Nothing makes me feel more put together than a fresh manicure; I love looking down and seeing a seasonal color pull together my entire outfit.

Not only does a manicure help me feel polished, but also, I find a simple regular coat helps my nails feel stronger and less prone to breakage and peeling.

Dashing Diva Gloss Ultra Shine Gel Pristine Pearl

Gloss Ultra Shine Gel in Pristine Pearl

What we like

Strong for up to 14 days
Chip- and scratch-resistant
Shouldn't damage nails

Something to note

Best used with a top coat

Shades: 30 | Includes: 32 gel manicure strips, one prep pad and one nail file

Why I tried Dashing Diva nails

With the rise of inflation and the cost of living sky rocketing, nail salons were the first thing I cut from my budget. I resorted to painting (or attempting to paint!) my nails myself, which typically doesn’t end well.

One day I complimented my mom on her immaculate nails and that’s when she introduced me to nail strips. I couldn’t believe she did them herself and I was impressed by how far DIY “fake” nails have come — these nail polish stickers were innovative! And with an affordable price and professional look, I knew I just had to try them.

Why I like Dashing Diva nails

After shopping around and testing a couple of different brands, I decided that the Dashing Diva Gloss Nail Palette was the cream of the crop. Since I started using these, I’ve been hooked and have saved hundreds by not going to the nail salon (each set of strips starts at only $9!).

They're so easy to apply

According to the brand, the decal stickers are made of a gel-quality formula, but the application process doesn't leave your nails feeling brittle. You don't have to buff down your nails like a normal gel manicure, which I was a huge fan of. I will note that it takes some trial and error for the application, but once you get the hang of it, they’re super easy to apply.

Before applying, I like to file my nails first like salons normally do, and then wipe them clean with the included alcohol wipe. Each set comes with more than enough strips, so you can find the perfect size for each nail (this is also helpful if you really mess up!). You’ll want to match up the sizes with your nails before you peel the adhesive so you don't accidentally waste any. After you place the sticker on your nail, you just fold it across your finger, file it down and repeat the process until you’re done — it looks like you walked straight from a salon!

There's a semi-cured version, too

The brand also offers a "glaze" collection that has more of a cured, hard gel-like finish that I really like, too. You apply them the same way but it just takes an extra few minutes since it requires a LED lamp to help harden the sticker onto your nail; the results are really impressive!

I actually think I use this version more often than the Gloss Gel Strips. The brand also offers this in a kit, with just the semi-cured gel strips, or you can just purchase the LED light for $12.

Dashing Diva Glaze Semi-Cured Starter Kit

Glaze Semi-Cured Starter Kit

Get the perfect at-home manicure with kit.

What we like

Strong up to 14 days
Complete starter kit
Shouldn't damage nails

Something to note

Not many color options

Shades: 2 | Includes: Mini LED lamp, 32 semi-cured gel manicure nail strips, one nail file, one manicure stick and two prep pads

Dashing Diva Glaze Color

Glaze Color (Bone Nude)

What we like

Strong for up to 14 days
Fast-curing formula

Something to note

Some shades are more sheer than others, according to reviews

Shades: 55 | Includes: 32 gel manicure strips, two prep pads, one manicure stick and one nail file

The brand says you don’t have to use a top coat, but in my opinion, I find it helps the strips last longer. For me, normal polish only lasts around four days, even if it’s professionally done. But these gel stickers not only take about 20 minutes to apply, but also, they’re long-lasting and don’t chip at all!

In my experience, my decals look pristine for about 10 days, then I will notice the edges start to lift. To fully take them off, I will carefully peel them under warm water or soak them in acetone.

What to consider

One thing to note about both nail strips is that after a couple of weeks, they begin to lift along the edges, so much so that my hair will get caught under it during shampoo and styling. This just means it’s time to remove them, so you’ll definitely want to take them off as soon as you notice any lifting.

The best thing about the Dashing Diva brand is that they have tons of colors and options, from solid hues to holiday patterns. However, I feel it's safe to call certain strips "limited-edition" because they'll discontinue a color pattern (like the deep purple above!), and you can't purchase or wear it again.

Who is Dashing Diva nails best for?

It is fun that the brand is constantly expanding and changing their colors and patterns. I get so many compliments when I rock a new color and my friends are shocked when I tell them it’s stickers and that I did it myself. Not to mention, they’re incredibly affordable.

If you wanted a fun, intricate design or even just a solid color gel manicure, it would set you back at least $40 for one visit. If you get your nails done monthly, that’s hundreds of dollars a year! Instead, these start at only $6. Talk about a win-win.

Why trust Shop TODAY

The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources and use our own personal experiences with the product and brand to make shopping easier for our readers.

Shannon Garlin is an associate editor for Shop TODAY. She has been with the team over two years covering a wide range of topics, including product reviews, viral beauty and sales.