If home manicures leave you looking like a finger-painting Picasso, it’s time to search for the best press-on nails. Sure, there are creative hacks that might leave you with nails as badass as Cardi B’s, but let’s choose the path of least resistance.
Just like your typical in-salon manicure, press-on nails can last for up to two weeks. Some are even reusable. Worried that removal will have your cuticles looking like Freddy Kruger’s? Simply spend a few minutes soaking your nails in some hot water and soap. Ideally, not while being chased by a psychopath.
This list includes a mix of indie beauty brands and established names at a variety of price points with options for nail shape and length. The designs range from classic and cool to “I will scratch your eyes out.” But, like, in a nice way!
The Best Press-on Nails For When You’re Short On Time
1. The Nailest Any Shape Press-on Nails, $42+
Nails? No, these are straight-up Khalessi-level dragon egg claws — but maybe without the whole let’s burn the city to the ground thing.
The Nailest has some of the most extra nail sets on the Internet starting at $42 a set. Not only do reviewers say they look even better in person, but you can also wear them multiple times. Plus, they come with a file, storage box, and instructions. And you thought you were good at using boxes!
Available on Etsy.
2. Marmalade All-in-One Gatsby Press-On Nails, $16
A little party never hurt anybody. Okay, Jay Gatsby may be an exception, but these press-ons are definitely for his type of shindig.
If you like the more natural look of a manicure that features nail art as opposed to the drama of a blinged-out acrylic, these are for you. Plus, these $16 kits come with everything: a file, glue, manicure stick, and removal tool. Flapper dress not included.
Available at Marmalade.
3. Dashing Diva Ultra Shine Gel Nail Strips, $7.99
Simple elegance goes a long way. That’s true for these press-on nails, which tout their ability to stay shiny and chip-free for seven days.
At less than $10, Dashing Diva’s nail strips are budget-friendly, and you don’t have to deal with messy glue. Just peel the back off these beauties and stick them on. But we promise they work way better than command strips.
Available at Ulta.
4. Static Nails French Tip Press-on Manicure, $22
Sometimes, you just want vanilla. While Static Nails does offer multiple colors for its reusable nails, its bread and butter are classic french manicures and neutral shades.
Whether you go for a coffin or round shape is up to you, but this $22 set is one of the best for those low-key kind of feels. And you don’t even need to learn piano!
Available at Static Nails.
5. CHRMDbySarah Reusable Press-ons, $100
You know those jelly bean kits with flavors like buttered popcorn and booger? CHRMD’s reusable sets by artist Sarah Nguyen are like those, except with only the good flavors.
This $100 kit is a surprise, like that sweet 16 you always wanted but better because you get to enjoy them again and again. The nail artist will create a custom set in the shape and length of your choosing, and you won’t know what it is until they arrive. A limo and Benihana? You shouldn’t have.
Available at CHRMDbySarah.
6. Kiss Disco Ball Voguish Fantasy Press-On Nail Kit, $9.49
Kiss nails are like the golden retriever of press-ons: dependable, cute, and totally housebroken. (By which we mean user-friendly.)
Reviewers say these fake nails can last up to two weeks. And at $10 or less, they’re also ultra-affordable. Who’s a good boy?
Available at Ulta.
7. Glamnetic Press-On Mariposa Butterfly Nails
Glamnetic offers a wide range of designs for their press-ons, but our favorite might just be this butterfly set. The brand boasts sets lasting for up to three weeks. Plus, they’re reusable, which is more than we can say for our own nails when they fall off.
Available on Amazon.
8. Pride Wave Set of Press On Nails, $27
These nails are perfect for Pride, St. Patrick’s Day, or rainbow lovers. With these on your fingertips, you can sprinkle good luck on everyone you come across. Kind of like the glitter we’re still finding from two years ago.
Available on Etsy.
9. Snake and Moon Witchy Nails, $25
On the one hand, you have rainbows. On the other hand, you have spooky witchy nails. And in the middle, you have… a body, we presume. Did you steal our invisibility shield again?
This full set is perfect for pointing at things and casting spells. No guarantees on the magic powers, though.
Available on Etsy.
10. ManiMe Custom Fit Gel Stick-Ons Nails, $15-$25
Call us Elle Woods because we can’t stop screaming “oh my god!” after learning about ManiMe. Yeah, okay, minus the Harvard law degree or whatever.
The company offers a wide range of styles to choose from, but the best part is the option of ordering a custom set. Here’s how it works: you send in a few photos of your hands, and they use their 3D scanner to create gel stick-ons perfectly suited to your nails. What, like it’s hard?
Available at ManiMe.
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