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8 best press-on nail sets for the DIY manicure of your life
Sry, can’t talk — I’m taking hand selfies
The cost of regular salon manicures or professional gel nail extensions can add up fast, and that's before you factor in nail art... it's not cheap. Luckily, there’s a easy alternative that won’t break the bank.
But don’t think that press-on nails are just an affordable option or a compromise. They’re well and truly having a moment, with heritage nail brands launching their first lines, celeb manicurists collab-ing, and indie brands blooming.
Our top picks for the best press-on nails:
Over the last year, we've been hoarding press-on nail kits and diligently testing every single one, taking notes of which press-ons lasted the longest, which had the best designs, and which worked the best for every nail shape and style—all to help you find the best press-on nails.
Plus, we got all the key tips on how to apply press-on nails and how to remove press-ons, thanks to nail artist Julie Kandalec. So once you've had a look at our faves, keep scrolling to read all about how to get every step right and get the most out of your nails, including some clever hacks.
Keeks Says: If you have small nail beds, this range from Elegant Touch is perfect for you. There is a good range of colours from poppy reds to raven blacks and nudes. So, if you need a gel-look in a jif and can't be asked to have to file down falsies to fit your petite nails, look no further.
Number of nails: 24
Included tools: Nail glue
Length: Short but available in different shapes like squoval
Keeks Says: When it came to picking the nails for our summer beauty photoshoot, I was set on using press-on nails to show the easiness of them, especially for holidays. We used these on-trend mirror cat eye press ons from Elegant Touch and they where honestly incredible. As you can see in the lead image, they looked like they were applied in salon with little needed for shaping or the application process. Obsessed is an understatement.
Number of nails: 24
Included tools: Nail glue
Length: Various (short, medium, and long) and various shapes
KISS Salon Acrylic French Nude Collection, Leilani
Beth Says: I’ll def be picking up these cult-favourite Kiss press-ons when I’m perusing the drugstore aisles for an affordable set of press-on nails. They’re on the thinner side, which makes them really easy to mould to the shape and size of my nail beds.
I was partial to this simple set, but I also had my eye on so many cool, trendy designs, like jelly nails and rhinestone looks. Tbh, the included nail glue wasn’t as strong as others I’ve tried, so when I want more durability from my nails, I just use a longer-lasting nail glue (the Kiss Powerflex-Brush-on Glue, which I grabbed on Amazon). With the glue included in this press-on kit, my nails lasted about four days. But with the stronger glue, I was able to stick them back on and squeeze out a few extra days of wear.
- Number of nails: 28
- Included tools: Nail glue, nail file, cuticle pusher
- Length: Various (short, medium, and long)
Elena Says: Part of the Classy collection, these lengthy coffin nails are more ‘Classy, bougie, ratchet’ than old money, and I loved the combination of styles which even mix matte and gloss. These were undeniably the best fit of all press-ons I've tried, slipping seamlessly onto my nail almost imperceptibly. Despite their length they were narrow and delicate and I couldn’t stop obsessing over them while on.
Number of nails: 28
Included tools: Nail glue, nail file, cuticle pusher
Length: Various (short, medium, and long)Kiss have such a great range from simple to extravagant, classic to playful, and short to super long. We'd include them all but should get onto some other brands...
Kiss have such a great range from simple to extravagant, classic to playful, and short to super long. Our former beauty writer Elena tried another, longer style from their Classy collection and had this to say:
Elena Says: These were undeniably the best fit of all press-ons I've tried, slipping seamlessly onto my nail almost imperceptibly. Despite their length they were narrow and delicate and I couldn’t stop obsessing over them while on.
Number of nails: 28
Included tools: Nail glue, nail file, cuticle pusher
Length: Various (short, medium, and long)
Kiss imPress colour Press on Manicure
Beth Says: 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.
Number of nails: 30
Included tools: Adhesive tabs, prep pad, file, cuticle pusher
Length: Various (short, medium, long)
Elena Says: The brand stepped into the false nail category last year and I’m so glad they did, because I’m obsessed with this new tortoise shell design. Forget looking like authentic salon acrylics, these look like perfect natural nails with spenny nail art. They stuck so securely and had such a refined elegant shape that combined with the tortoiseshell design, they’re so minimalist luxe insta babe.
Number of nails: 24
Included tools: Nail Glue, file, cuticle pusher
Length: Short/MediumOther styles from the brand include a simple nude with single dot, and these cute neutral french tips.
Fette are changing the game when it comes to press-on nails. Reusable and hand-painted, these nails are worth every penny. Our SEO Executive, Amy, tried the Starry Night design.
Amy says: I'm not a typical press-on nail-wearer but everything about Fette's Starry Night mani impressed me. With no glue involved, they were super easy to take on and off meaning I could wear them out just for the evening and put them back in their box ready for their next outing. The fit was super snug and comfortable too. Fette's range of designs is extensive, beautiful, and trend-led, so the hardest part for me was choosing which pair I wanted!
- Number of nails: 10
- Included tools: Cuticle stick, nail file
- Length: Various (short, medium, long)
How do you apply press-on nails?
To apply press-on nails, you’ll need to prep your nails and hands, shape the nail, 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.
But if you wanna make them last even longer, follow this tip: “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.
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 steps 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. 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. 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.
Elena Chabo is Cosmopolitan UK's former beauty writer, working on everything from buzzy celeb news and trending beauty, to sincere first-person reviews and engaging video content for social media. She also creates meatier features and expert-led how-to guides, for print and online. Her passion for Black beauty, textured hair, and the ways beauty interacts with culture, society, identity and relationships, quickly took over her writing career and led her into beauty journalism. Following an MA in Magazine Journalism in 2017, she cut her teeth across various roles at Stylist Magazine, before taking on a Digital Writer role at Good Housekeeping. It was here that beauty took centre stage and she launched and ran the site's first stand-alone beauty section. Remaining at Hearst, she joined the Cosmo beauty team in 2022. Find her on LinkedIn.
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.
Keeks Reid is the Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. While she loves all things beauty, Keeks is a hair fanatic through and through. She started her career in beauty journalism in 2013 as editorial assistant at Blackhair and Hair magazines working her way to Acting Editor of Blackhair magazine at 23 years old. She spent much of her career working in trade hairdressing media at Hairdressers Journal, Salon International and the British Hairdressing Awards. Which is why she is a regular contributor to Cosmo's Curl Up franchise. Now, alongside her Cosmo work, she presents, creates content on social media and works with a range of beauty companies; from magazines and websites to beauty brands and salons.
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