THE 12 BEST PRESS-ON NAILS OF 2024

If you want beautiful nails but fear the time and cost of going to a salon, or if you lack steady hands for at-home nail painting, we’ve got a solution for you – press-on nails.  These items, with stylish designs and contemporary shapes, offer effortless application for easy daily changes. Within this article, we meticulously examine 12 trending press-on nail products currently making waves in the market. Read on!

BEST OVERALL: OLIVE & JUNE

With an extensive range of nail sizes, budget-friendly options, and remarkable durability, Olive & June stands out as the top choice for press-on nails. Offering an impressive 41 nails in 21 sizes, they provide the broadest selection on the market. These nails are exceptionally thick and resilient, showcasing no signs of chipping and staying securely in place for an impressive 18 days—the longest duration I’ve experienced with press-ons. While not achieving a completely seamless fit at the cuticle, they maintain a high-quality appearance. Olive & June further excels with its affordable pricing, with many sets available for around $10.

BEST FIT: GLAMNETIC PRESS- ON

Glamnetic outstanding for providing the best press-on nails that deliver a natural and comfortable fit. The cuticle fit is seamless, and the application process is effortless. With a wide variety of designs and shorter lengths, Glamnetic offers a versatile assortment. Despite the higher price point, these nails are natural-looking and durable, lasting a full two weeks without any lifting. However, some minor chipping of the polish may occur after approximately one week.

BEST FROM THE DRUGSTORE: KISS SALON ACRYLIC

Affordable, readily available at the drugstore, and displaying impressive durability, these nails seamlessly blend at the cuticle for a natural and comfortable appearance. The thickness and resilience of these nails mimic the performance of acrylic nails, with no instances of chipping or lifting during the entire 7 days . Despite the claim of “no bubbling” on the packaging, you did observe slight bubbling of the glue underneath, possibly influenced by your application technique or the ridges/uneven texture on your nails.

BEST DESIGNS: CHILLHOUSE

For those seeking trendy and eye-catching designs, Chillhouse press-on nails are the ideal choice to garner compliments. Striking the perfect balance between trendiness and everyday wearability, they offer a comfortable fit. This set, in particular, features a shorter length, making it a great option for those who prefer not to wear long nails. Despite the higher price point, these nails are fashionable and fun. While they lasted for 10 days, they may not be the most durable option, as I encountered some lifting and cracking around the cuticle of one nail around the 7-day mark.

BEST NATURAL-LOOKING: MANI MUSE

Boasting a natural and lightweight feel, these nails from Mani Muse provide exceptional comfort. Their lifelike appearance even led one friend to mistake them for my real nails. As a newer brand established in 2020, Mani Muse currently offers a more limited selection of designs, featuring round and almond shapes only. While they may not be as long-lasting, lasting only a few days on me, you  would still consider repurchasing them, especially for a quick and natural-looking manicure for special events.

BEST WITH CRYSTALS: MARMALADE NAILS

Offering a wide array of shapes, designs, and crystal embellishments, Marmalade presents a diverse range of options. One standout, the Aria, features a short, matte, square white manicure with a sparkling Swarovski crystal accent nail—ideal for a summer look. However, it’s important to note that the white nails tended to discolor over time, taking on a light brown hue. the light pink nail glue is a thoughtful touch, aiding in the precise application of glue. 

BEST FOR CLASSIC STYLES: STATIC NAILS

Static Nails offers reusable pop-on manicures in various shapes. With options like round, coffin, square, almond, and stiletto, Static Nails stands out for its approachable styles, featuring solid colors and multi-colored French manicures. The inclusion of light pink glue is a thoughtful addition, although I found the instructions a bit misleading. Following the directions, which suggest applying a thin layer of glue to the back of the Static Nail and a “generous” layer to the natural nail, resulted in excess glue, spreading to the top of the nail and may cause damage.

BEST FOR UNIQUE DESIGNS: CLUTCH NAILS

Clutch Nails offers a diverse range of fun and vibrant designs, including bright colors, patterns like checkers, flames, stars, and more, along with holiday-themed options and various lengths. The set includes light pink nail glue, which, based on personal observation, seems stronger than the clear glue.They would have had a longer duration if not for the extended exposure to pool water.

BEST EASIEST TO APPLY: IMPRESS PRESS ON MANICURES

Applying Impress nails is incredibly easy, making them an ideal choice for those new to press-on nails or apprehensive about commitment. Unlike some brands, Impress nails come with a pressure-sensitive adhesive already attached to the nail, eliminating the need for glue. I found that the Impress adhesive is particularly robust, outperforming the adhesives from brands that provide glue separately. Additionally, Impress offers a diverse range of designs specifically tailored for short nail manicures.

 BEST LARGEST VARIETY: THE NAILEST

The Nailest stands out with the most extensive variety of nails among the brands I tested. Their instant acrylic sets, ready-to-ship, cover virtually every shape, length, color, and finish imaginable. Additionally, The Nailest offers handcrafted sets with a minimum of 5 layers of gel polish, ensuring a premium quality. These press-on nails are notably thicker and sturdier compared to most others. It’s advisable to avoid following the directions to apply glue on both the faux nail and the natural nail, as it can lead to excess glue and make the nails messy and sticky.

BEST CUSTOMIZABLE: TRÈS SHE SEXTING PRESS ON ACRYLIC NAILS

Très She Instant Acrylics offer the option of being glued down or conveniently attached using the provided adhesive stickers. While the stickers provide a time-saving solution, we found the gluing process to be straightforward and hassle-free, drying quickly with minimal mess. The individual nails have a relatively long length, but they can be easily filed down with the included file. Some users appreciate the thick and durable design, although it can make the press-ons challenging to remove and may leave the nails appearing and feeling somewhat brittle.

BEST BUDGET: DASHING DIVA MAGIC PRESS PRESS-ON NAILS

Looking for a budget-friendly option? Dashing Diva is an excellent choice. The brand’s MagicPress nails received perfect scores in all our tests. They are incredibly easy to apply—after cleaning your nail beds with the included prep pad, you simply peel off the clear film from each nail to reveal the adhesive and press down firmly. While the glueless design makes them non-reusable, the affordable price and hassle-free process make them highly recommended. Moreover, their appearance on the fingers rivals that of a professional manicure.

CONCLUSION 

Here are 12 fake nail designs from various brands, each crafted with intricate patterns, stylish designs, and a variety of colors for you to choose from. They come in different sizes, so it’s advisable to estimate the size before making a purchase to avoid getting the wrong fit. We hope you find a design that suits your style and personality, enhancing the beauty of your hands.

FAQS

  1. How to get press- on nails to stay on?

Ensuring that press-on nails stay securely in place involves a few key steps. First, start by preparing your natural nails – clean them, remove any existing polish, and lightly buff the surface for better adhesion. How to take press- on nails off?

Removing press-on nails can be done effectively with a few simple steps. Begin by soaking your nails in warm, soapy water for about 10-15 minutes. After soaking, gently pry the press-on nails away from your natural nails using a cuticle stick or an orange stick.

  1. Which artificial nails are best?

Some popular options include acrylic nails, gel nails, and press-on nails. Acrylic nails are durable and long-lasting, while gel nails provide a natural look with added flexibility. Press-on nails are convenient and come in various designs.

HOW TO DO DIP NAILS AT HOME

Doing dip nails at home is not only a creative experience but also a fantastic way to express personal style. This process not only provides a sense of autonomy but also helps you save time and costs. If you’re unsure how to create dip nails at home, read this article to gain a better understanding of each step. Keep reading!

WHAT ARE DIP NAILS?

A dip powder manicure is a technique that involves the application of both color and a resilient acrylic finish to the nails. The process begins by applying a base, reminiscent of super glue, onto the nails, followed by a dipping step into a colored powder. After layering the powder through successive applications, an activator is then employed to solidify the manicure, transforming it into a robust shell-like coating. This method not only adds vibrant color to the nails but also provides a durable and protective finish, ensuring a long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing result.

WHY SHOULD I GET A DIP MANICURE?

Dip nail manicures boast remarkable durability. Typically, I can enjoy a set of dip powder nails for at least two weeks, even though I’m known for frequently peeling off regular polish. The use of the appropriate polishes in dip powder application results in a robust, thick layer that adheres firmly to the nails, rendering it nearly impervious to peeling. Despite my rough treatment of my nails, following these steps ensures minimal chipping, and if any occurs, it’s usually quite minor.

WHY SHOULD I DO DIP NAILS AT HOME?

The most advantageous aspect of performing your own dip manicures is the significant cost savings compared to visiting a salon. With a kit priced under $50, you can achieve numerous applications. This is approximately the cost of a single professional dip nails session Moreover, it’s a time-efficient process for me. I can complete my nails in an hour or two every few weeks while watching TV at night, a time when I would likely be using my phone or watching TV anyway. This is a much more convenient alternative to spending hours at a nail salon.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO DIP NAILS AT HOME?

At-home nail dip kits typically include dip colors, bond, base, seal protect, top coat, and clear dip powder. If not using a kit, you’ll need to buy these items separately. Besides powder and liquid polishes, gather general supplies like a nail buffer, file, dust brush or lint-free towel, cuticle pusher, and alcohol. Optionally, consider a dip powder recycling system and cuticle oil.

HOW TO APPLY DIP NAILS AT HOME 

Use polish remover as well as a cuticle pusher

 If there is existing polish on your nails, employ a non-acetone nail polish remover on a lint-free pad to remove it. Use a cuticle pusher to delicately push back your cuticles. Then, gently eliminate any excess cuticle protruding with a cuticle trimmer or scraper. By following these steps, you create space for new nail growth, enhancing the longevity of your manicure before requiring a refill.

Buff the top surfaces of the nails

Regardless of whether your nails are natural, acrylic, or gel, ensure the surfaces are smooth by manually filing them. Utilize a 180 grit file or block, or opt for a natural nail stone. Clear away the filing residue using a nail brush or a makeup powder brush.

Pay special attention to buffing the grooves and the cuticle area for a polished finish.

File away any problematic areas

Inspect the edges of your nails for any signs of looseness or damage. Additionally, check for any lifting if you are performing a refill on a previous dip manicure. Employ a coarse nail file (100 or 180 grit) to address any such areas. If you don’t have tips applied already and wish to add them for added length, trim your natural nails to a short length. Utilize the nail file to smooth the edges for a polished finish.

Sanitize your nails with alcohol

Moisten a paper towel or lint-free pad with alcohol or nail sanitizer, which can be in the form of an antiseptic spray or a pourable container. Gently rub the dampened towel over your nails and fingers, moving from the nearest knuckle to your cuticles and down towards your nails. This process effectively cleans and dehydrates the nail surface, ensuring they are properly prepared for a dip manicure. The goal is to avoid sealing in any bacteria or grime during the application.

Find the right-sized tips

To lengthen your nails, select tips that cover no more than one-third of your nail bed. Ensure each tip spans the entire width of your nail, from groove to groove, without extending onto your skin. Apply tip resin to the wells of the tips. Gently but firmly hold each tip to the nail at a 45-degree angle for twenty seconds. In case you can’t find a nail tip of the right size, use a nail file to make minor adjustments for a secure fit. Pinch the sides of the tips briefly to adhere them to the curvature of your nail edges. Be cautious not to get resin on your fingers.

Trim and file the tips

File the edges of the tips evenly across. Buff the top surfaces of the tips to eliminate their shine. Proceed to buff the entire nails.

COATING YOUR NAILS WITH POWDER

Paint on the bonder

Follow the steps outlined in this procedure for each nail individually. Apply the product in small strokes, beginning approximately 1/16” away from your cuticles. Ensure even spreading to prevent any buildup near the cuticle area. Allow it to sit for one minute.

Brush resin onto your nails

Apply the resin methodically and uniformly, using the brush applicator’s belly to dot it on rather than employing strokes similar to nail polish. Strive for an even and neat application, with particular attention to creating a clean edge just above the cuticle, as this will be the foundation for the powder adhesion. For a fill, if two weeks have passed since your last dip manicure, apply resin to your desired thickness, such as three to four coats. No additional powder application is necessary at this stage. If you’re conducting a manicure on your natural nails or it has been three or more weeks since your last dip manicure, apply a single coat of resin at this point.

Dip your finger into the container of clear nail powder

Start by shaking the sealed container of powder thoroughly. After opening the container, use a nail stick or pusher to mix the powder. Gently push your finger forward into the container and roll it softly. Allow your finger to remain in the powder for five seconds. Lift your finger and tap the edge of the container. Then, using your other hand, tap the dipped finger to shake off excess powder back into the container. Once the nail has dried, employ a nail brush to eliminate any remaining excess powder over a paper towel. Avoid using colored powder at this stage. If you wish to add color, that step will come after applying more resin.

Apply more resin and powder

Cover the entire nail, including the tips, with a layer of resin. Apply it slowly and evenly across the nail surface. If you wish to incorporate colored powder, this is the appropriate stage to do so! Dip your finger into the nail powder once again, then eliminate any surplus powder. Follow up with a third and final application of resin. If you desire, you can repeat this step once more to attain a slightly thicker and stronger manicure.

CURING AND FINISHING THE NAILS

Brush on activator

Apply it using strokes, much like you would with regular nail polish. Let it sit on the nails for five seconds. Follow up with a second coat and allow that to sit for another five seconds.

File the nail edges to dull and shape them

Employ a soft-grid file on the exposed edges and lateral sides of the nails.

Finish with a top coat

Ensure it’s a top coat specifically designed for acrylic nails. Keep your fingers still and allow your nails to air-dry for two minutes. Gently massage cuticle oil into the skin surrounding your fingernails. Apply the top coat just as you would regular nail polish.

Wash your hands

Ensure your nails are entirely dry beforehand. Use warm water, hand soap, and a nail brush, making sure to clean around and underneath the tips of your nails. Gently pat your nails dry with a towel.

Maintain your manicure

Follow these guidelines to extend the longevity of your manicure. Your manicure has the potential to last three to four weeks before requiring a fill. However, if you observe new nail growth near the cuticle area, you may choose to perform the fill as early as two weeks after your dip manicure. When applying colored polish over your manicure, be careful not to get it on your cuticles to prevent chipping and lifting of the polish. Additionally, mix the polish by rolling it between your hands instead of shaking it to avoid the formation of air bubbles that may contribute to chipping. If you use a fan for nail drying, opt for cool air rather than warm air. Consider using a blow dryer on the cool setting. To prevent chipping, reapply a clear top coat every few days. Massage cuticle oil onto your nails daily, if possible. When washing your hands, use mild soap instead of hand sanitizer. Hand sanitizer is potent and dehydrating, posing the risk of eroding your protective top coat

CONCLUSION

Doing dip nails yourself at home is not only an experience but it is also very interesting for those who want to explore and learn. You can start with the basic steps we have outlined in the article. Hopefully after reading our article, you will know how to dip your nails at home and create beautiful nails for yourself.