Press-on nails are back, but are they actually any good?

press-on-nails

Credit: @chloeburcham

Beauty


Press-on nails are back, but are they actually any good?

By Chloe Burcham

10 months ago

All products on this page have been selected by the editorial team, however Stylist may make commission on some products purchased through affiliate links in this article

2 min read

If you want a professional-looking manicure but don’t have time to go to a salon, press-on nails might be perfect…


There’s nothing like the feeling you get after a fresh manicure. It doesn’t matter if your hair hasn’t been done or if you’ve got a toothpaste stain on your top: having a fresh set of nails instantly helps you to feel more confident and put together. But, if you struggle to find the time to head to the salon or resent paying upwards of £40 every few weeks, press-on nails might be a good alternative.

Press-on nails have come a long way in the past decade. No longer do you have to worry about your pinkie finger pinging off midway through the day, nor will these sets wreak havoc with your nail health. They’re sturdy and long-lasting, and if you remove them properly (soaking in acetone is the best way) they won’t damage your nail bed.

Plus at a fraction of the price of a trip to the salon (and with some sets being reusable too) they’ll save you some cash. Intrigued? Here are the press-on nail sets we really rate…

Best press-on nails

best-press-on-nails

Paintbox Press Ons

If you’re into chic, minimalist nail art, you’ll love these press-on nails from the viral Paintbox nail studio in New York. They feature two adhesive options: non-damaging press-on tabs for seven-day wear and a premium brush-on glue for 14-day wear – depending on how long you want to commit. Plus, they’re reusable up to three times.

Shop Paintbox Press Ons at Free People, £26

buy now

best-press-on-nails

PaintLab Tortie Press-On Nails

Lasting up to 14 days, these press-on nails are easy to apply and perfect for any last-minute plans. Containing 24 reusable acrylic press-on nails, they might last longer than a salon-fresh manicure too. 

Shop PaintLab Tortie Press-On Nails at Anthropologie, £14

buy now

best-press-on-nails

Lottie London Stay Press'd False Nails

Containing 30 nails, these press-on sets ensure you’ll have the perfect nail fit. A gel finish with an on-trend ‘squareletto’ shape offers a professional finish that looks like you’ve just left the salon. 

Shop Lottie London Stay Press’d False Nails at Asos, £7

buy now

best-press-on-nails

OPI xPress/On Artificial Nail Kit

We all know that OPI formulates amazing nail varnishes, and it turns out they’re pretty great at creating press-on nails, too. These iridescent pink press-ons are perfect for a short, natural-looking manicure that lasts up to 14 days. 

Shop OPI xPRESS/ON Artificial Nail Kit, £15.99

buy now

kiss-press-on-nails

Kiss imPress Press-On French Manicure

With a new and improved adhesive, these press-on nails are seriously easy to apply. Simply peel off the back, press them onto your nail bed and go! 

Shop Kiss imPRESS Press-On French Manicure at Superdrug, £8.99

buy now

Kiss Salon X-Tend Nails

Kiss Salon X-Tend Nails

For a longer lasting option, these glue-on nails are cured under a UV lamp at home, meaning you get even more wear and a salon professional finish. 

Shop Kiss Salon X-Tend Nails at Superdrug, £8.99

buy now

Images: @chloeburcham; courtesy of brands

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