutiques and reading thrillers, and she’s always down for a park picnic in Brooklyn.