Editor Tip: On top of its nearly infinite collection of nail designs, shapes, and finishes to choose from, the application process is absolutely goof-proof and doesn’t involve messy glue. The back of these Dashing Diva nails is adhesive, so all you need to do is apply the base coat, take the plastic shield off the back of the nail, and press the nail onto your natural nail.
Available Styles: 62
Best Drugstore Press-Ons: Kiss ImPress Press-On Manicure
Why It’s Worth It: A $10 bill and a trip to the drugstore are all you need to get a gorgeous mani these days. If you like shorter tips but still want something that looks interesting, Kiss ImPress’s Press-On Manicure is your best bet. Each pack comes with 30 nails, a cuticle stick, adhesive gel, a nail file, and alcohol prep pads.
Editor Tip: This is another set that opts for sticky adhesive instead of glue, and we’re here for it when it comes to nail health. Nicely, you can get different shapes like coffin and stiletto, which are often only found in custom press-on kits.
Available Styles: 18
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to apply press-on nails?
Here’s the quick and dirty: The first thing you want to do is find the right size for your nails. Many press-on sets include more than 10 nails, so you can pick and choose from an array of different sizes. However, some custom sets require you to use a size chart or measure your nailbed. Once you find your sizes, prep your nails by pushing back your cuticles with a cuticle stick and then wipe down your nails and cuticles with an alcohol prep pad (these often come with the press-ons, but you might need to supply your own acetone or rubbing alcohol).
If you’re using nail glue, cover your entire nail with a thin layer, and then add a few dots to the press-on. A thin layer ensures that once you press the fake nail onto your natural nail, it won’t create a sticky mess on the skin surrounding your nails. Hold pressure to the nail for about 30 seconds, and then release. If you’re using adhesive tabs, once you prep your nails, generally you press and hold the tab and its plastic backing on your nail for 15 to 30 seconds, and then apply the press-on and hold pressure for another 15 to 30 seconds. For a full explainer about the application process, read our guide.
Are press-on nails bad for your real nails?
While they’re super convenient, press-ons are not necessarily damage-free. During removal, you can risk peeling off layers of your natural nail if you’re too rough. When those patches, called keratin granulations, come off, they can leave you with an “uneven, discolored, and peeling nail,” says New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Dana Stern, MD.