The 5 Best Nail Foil Glues

Doing your own nail art at home is fun and creatively fulfilling, and not to mention, you can get great-looking nails without going to the salon. And, if you've never tried nail foils, you're in for a treat: Nail foils look uniquely glamorous, and they're easily customizable according to your preferences and personal fashion. Seriously, there are no limits when it comes to experimenting with foils. Also, the beauty of nail foils is that they're really easy to apply once you get the hang of it, unlike some other nail art designs. So, what do you need for application? Most importantly, having good nail foil glue on hand is one of the key parts of ensuring that you don't make a mess out of your nails. Of course, some nail glues are superior to others, and it's important that you pick a product that actually works if you want to achieve long-lasting foil designs. And so, without further adieu, here are the best nail foil glues, grouped by category.

RY Professional 2-Piece Galaxy Star Nail Art Glue

Works like a charm, every time

Hands down, the best nail foil glue is the Galaxy Star Nail Art Glue from RY.

Best Overall

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Get glitzy, glamorous-looking nails in a matter of minutes with the RY Professional 2-Piece Nail Art Glue, which works like a charm. It gets the job done right the first time, which, unfortunately, isn’t always the case with some nail glues. Conveniently, it also dries super quickly, so you don’t have to sit around and wait for too long before showing off your gorgeous nails to the world. The package includes two bottles of adhesive, which should be enough to last you for quite some time. All in all, when it comes to sheer efficacy and value, it’s tough to beat the Galaxy Star Nail Glue from RY.

Pros:

Package comes with two bottles of adhesive.
Works noticeably better than most other nail glues; it dries quickly and it’s easy to apply.

Cons:

Leaves a slightly tacky finish.

XICHEN Starry Sky Nail Art Stickers and Adhesive

Glittery, pretty nails for days

With the XICHEN Nail Art Sticker Set, you get tons of dazzling nail art designs along with your adhesive.

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With the XICHEN Starry Sky Nail Art Set, not only do you get super-effective nail foil glue, but you also get 24 stunningly beautiful foil designs that come in a wide range of colors and patterns. Take your pick from glittery gold, silver, bright green, crystal-studded pink and purple, shiny rainbow, and an assortment of other cool textures and colors. And, the nail foil glue itself dries quickly and sticks super well, so you don’t have to worry about your foils chipping or coming off.

Pros:

Product comes with nail adhesive, plus 24 stunning foil designs in a variety of colors.
Use them with the glue or with gel polish if you want a splotchy effect.
Adhesive dries quickly and sticks after the first application.
Excellent value.

Cons:

You have to be sure to use a water-based top coat over these foils; otherwise, they may wrinkle if you use a regular top coat.

Makartt Nail Art Glue Gel

Strong adhesion, for nail designs that last

Nail foil application has never been easier than with the Makartt Nail Art Glue Gel.

Best Gel

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The Makartt Nail Art Glue Gel is an essential tool for any at-home nail art beauty session, purely because it works so well. No matter what foil design you come up with, this gel glue sticks on in seconds, providing a durable coat that lasts. The glue is clear, and it’s a cinch to apply: All you have to do is apply a thin, single coat with the built-in brush, and you’ll get to enjoy your gorgeous nail art for days on end. Beloved by salon professionals and DIY nail art fans alike, the Makartt Nail Art Glue Gel is a one-of-a-kind find.

Pros:

Not just for foils: Whether you’re using rhinestones, sequins, foil, or polish, this nail adhesive works super well.
Gel glue is easy to apply and extremely durable.

Cons:

Gotta be extra-careful not to apply this over your nail walls, or it could crack and peel off.

Modelones Nail Art Foil Glue

Budget shoppers will love this nail glue

The Modelones Nail Foil Glue is an excellent value buy.

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No need to shell out the big bucks and endure buyer’s remorse: The Modelones Nail Art Foil Glue is an awesomely affordable product, without skimping on efficacy. Best of all, this glue can actually help you transfer the pattern of your foil sticker to your nail, if you want to design your own nail artwork. It goes on clear, so you don’t have to wait for the glue to change colors, and the built-in brush is easy to use. Not to mention, you get two bottles in one package. What’s not to love?

Pros:

Great value, especially considering that you get two bottles.
Even used by salons for its excellent ability to transfer the pattern of foil stickers to your nails.
Goes on clear.

Cons:

It may take a couple times per nail to really get the glue to stick.

AIFAIFA Metallic Nail Foils

Shiny, glammed-up nails for the win

For the best metallic nail foils set, look no further than this one from AIFAIFA.

Best Metallic Foils

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Pearly pink, glistening silver, lavender, and gold: The AIFAIFA Metallic Nail Foils are so striking and trendy, you’ll probably never want to take them off. Which is okay, because you get ten colors and designs to play around with, so this set lasts for a long, long time. The nail foil glue that’s included is exceptionally durable, too, which makes all the difference when you’re doing your own nail foils. And, the AIFAIFA foil set even comes with a handy, clear box with compartments, so you can neatly store all your nail foil tools in one space.

Pros:

Set comes with extra-strong adhesive, plus ten really lovely metallic colors that look striking once applied.
Also comes with a clear box with compartments so you can store everything.

Cons:

The bottle of glue is fairly small.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I prep my nails before applying foils?

For the best results, before applying your foils, you should clean and buff your nails using an alcohol-based cleaner. All old polish should be removed, and nails should be clean, neat, and trimmed into the desired shape.

What is the best way to apply nail foils?

When you’re ready to apply your foils, put on a base coat first and allow it to dry. Next, paint your nails with your chosen color and apply your nail adhesive glue. Allow the glue to dry, and then press the foil onto each nail. Apply a final top coat, and make sure you let your nails dry completely.

Can I just use regular glue for foil application?

No, it’s always best to use a dedicated nail foil adhesive in order to truly get the foil to stick.