Even though they’ve been around for decades, press-on nails are accessible now more than ever. You can stop into your local Walmart or Target to pick some up, or you can find name brands on Amazon or at Sally Beauty. But with so many options, how do you know which are the best press-on nails to use?
We spoke to two celebrity nail artists who are legends in their field (and who are very well-versed in press-on nails). Julie Kandalec, celebrity nail artist and nailpreneur, and Gracie J, Creative Strategy and CEO of The Editorial Nail, share their favorite press-on nails along with the best ways to apply them and the best press-on nail glue out there.
If you’re someone who doesn’t already use press-on nails or you really love getting gel extensions or acrylic nails, you might be wondering what the appeal of these fake nails is. Well, in addition to saving you time and money by not having to go to the salon for professional-looking manicures, they offer you a lot more options.
With that said, if you want to know what the best press-on nails that have been tested by these nail experts are, read on.
Related: 35 Stylish White Nail Designs That Are Classy and Fun
13 Best Press-On Nails
Gloria - Salon X-tend LED Soft Gel System Nail Kit, $9.99 at KISS USA
KISS USA
“They have a look that's called Gloria. It's like a soft, sheer pink… It's like the most beautiful, soft pink. It's gorgeous,” Kandalec shares, saying she also has an entire drawer of them at home. “And if you just want like a quick, you know, 20-minute look, beautiful almond shape. That's like my go-to…”
These nails are slightly different than regular press-ons because they use a special LED lamp by KISS, which is sold separately. The only way to cure the glue these nails come with (cure means to harden the glue so it adheres to your natural nail) is with this lamp, so if you want to use the glue in this kit, make sure to get your hands on KISS’s Smart Touch Mini LED Lamp ($14.99 at KISS USA).
Olive & June Press-On Nails, Purple Velvet Plaza, $9.98 at Walmart
Walmart
Olive & June has a ton of different designs and shapes, but as this celeb nail artist says, they come in shades done with cat eye polish, which is a trickier technique. Which, of course, makes these really appealing if you want an easy method to get that look.
These specific nails are a part of their Instant Mani press-on nails, and they’re a round shape and extra short length.
Material Gworl, $30 at The Editorial Nail
The Editorial Nail
“Material Gworl is what I love to call a ‘Shape Shift’ nail,” Gracie J shares as to why it’s such a great set to choose. “[A] 2-in-1 look you can wear from coffin to short square without altering the integrity of the design. I love the mix of iridescence and the added minimalist feel of the white window design.”
OPI Spring Press-On Nails Collection, $11.99 at Sally Beauty
Sally Beauty
Related: 40 Spring Nail Designs That Will Brighten Up Your Day
Olive & June Press-On Fake Nails - World Lit Velvet, $10.59 at Target
Target
These nails are from the same Olive & June collection that Kandalec recommended above. The difference is, of course, the pink iridescent hue these come in. But they’re still in a short, round shape that isn’t too hard to work with if long nails aren’t your thing.
In the Nude, $21 at The Editorial Nail
The Editorial Nail
“You're a minimalist who loves an elevated neutral look,” she tells Parade. “Think modern professionals and design lovers who appreciate attention to detail.”
Kandalec also recommends Gracie J’s brand.
Carmela, $25 at The Editorial Nail
The Editorial Nail
“This design is great for those who love structure and precision,” Gracie J explains. “A timeless classic with a modern twist fit for an architect, fashion designer and beauty enthusiast. It screams ‘Understated luxury,’ and would be perfect for a bride on her special day.”
Bare but Better Premium Nails by KISS, $8.99-$9.99 at Sally Beauty
Sally Beauty
Kandalec shares that KISS’s Bare but Better Premium Nails are a must-have if you like press-ons. This collection comes in a range of neutral colors, lengths and shapes. Whether you want a nude with pearls, a pearly pink or long, elegant blush nails, these offer understated but stunning looks.
Mood York City, $21 at The Editorial Nail
The Editorial Nail
“This look is full of movement and energy," Gracie J says. "I would recommend this design for someone on the go who gravitates towards statement pieces with a refined edge!”
Adore Moi, $95 at Noho Nails
Noho Nails
“Support small businesses, there are a ton of independent press-on artists,” she shares.
“Find someone who makes press-ons to support small businesses versus like these huge corporations,” she says. “Just to give a little love to like small independent owners who can make you a set of press-ons…”
One of the small businesses she recommends is Noho Nails, which is a luxury press-on nail brand. These are reusable and customizable, plus they’re woman-owned and handmade in NYC. These Adore Moi nails are truly to die and would make it feel like you’re wearing art on your nails.
Seaspice, $95 at Noho Nails
Noho Nails
Also from Noho Nails, these Seaspice press-ons are masterpieces as well. The nautical or mermaid vibes are very apparent and they have 3D texture, making them even more eye-catching.
The Signature Collection - Golden Tips, $90 at By Chloe Nails
By Chloe Nails
These nails—Golden Tips—are part of their signature collection and with their unique design, it’s easy to see why.
The Signature Collection - Twinkling Lights, $90 at By Chloe Nails
By Chloe Nails
This style features French tips and stars with rhinestones on all 10 fingers, so you’ll really be sparkling with these press-ons.
Okay, now that you have a better idea of which press-ons to buy, you have to have the best base and application method to make sure they go on correctly and stay. Before even thinking about adding glue, Gracie J says that it’s all in the prep.
In regards to which kind of glue or application method you should use—glue vs. sticky adhesive tabs, etc.—you have to pick which technique fits your needs. For example, Kandalec uses double-sided sticky tape that is cut down to size to apply press-ons for models during fashion shows or other events. This keeps the nails on while they use the bathroom, eat and more, but still allows them to take them off at the end of the night.
“You'll have more longevity, but you don't have to soak them off,” she shares.
“So generally I love just using nail glue because nail glue is specially designed to be safe on the natural nail plate,” Kandalec shares. “It's usually made to resist any kind of bacteria or anything like that… Very safe, very easy to get off by soaking in pure acetone.”
The Best Nail Glue To Make Press-Ons Last
When it comes to the best glue for press-on nails, everyone might have a different opinion or preference. But for Kandalec, her favorite glue to use is KISS’s Powerflex Max Speed Nail Glue.
Powerflex Max Speed Nail Glue, $2.99 at KISS USA
KISS USA
Anyone who’s ever put on press-ons with glue before knows the annoying part of the process when you’re holding it on your nail, waiting for it to dry, and it moves 40 seconds into it. She says that this glue takes away that frustration.
“So, when it's really fast like [this], you just put it [on], you're like, ‘Okay, I'm good,’ and it's done,” she explains. “So, that is my go-to on-set, backstage or personal.”
Fast Bond Nail Glue by Dashing Diva, $13.49 at Sally Beauty
Sally Beauty
“It's a gel glue,” she explains. “And when I say gel, it really is thick. If I were to take some and put it into a little pyramid on a piece of paper, it would stay like that.”
Lastly, once you find the glue you want to use and the press-ons for you, make sure you always go to the next size up. Kandalec explains that you should shape them with a nail file to fit between your nail walls. Don’t try to force a small size onto your nail because it will pop off.
Related: The One Thing You Should Never, Ever Do When Applying Press-on Nails, According to a Celebrity Manicurist
Sources
Julie Kandalec is an NYC Celebrity manicurist and educator. She’s also the author of the Nail Art Design Book. Gracie J is the Creative Strategy & CEO of The Editorial Nail as well as a celebrity and award-winning nail artist. Read More Details
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