How Nail Art Became My Favorite Form of Self-Care
There was a time I couldn’t stand the idea of getting my nails done. I was a rowdy girl, a tomboy in every sense of the word. I spent my childhood climbing trees, catching frogs and lizards, and rejecting anything even remotely “girly.” Pink? Absolutely not. Nail polish? Only if it was black, and only until it chipped (or until I chipped it myself).
Back then, UV gels weren’t a thing, and traditional polish smelled awful and took forever to dry. I didn’t have the patience—or the interest. Plus, I struggled with eczema growing up. While others were growing out their nails, I was clipping mine as short as possible just to avoid scratching my itchy skin. Neat nails didn’t feel like a possibility, let alone a priority.
But everything changed in January of 2023.
My little brother had an “Around the World” themed birthday party, and each guest dressed as if they were from a country of their choice. I picked the UK, pulling together a beige fitted shirt, brown trousers, a waistcoat, and a pocket watch (it was quite posh). But what really tied the entire outfit together? A set of brown, abstract press-on nails.
They were pivotal. I didn’t feel completely dressed until I pressed them on. Suddenly, my hands matched my energy—they looked as refined, intentional, and stylish as I felt. That was the moment it clicked: nail art wasn't just decoration. It was expression. And in that expression, I felt care—self-care, even if I hadn’t named it that yet.
From that point forward, I was hooked.
By November of that year, I had invested in my first set of gel polishes and a UV lamp. I dove deep. Solid colors became cat-eye designs, which became florals, 3D art, rhinestones, and charms. I’d scour Pinterest for inspiration and prepare full press-on sets tailored to upcoming events. Painting my nails became part of my ritual, like my skincare routine or choosing the perfect outfit.
These days, when I do my nails, I light a coffee-scented wax warmer, turn on a movie or TV show, and enter my own kind of flow state. It’s relaxing, creative, and personal. Whether I’m painting them or pressing them on, it’s the finishing touch that makes me feel elegant, polished, and grounded.
So what would I say to someone who thinks nail art is just beauty and not a form of care?
It’s both.
Wearing press-ons or painting your nails isn’t about extravagance (though I love a dramatic stiletto nail decked in rhinestones as much as anyone). It’s about choosing, intentionally, to put effort into how you present yourself. Even clear polish or a simple French tip says: I’m paying attention. I’m worth the time. And when you start paying attention to your nails, you start caring more for your hands—your cuticles, your skin, your daily rituals. One small habit opens the door to more holistic care.
For me, nail art began as an accessory and bloomed into a healing practice. It’s a reminder that self-care can be loud or quiet, bold or subtle—but it always starts with honoring what makes you feel most like you.
That journey—from chipped black polish to creating detailed, art-inspired sets—led me to launch Artura Nails. What began as a personal escape became a passion I wanted to share. I knew there were others out there, just like me, looking for beauty that goes deeper than trends—something with intention, soul, and a sense of whimsy.
At Artura Nails, every set is handcrafted with care and curated for the dreamers, the romantics, and the creatives. These aren't mass-produced designs. They’re wearable art, tailored to elevate your self-expression while offering the same sense of calm, confidence, and joy that nail art brought to my own life.
Whether you’re getting in touch with your elegant or feminine side, or if you’ve always loved nail art as a form of expression, we’re here to help you complete the picture and be the last piece of your own puzzle.
When you purchase a set from Artura Nails, you're not just buying nails—you’re investing in your own ritual, your own transformation. From simple, timeless designs to whimsical statement sets, we’re here to remind you that your hands deserve just as much love as your heart.
That’s all for now,
Stay Dreamy! – Artura Nails 🌙✨