I’m a Beauty Editor Who Rarely Gets Manicures—These Press-On Nails are Just as Good
Salon-worthy nail designs for less than the price of one manicure.
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A fresh manicure has a way of making me instantly feel more put-together, no matter what kind of nail design I opt for. But regular salon appointments can add up fast. That’s exactly why press-on nails have become such a staple in my beauty routine, and why they’re better (and more legit) than they’ve ever been. After years of cycling through gel manicures and dip powder sets, I officially ditched the salon and committed to at-home nails—and the biggest lesson I learned is this: your results are only as good as the press-ons you use.
To find the best press-on nails worth buying right now, I tested dozens of kits, wearing them for days at a time to track their longevity, natural appearance, and effectiveness across various nail shapes and lengths. I also roped in fellow Cosmopolitan editors to share the press-ons they swear by, and consulted celebrity nail artist Julie Kandalec for expert tips on application and removal to make sure these picks actually hold up in real life. Ahead, the press-on nail brands and styles that truly deliver a salon-level manicure—without the salon price tag.
The best press-on nail brands, tested by <em>Cosmopolitan</em>:<em></em>
Keep scrolling for all of the best tested and reviewed press-on nails the internet has to offer, according to Cosmo editors. Oh, and don’t worry—I get into allll the tips and tricks you need to know for a salon-worthy at-home manicure with your new press-ons.
Pros
- Easily last for 10+ days with the included Quickies glue
- Come in the widest array of sizes and lengths that I've ever tested
- Offer a ton of trendy designs that drop monthly
Cons
- Although they have so many short nail options, if you love very-long nails, you might not find them to be long enough
Why we love it: Quickies is the #1 press-on nail brand we’ve tested—and trust us, we’ve literally used every single kind you can find in stores. Quickies was born out of founder Bailey Stanworth’s frustration with press-ons that just didn’t measure up. From the fit to the durability to the designs, these nails actually look and feel expensive. They truly do feel like real, painted nails once they're on.
Most of all, it's all in the branding: cheeky, playful, and kinda horny—just as the brand's name suggests. But Quickies’ appeal goes far beyond aesthetics. The brand donates $1 from every order to abortion funds and LGBTQIA+ organizations.
Features at a Glance
| Number of nails | 30 |
| Included tools | Nail glue and a double-sided mini nail file, all in a reusable pouch |
| Length options | Micro, mini, short, medium |
One Cosmo editor says: "One set of Quickies lasts me a full seven days on average. That might not seem like a lot to you, but I've never in my life had a press-on nail not pop off for more than three days, let alone seven. I type at my computer for a living; I'm extremely hard on my nails and don't have the time or energy to baby my press-ons so that they last. But the Quickies glue, combined with the substantial-but-not-too-thick material of the nail, really holds on for dear life. And I really love the designs. These always match all the nail trends I'm reporting on and would have asked for at a salon anyway."—BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR
Pros
- Nails look and feel natural
- Comes in a ton of shapes, lengths, and styles depending on your vibe
Cons
- Can be difficult to remove
Why we love it: OPI's nail polishes are classic, just like these press-on nails in many of their iconic shades. The nails feel really sturdy, which is why people constantly ask where I got my nails done when I’m wearing them because they look so natural. And they come in so many different shapes, lengths, and styles (I love these short ones sm).
Plus, I gotta shout-out the included glue because a couple of dots on the fake nail and my real nail, and my press-ons easily last a full seven days without lifting at the corners—which is a massive feat as I spend my days furiously typing and prying open packages. Honestly, the glue is so good that removal can be kind of a pain (better than my nails popping off, though). I ended up placing an acetone-soaked cotton ball under a plastic nail wrap for about 10 minutes, which loosened the glue right up and made the nails easy to peel off.
One Cosmo editor says: “I swear by OPI press-ons and have tried nearly all the long length styles. They are thicker and sturdier than those plastic-y other brands and truly last on about two weeks without popping off. After that, they do start to lift and get a little wiggly, but this helps with removal so I’m not mad about it. They’ll chip and fade a little bit around that time too, but there are enough nails in the pack for a re-up! Application is suuuper easy and quick—I usually do a full set in about 15 minutes."—CHRISTEN A. JOHNSON, SENIOR LIFESTYLE EDITOR
Features at a Glance
| Number of nails included | 30 |
| Included tools | Nail glue, cuticle stick, nail file, and buffer, OPI prep pad |
| Length options | Various (short, medium, and long) |
Another Cosmo editor says: “OPI's press-on nails single-handedly got me back into wearing press-ons after years of assuming they'd just fall right off minutes after applying. They come in so many trendy colors and finishes, like these chrome ones. And they last—I can wear a set for seven days with zero issues with peeling or breaking."—BG
Pros
- Last up to 2 weeks, but can last longer if applied correctly
- Very easy to apply
- Comes in *really* cute designs
Cons
- They’re not as natural-looking as some other press-on options
Why we love it: Glamnetic’s press-ons have been a fan favorite among the Cosmo team for a while now, and after trying them out myself, I totally understand why. The brand has a TON of unique, salon-worthy designs and colors at a fraction of the price you’d spend to actually get them done. And while I love a long nail as much as the next person, sometimes short and medium nails are just the vibe—and Glamnetic does those shorter lengths especially well. Plus, I really appreciate how they stay up to date on the latest nail trends (no matter how fast they come and go). Want the famous Hailey Bieber nails? They got those! Or are you more of a metallic tips girlie? They got plenty of those too!
The kits come with all the necessary tools, and the application is super easy. The brand says they’ll last up to two weeks, but if you apply correctly, there’s a v good chance they’ll last even longer. And best of all? You can absolutely clean ’em up and reuse them more than once. Talk about bang for your buck!
One Cosmo editor says: “As someone who has been wholeheartedly committed to gel manicures for more than three years, I was hesitant to try press-ons. I must say, not only do these come in so many cute colors and patterns, but they seriously last for so long. I used the nail glue and my nails didn’t budge for nearly a week and a half."—JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITOR
Features at a Glance
| Number of nails | 30 |
| Included tools | Nail glue, nail file, cuticle stick, alcohol pad |
| Length options | Various (short, medium, and long) |
Why we love it: Love the idea of super-cool nail designs you see all over Instagram, but hate spending hours (and $$$) at the salon? Nail Reformation is your answer. The brand offers a mix of press-on lengths with salon-worthy art that will absolutely not look like your nails came out of a box. Chrome, polka dots, 3D, aura—name the trend, and I'm certain Nail Reformation has it. (And they're fairly affordable and can be shopped at drugstores too).
One Cosmo editor says: "I put Nail Reformation through a huge test when I wore them for the very first time for Coachella. Hot weather, lots of hand washing, and dancing away in the desert—it was a recipe for press-ons to pop off. But these stayed on my nails the entire weekend, plus a few more days. And everyone was complimenting my nails on the cute design."—BG
Pros
- Nail is easy to tailor to your liking
Cons
- Don't last as long as some other nail brands
Why we love it: PaintLab nails will have people thinking you just left the salon when, in reality, you just popped on a fresh set before leaving the house. The brand has to-die-for designs, including this aura-inspired set, a coquette bow design (my personal fave), and a bejeweled set. I found the nails to be super durable thanks to the seven-layer gel technology they use, and none of the paint chipped before removing them.
While the short almond nails were the ideal length for my taste, they’re easy to file down and fully customizable. Oh, and the best part about PaintLab? It allows you to create custom bundles. At just $27 for three different designs, it’s honestly a steal...and a heck of a lot less than going to the actual salon.
One shopper says: “Love! I’ve worn them for weeks, and they still look as good as new. I can’t imagine ever going back to traditional nail polish after trying these!”
| Number of nails | 24 |
| Included tools | Nail glue, file/buffer, cuticle stick |
| Length options | Short |
Pros
- Easy to pick up at your local drugstore
- Come in a lot of shades and designs
Cons
- I wish there were more length options across the styles
Why we love it: Kiss just completely relaunched their press-on nail offerings with a better fit, more nails, and chicer styles. Their core collection features a good mix of solid colors, French tips, and shimmery chrome looks that look a lot more luxe than what you'd expect to find at the drugstore. Best of all: An entire set of reusable nails is under $12, and you can stash one in your cart picking up your prescription.
One shopper says: "These nails are so beautiful, the shape, the color, everything. I like that there are enough nails to choose from if some don't fit your nail. Easy application and removal, salon quality at home. I always use press-ons, never need acrylics anymore."
Features at a Glance
| Number of nails | 33 |
| Included tools | Glue, a manicure stick, and a mini file |
| Lengths | Medium |
Pros
- Comes in an extra-short length
- Looks v natural, said testers
- Comes with the most number of nails of any kit, so it can be easy to reuse
Cons
- Some reviewers didn’t like how curved the nails are
Why we love it: These come with a whopping 42 nails in 21 different shapes, which will help you find a nail that perfectly fits (and will make your nails look more natural in the long run). Plus, the kit comes with everything you need to get started, including a prep pad to clean your nails, a file, a buffer, a cuticle pusher to shape and groom your nails, and a little vile of nail glue.
One Cosmo editor says: “I opt for the medium almond length when I want to elongate my fingers, or I have an event, and I find these are some of the simplest, no-fuss fake nails I’ve tried. Sometimes, I just want to pop on some press-ons instead of painting my nails, and on those days, I go for the Olive and June press-on nail kit. I always recommend the Olive and June press-on nail kits to my press-on newbies because they’re super beginner-friendly. The kit comes with truly everything you could possibly need, even if you've never done an at-home manicure in your life (and for that reason, are very easy to travel with). And the nails always look cute in an array of colors and designs that mimic the brand's polishes."—BG
| Number of nails included | 42 |
| Included tools | Nail glue, cuticle pusher, prep pad, nail file, nail buffer |
| Length | Short and medium |
Sally Hansen Salon Effects Perfect Manicure Press-On Nails Kit
Pros
- Thin nails are easy to shape, according to reviewers
- Have a rounded base to help fit wide nail beds
Cons
- Some testers wished the nails were a bit thicker
Why we love it: The first time I put these on, I immediately noticed how wide the shape of the nail is, which is legit excellent for my wide nail beds. I have to ~finesse~ most press-ons to fit my nails, but not these. I easily found a set that would fit all of my nails, even right up to the edges where most fake nails don’t reach.
Just note these press-ons are very thin, which I personally enjoyed because it allowed me to file them into my ideal almond shape (which I did for these red ones). But the thinness does make them a lil flimsy, which can limit the length of wear. I chose to use the adhesive tabs and a tiny dab of glue right on my natural nail, which helped increase the longevity and give me a full five days of these nails while I was away on a long weekend trip.
One shopper says: “I was really surprised at how real these nails look when they’re on. They were super easy to do and so far have lasted me almost two weeks with no lifting or popping off. I love that they give you enough for two sets of nails. For the price, this is totally worth it. I can have my nails and my coffee shop coffee too!”
| Number of nails | 24 |
| Included tools | File, cuticle stick, prep pad, adhesive tabs, nail glue |
| Length options | Medium to long |
Pros
- Adhesive tabs are fully mess-free
Cons
- Doesn’t last as long as glue
Why we love it: Nail glue is the GOAT for a super long-lasting manicure, but it can get messy and leave a residue on your nails that you have to majorly file off afterward. If you wanna avoid that altogether, try the viral Kiss ImPress nails, which feature adhesive tabs that make it easy AF to literally just press on and go.
I always keep a few packs of these press-ons at home when I’m in a hurry, since I legit just have to match the nails to my shape and press them right on. The adhesive isn’t nearly as sticky as glue, though, so I only get two or three days out of these nails. But worth it for a manicure that legit takes less than three minutes.
One shopper says: “I buy these often for cute, quick wears, and they don’t disappoint. Being short stills allows for ease of use with my hands, and they’re cute. Win, win.”
| Number of nails included | 30 |
| Included tools | Adhesive tabs, prep pad, file, cuticle pusher |
| Lengths available | Various (short, medium, long) |
How do I get fake nails to last?
The key to ensuring your fake nails last for a long time is to make sure they fit correctly. “Using a nail that doesn’t fit the arch, aka the apex, of your nail will make it pop off too soon,” says nail artist Julie Kandalec. So, for me, I just really made sure to push back my cuticles with a wooden stick to get the nails as close to the edge as possible, which makes them fit even better and even helps reduce some lifting when the nails start to wear.
And if you wanna make them last *even* longer, follow this tip from Kandalec: “Clean your nails with 91 percent alcohol before applying your press-ons to dehydrate your nail beds, which will help the glue adhere better.” Then drip on a generous amount of nail glue so that the glue is evenly distributed across your whole nail when you press it on. Trust me/us—it really works.
How do you apply press-on nails?
To apply press-on nails, you’ll need to prep your nails and hands, shape the nail, and then stick it on with glue or adhesive tabs. Here’s a full breakdown, courtesy of nail artist Julie Kandalec:
- Trim or file your natural nails shorter so the tips adhere better and don’t show before you apply your press-ons.
- Wash your hands with soap and water, remove all nail polish, lightly buff your nails with a buffer, then prep your nails with 91 percent isopropyl alcohol.
- Match the press-on nail to your nail bed size and curvature. Be sure the nail doesn’t have to be pressed down to fit, or it can pop off prematurely.
- Shape each nail to fit on all sides of your nail bed with a nail file (this is very important if you want a long-lasting set).
- Cover your entire nail with glue or an adhesive tab, working with one nail at a time.
- Align the press-on nail along the cuticle line, apply at a downward angle from the cuticle, and press down firmly for 20 to 30 seconds. If any glue seeps from the sides, remove it right away with a cuticle stick.
What is the fastest way to take off press-on nails?
The fastest way to take off press-on nails, whether you’re using glue or adhesive, is by soaking them in water or acetone, says Kandalec. Keep in mind: The removal process can be damaging to your nails, similar to what you’d expect from acrylics, dip powder, and gel.
So to minimize potential damage, “always make sure to remove your press-on nails correctly,” says Kandalec, because “improper removal—like ripping them off—can lead to brittle nails. So when it’s time to remove your nails, follow this press-on removal tutorial to prevent as much damage as possible:
How to remove press-on nails
- Soak your nails in warm soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes. Some experts recommend using acetone for extra-strength nail glue or nails you don’t plan to reuse. But just know that acetone can destroy the fake nails (see: peeling, chipping, and thinning) and potentially be more damaging for your own nails too, so start with warm water and soap to be safe.
- Gently lift the edges of the nail with a wood cuticle pusher (if you want to reuse the nails) or a metal cuticle pusher (if they’re for one-time use).
- Continue soaking your nails if they are not budging. Repeat this process until they all come off, then buff off any excess glue that’s left on your nail bed.
- Drip some cuticle oil around your nails and paint on a nail strengthener to treat your nails after removal.
How to choose the best press-on nails:
Decide on the style.
The best press-on nail sets depend on what nail shape and style you’re going for (i.e., coffin nails, stiletto nails, short nails, long nails, etc.). Most brands offer a wide range of styles, but some have more ~niche~ options, like if you want extra-long press-on nails or short fake nails. Or maybe you prefer a squoval shape or lipstick nails.
But if you’re more into the design than anything, look for press-on nails that you can clip and file to shape exactly how you like. Usually, thin press-ons are good for this, but some thicker press-ons were made to be shaped (à la The Editorial Nail). Check the packaging though, as some kits say to avoid filing on the package to reduce chipping.
Consider your adhesive method.
If you want your press-on nails to really last, then you should def invest in a kit that comes with glue or purchase a specific nail glue separately (I personally love the Nyki Super Strong Nail Glue and the KDS Nail Glue). An ultra-sticky glue really adheres your nail to the press on from all angles, which gives the edges something to grip onto and avoid lifting up.
But if longevity isn’t your goal here, then opt for convenience with a set of adhesive tab press-on nails. Legit, you just pull back the tab and stick the fake nail right on. It simply could not get easier. (But, tbh, these usually don’t last super long, unless you combine methods.)
Meet the expert:
- Julie Kandalec is a celebrity manicurist and the founder of JK Nail Artelier in New York, NY. She’s worked with many celebrities throughout her career, including Storm Reid and Anya Taylor Joy.
Why trust ’Cosmo’?
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with seven years of experience researching, writing, and editing nail stories.
Chaise Sanders was an associate editor at Cosmopolitan who writes in the beauty, hair, and nail spaces.
Chaise Sanders is a NYC-based writer with a knack for all things lifestyle, beauty, entertainment, and style. Her work has graced the pages of Cosmopolitan, Country Living, InStyle, and more. When she's not busy crafting words, you can find her on Instagram roaming the streets of New York City, hunting down the best food spots, hidden gems, and deals.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.
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