You have a last-minute event to attend, and you don’t have time to get a professional manicure — what do you do? The next best thing! Run to your local drugstore and pick up a set of press-on nails. You might be surprised by how advanced and natural they look and feel nowadays. Today’s options are sleek and durable and come in a plethora of designs and finishes to match any outfit or mood. From stiletto tips to almond shapes and matte finishes to glittering embellishments, there’s a style for every occasion. Moreover, the adhesive technology has seen significant improvements, ensuring a secure grip that lasts for days without causing damage to your natural nails. There are a dizzying amount of press-on nail choices online and in stores, so we’ve broken a nail or two, scouring the internet for the best press-on nails.
Taking a moment to indulge in self-care is important. A recent survey reveals that many Americans are stuck in a self-care crisis of sorts. One in three people polled admit they haven’t had a day to relax by themselves in more than three months. Doing small things like doing your nails can make a difference.
Another benefit from doing your nails at home is you save yourself from ingesting the harmful chemicals floating in the air at nail salons. A new study shows that working in a nail salon is as harmful to your health as working in an oil refinery. So, visiting one may put you at risk to exposure, too.
Good news! If you need a salon-worthy manicure in minutes, modern press-on nails are your saving grace. Not only are they cost-effective, but they also offer a quick, mess-free solution, making you event-ready in no time. Whether you’re gracing a red carpet or just attending a casual get-together, nobody would guess your secret to perfectly polished nails came straight off a drugstore shelf (except you!). Which sets will stay on for more than just an hour? We put together the top five best press-on nail brands, according to beauty experts. If you use a set you love that’s not on our list, let us know in the comments below!
The List: Best Press-On Nails, According to Beauty Experts
1. Glamnetic Press-On Nails
Glamnetic is known for its best-selling magnetic eyelashes, but the company also sells press-on nails. Glam writes, “The brand’s press-ons are long-lasting (some reviewers claim they last even longer than the product description’s claim of two weeks), reusable, affordable, and salon-quality.”
“If you prefer the look of shorter nails, Glamnetic is the brand for you,” writes Brides. “While they carry press-ons of all lengths, they have an extensive collection of short and super short nails in round, oval, and almond tips. Despite being on the short end, the press-ons still come in fun colors and playful designs perfect for bridesmaids and wedding guests alike.”
Customers and ELLE love these nails! “They are easy to apply, stay on for around two weeks (three if you’re being careful!), and are easy to remove with zero damage to your nail bed. They come as a set of 24 tips in over 12 sizes to help you find a good fit. Not to mention, they’re available in dozens of colors and patterns to choose from, whether you prefer a classic pink or funky cow print.”
2. Chillhouse Chill Tips
“CHILLHOUSE reigns supreme in the press-on nail world,” so says IPSY. “They create the press-on nail trends that we see taking over social media. Their newest launch is a collection with nail influencer, Lauren Ladnier. Of course, CHILLHOUSE gives you a file to shape to your liking, glue, and a cuticle stick.”
New Beauty writes, “Grab a pair of any of the unique designs—you can’t go wrong—and apply them on your next chill night in. They’re long-lasting and salon-quality.”
According to one Forbes reviewer, “The brand claims the mani can last 3 weeks, depending on your application process. Per my testing methodology, I removed them after 9 days, and even then they felt as sturdy as they did on day 1.”
3. Static Nails Reusable Pop-On Manicure
“We put these on before a trip to Las Vegas and despite spending hours soaking in the pool, none of them popped off,” bragged Brides. “The reusable nails are made to last 18 days and you can always re-glue a nail in case one does fall off. Another thing that sets these press-ons apart is that they are opaque. We’ve tried other brands where nude press-ons are slightly see-through and that can lead to inconsistency. With Static Nails, we got that flawless, milky, glazed donut finish.”
Allure gives this set a number one rating saying, “You can pop ’em on and off up to six times, which is pretty darn cost-effective considering they can be donned on your digits for up to 18 days.”
“Static Nails are reusable—you could wear them for weeks at a time or just a few days, changing them to match your look,” according to New Beauty. These nails can last up to 18 days and can be applied up to six times when sticking to shorter wears.
4. Olive & June The Instant Mani
“This really is a must-have kit for those starting out on their fake nail journey,” states The New York Post. “I have the exact kit above and use it for both my regular polish manicures and my press-on weeks, using the nail prep tools inside and just switching out the press-on packs. The nails are also very durable, and I love their brush-on glue that seems to have an even stronger hold than typical glues in the tube.”
“If you’re a conscious consumer who worries about the impact of temporary nails on the environment, Olive & June is the brand for you,” according to Glam. “The Instant Mani kit contains 42 press-on nails in 21 sizes made from 94% post-consumer recycled materials along with a nail-safe glue, a buffer and file, a cuticle stick, and a nail prep pad. The brand’s Classic French press-ons are just that — a classic French manicure that will enhance any look without stressing you out about your carbon footprint. ”
“A fraction of the price of a gel manicure and almost as long-lasting, Olive & June makes a case for never setting foot in the salon again,” exclaims New Beauty. “One package includes 42 nails in 21 sizes all made from 94 percent post-consumer recycled materials, so you don’t have to feel bad about making your way through a couple of packs a month. If applied for long-term wear, they can last over seven days.”
5. Kiss Nails
Brides states, “Kiss Nails is our go-to drugstore brand for press-on nails. They have a wide selection of styles, from timeless nudes to embellished coffins. Thanks to the affordable price, we don’t mind stocking up on several pairs and experimenting with them.”
New Beauty admits, “The glue-on option proved much more reliable. Available at most drugstores, Kiss is a great solution for any last-minute nail needs. They withstand tons of hand washing, so they’re there to stick around.”
“I make sure to stock up on the Kiss Salon Acrylic Natural nails for those in-between periods where I’m not ready for a new gel extension set, but I don’t want to leave my nails bare,” writes an editor at ELLE. “After sizing and applying each nail, I glue them down and then begin the polishing process. I love that I can swipe on my favorite gel nail polish, cure it with a UV lamp, and go about my day (a nail tech even performed a manicure on top of these nails) without disruption. They stay on for quite some time, so long as they’re properly applied.”
You may also be interested in:
- Best Nail Polish
- Best Cuticle Oil
- Best Ways to Paint Your Nails
- Best Ways to Paint Your Toenails
- Best Nail Polish Removers
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Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.