The best press-on nails, tried and tested
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Treating yourself to a great manicure can be one of the easiest acts of self-care you can gift yourself. That is unless you’re like me and can’t stand the smell of polish remover, get riddled with anxiety over choosing a color, or, worst of all, don’t speak up when you inevitably get the wrong shape or design. Not to mention the cost.
This is where press-on nails swoop in and save the day. I don’t know why they haven’t taken the world by storm yet but I will always choose this quick and easy alternative over spending hours (and loads of cash) in a nail salon.
I’ve always preferred using drugstore press-on nails when I’m in a time crunch or need to cover up my flimsy nails. But ahead of peak wedding season, I decided to test five different brands to discover which one had the best designs, would last through hours of typing and, ultimately, which one would have my friends asking where I got my nails done.
Glamnetic Santorini in Short Almond
Best overall press-on nails
According to Glamnetic’s website, these salon-quality nails last two weeks and can easily be removed by soaking nails in warm water for 10 minutes. As someone with brittle nails, I appreciated how easy and non-damaging these were on my poor nails. I’m also obsessed with this Greek-inspired French tip, which would take hours to paint on by hand. From now until 6/30, you can save 20% with code CNN20.
$14 at Glamnetic
$20 at Amazon
$20 at Target
imPRESS Mod French
Best no-glue press-on nails
It’s hard to believe there are press-on nails that are even easier to apply than glue-ons. These sticker nails are incredibly long-lasting thanks to the new and improved imPRESS adhesive. Plus, they come in packs of 30, so you can get three manicures out of this kit — if you’re careful.
Chillhouse Tipsy Tinsel
Best uniquely designed press-on nails
Chillhouse is a cult-beauty fan favorite thanks to its Chillhouse stores where you can treat yourself to facials, manicures, massages and other body-enhancing services like infrared saunas. Its press-on nail kits come with 24 nail shapes and sizes, medical-grade, gentle nail glue and iconic Chillhouse designs.
$18 at Chillhouse
$16 at Amazon
Best press-on nails overall: Glamnetic Santorini in Short Almond
These press-on nails took under five minutes to glue on and fit seamlessly into my nail shape. Of all the nails I tested, I felt these looked the most salon-level and natural. This was proven to be the case when I wore these out and my friends complimented my manicure.
The only downside to this nail kit was the packaging as the case itself is impossible to open without breaking your nails. This was the case with almost all nail kits, not just Glamnetics, so it’s important to keep in mind when applying your press-ons.
I absolutely loved the almond shape and delicate design printed on the French tip, which is a part of Glamnetic’s summer-themed vacation nail kits. These press-ons also survived hours of clacking on my laptop, washing my hair and even a cousin’s wedding.
Best no-glue press-on nails: imPRESS Mod French
The imPRESS nails have a secure hold that lasts up to 7 days but for me, the best part was how fast I could apply them. All I had to do was peel, press, and admire my easy, breezy French manicure. It quite literally took me under a minute to put these nails on, which could be a great option if you’re really in a rush and need a quick nail refresh.
I was extremely impressed with the adhesive power of these stick-ons, too. They lasted through my fervent typing and running my fingers through my mane and rivaled the durability of glue-ons. These could be a great alternative if you’re not a fan of the pungent smell of some press-on nail glues.
The downside to these nails, in the design I tested at least, is that they’re a bit clear. This means your natural nails will peek through the stick-ons, which ruined the illusion of a real manicure for me.
Best uniquely designed press-on nails: Chillhouse Tipsy Tinsel
According to Chillhouse’s website, these nails last up to three weeks if you apply them correctly, which entails gluing each one on and waiting until they adhere to your nail.
Chill Tips come in such fun, unexpected designs that are nearly impossible to replicate at any salon by hand. So, in addition to their long-lasting wear and easy application, these were a winner for me in terms of their range of funky designs such as the holographic tips shown above.
Although most kits had adorable designs, Chillhouse press-on nails had plenty of artsy options I couldn’t find elsewhere.
Other press-on nails I tested
Olive & June Delicate Daisy French Glue Press-Ons
These nails come with non-damaging glue, are made from 94% recycled materials and are cured with a UV top coat. I appreciated that this compact kit was packed with 42 nails, in addition to a nail filer and a prep pad, which all cost $10. Although the designs were cute, I felt the nails were a bit too large for my nail beds. If your nails are on the smaller side, I recommend the Glamnetic option.
$10 at Olive & June
$10 at Walmart
Dashing Diva Gel XTend Watercolor Sky
Disclaimer: You will need the GelXtend LED Lamp ($18)
These nails are definitely salon-worthy, to the point they come with an LED lamp. It’s portable and super durable, aside from the fact you can only cure one nail at a time. If you want to save time, this isn't the kit for you. But if you want durable nails that look and feel legit, this could be your next favorite splurge.
How I tested
Ease of application: I took into account how much glue I needed to use for each nail and how long I had to wait for each one to dry and stick on securely.
Design: With something as trendy as press-on nails, I felt obligated to consider the range of designs available through each brand. I considered if the designs were something I couldn’t replicate at a salon.
Fit: I carefully looked at how each nail fit into my nail bed and considered the sizing options of each kit.
Durability: I tested each nail kit’s durability by clicking away on my laptop, tapping my nails on my desk, and running my fingers through my hair.
Price: Of course, all press-on nail options are better priced than the average manicure. But with some kits coming at only $10, I evaluated whether the quality and added bonuses of each brand were worth the price tag.
What to know about press-on nails
Note: The prices above reflect the retailers' listed price at the time of publication.
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