I’ll never forget the first time I got my nails done professionally. I was about 12 years old, and my brother got me a gift card to the nail salon for my birthday. I was so excited to get square acrylic French tips (the nail style of the time). I loved how grown-up and put together I felt having my nails done, but I ultimately went back to my natural nails, saving the occasional nail salon visit for special occasions like homecoming or prom.
Things haven’t changed much since then. I still love having my nails done, but the upkeep and trips to the nail salon is just too much for me. The solution? Press-on nails. They give the look of having my nails professionally done, but I don’t have to sit in a salon chair for hours (or book appointments ahead of time). I’ve tried my fair share of press-on nails, and am always on the hunt for the best on the market.
The most recent press-ons I put to the test were by Olive & June. I’ve been a fan of Olive and June’s long-lasting polish for years now, so when they released their own press-ons (with a price tag under $10), I was confident I’d love them just as much. But would they last as long as a salon manicure? I set out to find out. Here’s my honest review:
The nails
What makes Olive & June’s press-ons different from leading brands? They’re made from 94% recycled materials, they’re non-damaging and non-toxic to your natural nails, and they’re vegan and cruelty-free. They also offer a wider range of sizes than most other brands, ensuring that you get the best fit possible. Even better, they’re available at Target for under $10, so I can easily pick up a new set on my weekly trips there.
The application
Olive & June’s kits come with everything you need for your at home press-on manicure: cuticle pusher, nail file, alcohol wipe, and nail glue. They also provide detailed instructions, but as a frequent press-on nail wearer, I have my application process down to a science.
I start off by filing my nails down to ensure my natural nails aren’t longer than the press-ons, push my cuticles back, buff my natural nails and the underside of the press-ons (this step is critical IMO), and wipe my nails clean with the alcohol wipe. To apply the nails, I add a generous drop of glue to both my natural nail and the press-on and allow them a few seconds to become tacky before adhering them and holding in place for 30 seconds. This process takes some time, especially going through all the different nail size options, but in my opinion, it’s worth the effort.
I tried the Pink Goldfish press-ons in medium length, but I didn’t love the almond shape they came in, so I filed them down to be more of my signature squoval shape once they were applied. I’ve tried reshaping press-on nails in the past and had some difficulty, but the Olive & June ones were easy to file down, and you couldn’t tell that they didn’t come that way.
The wear
Olive & June once held a contest to see how long their nail polish could last without chipping, and one customer’s mani lasted over two weeks. With this in mind, I had high hopes that their press-ons would last just as long, and they didn’t disappoint. Working out, typing, and moving—these are just some of the many tasks I put my nails through during my trial of the Olive & June press-on nails. Somehow they held on through it all until day nine when I finally lost one press-on. That’s the longest any press-ons have ever lasted on me, and way longer than a gel manicure from the salon lasts for me. Impressed is an understatement.
The verdict
As a press-on connoisseur, I can safely say that Olive & June is one of the best brands I’ve ever tried. I love the variety of colors and patterns they have. As a perfectionist, I hate having streaky polish or messy designs, but these press-ons ensure my mani looks perfect. I also love that I don’t have to worry about my polish or gel chipping or lifting. If you’re looking for a long-lasting mani solution, you can’t beat Olive & June press-ons.
