"I appreciate a good manicure just as much as the next person, but I still can’t bring myself to get one done consistently. They’re time-consuming and costly, and it’s hard to shell out the cash only for them to look grown-out and haggard after a week. Lucky for me, though, if there’s one beauty product that’s upped its game tenfold over the past few years, it’s press-on nails. Gone are the days of press-ons falling off after 24 hours; today’s press-ons are just as good as a gel mani (if not better since they’re so much more cost-effective).
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Not only do today’s press-on nails last a week plus, but they look natural and come in designs that would cost over $100 at a nail salon. These are the best press-on brands to try this year—no trip to the nail salon required.
How to apply press-on nails like a pro:
- Always read and follow the directions to a T
- Apply thumbs last and alternate fingers on each hand. (Do the left index finger followed by the right, and so on and so forth.)
- Avoid getting your nails wet for one hour after application
- Avoid oils, lotions, and creams two to three hours before and after application
- The longer you press, the longer and better they wear
The best press-on nails to try yourself
1. Glamnetic Press-On Nails
Glamnetic originally got its start in the beauty market with false eyelashes, so they know a thing or two about getting things to stick. Each nail kit comes with two quantity options—24 nails and 30 nails—that each feature a variety of different sizes so you can find the perfect fit for your nail bed. Plus, each kit also comes with an alcohol pad, a nail file, a cuticle kit, and glue, so you don’t have to worry about scrambling for any materials. A major pro to Glamnetic is the wide range of nail shapes that they carry, so you can do a perfect press-on squoval without having to do any extra filing of your own.
2. Chillhouse Press-On Nails
Chillhouse is known for its chic nail studios in New York City, but thankfully, for those of us who can’t travel to the Big Apple for a mani, they’re not gatekeeping their stunning designs. Each kit includes 24 nails of several different sizes so you can find your perfect fit, plus a buffer and file, cuticle stick, and gentle glue. The great thing about this option for press-on nails? You can subscribe and get a monthly delivery so that you always have a fresh set on hand.
3. Paintlab Press-On Nails
If the top concern for your press-ons is the design, then Paintlab press-ons should definitely be your go-to. Each kit includes 24 press-on nails, a nail file and buffer, a cuticle stick, and nail glue. These nails are also extremely durable due to the brand’s use of seven-layer gel technology, so you won’t have to worry about them chipping or popping off. I personally am obsessed with the detailed designs on each of these nail sets, from teeny-tiny avocados to flowers to cowgirl boots.
4. imPRESS Press-On Nails
Umbrellaed under the Kiss brand, the imPRESS press-on nails are my holy grail for getting a quick salon-worthy mani on the go. With built-in ultra-strong adhesion, they’re super easy to apply and last the longest out of all the press-on nails I tried. I found that wiping down each nail with the included prep pad before application instead of all at once helps these stay on better. That said, the packaging promises seven-day wear, but mine usually lasts for a good 10 days before a couple will start coming loose. In addition, imPRESS’s glueless design won’t damage or leave your nails brittle. So, you don’t have to lose sleep over potentially damaging your natural nails.
5. Static Nails Reusable Pop-On Manicures
Do you love the look and durability of acrylics but can’t stomach the extra cost? Static Nails can help with that. These nails can last up to nearly three weeks and will hold up with your normal day-to-day activity—like washing your hands, cleaning, doing laundry, etc. Additionally, they can be reused up to six times, which makes their slightly more expensive price point worth it. Each nail kit comes with 24 nails in 12 sizes per hand, non-damaging glue, and a dual-sided nail file and buffer.
6. Glamermaid Press-On Nails
For nails that retail for under $10 and are applied with an adhesive tab, the Glamermaid press-on nails are sturdy AF. They also look stunning on your fingers. At an affordable price point, you really can’t go wrong. Plus, they have an array of options to choose from. You can opt for a trendy nail look or go for a solid, timeless one. In addition, they also hold up to being filed down to your desired length if they’re too long.
Since the adhesive tabs are separate from the nails themselves, it’s important you select the right size for both when applying. If the nail’s too small, the adhesive will show through. If the adhesive tab is too small, the nails won’t adhere that well and will be more liable to pop off.
7. Dashing Diva Magic Press Press-On Nails
With super trendy and sleek designs, Dashing Diva’s Magic Press press-on nails were made for women on the go. The glueless design makes the application super easy and lightning-fast compared to getting a full-on manicure. Plus, the $9 price point makes these gorgeous nails all the more covetable. When you break it down, you save time, save money, and still look cute. It’s a win-win all around.
8. Kiss Gel Fantasy Sculpted Nails
Fair warning: These nails are not for the faint of heart. They have an ultra-glossy matte finish and high arch, which makes them the perfect imitation for salon-quality acrylics—all for under $10. Although they have short, medium, and long lengths to choose from, I typically opt for the long length because I adore how feminine they look and love wearing them for a night out. Whenever I have them on, I feel like I’m in my main character moment.
These nails come with pink gel glue and 24 mega-adhesive tabs, so you have glue-on or press-on options. If you want quick wear, using the adhesive tabs is your best bet. However, if you want longer wear, you can use the included glue by itself or in conjunction with the adhesive tabs. Also included with your purchase are 28 nails, a manicure stick, and a mini file.
9. BTArtbox Press-On Gel Nails
Another great reusable option is BTArtbox’s press-on gel nails. They’re super soft and lightweight, so you feel like you’re wearing nothing on your fingers. They also feel like real nails, which makes it easier to perform normal daily functions because you’re not worried about them chipping or falling off. Each nail set comes with 15 nail sizes, nail glue, adhesive tabs, a prep pad, a double-sided nail stick, and a nail file.
How you apply these nails is totally up to you and depends on how long you want to wear them. For three-day wear, apply with only the adhesive tabs. Just make sure you select the right size for both the tabs and nails since they come separately. For seven-day wear, apply them with the included glue. If you want to wear them for 14 days or more, apply them with both the adhesive tabs and the included glue.
