Despite the fact that COVID-19 is changing our surroundings, one thing hasn’t changed: I chew my nails. I’ve tried everything from bad-tasting nail polish to salon-quality manicures, but nothing has helped me stop the habit so far. A few weeks ago, a friend advised me that press-on nails had been proved to prevent nail-bitingly, so I purchased a couple of different types to try as a last resort. Since then, I’ve experimented with many other sorts of press-on nails — come with glue, some without – and I’m almost an expert! The list below is a well-researched list of the best press-on nails to show off on your next Facetime date or Zoom girl’s night.
Kiss Gel Fantasy Nail Polish is a nail polish that is ready to wear and available in a range of hues (Short Length)
Kiss Gel Fantasy nails are at the top of my list of the best press-on nails since they are a long-lasting solution for every occasion. The kit contains both glue and adhesives, so you can choose your favorite method of application. The Kiss Gel Fantasy glue lasts a long time – I wore my nails for over a week before opting to remove them, but they may have lasted a few days longer. I had to re-glue a few nails over the week, but overall, I was impressed with how long these press-ons lasted.
In comparison to typical nails, these nails are particularly strong and thick. This means that, although they seem more natural and similar to professional gel nails, they have a heavier feel that may need some adjustment. In addition to being fairly thick, these nails – even at their shortest length – are quite long and will need some cutting and filing to get them up to the normal length.
Overall, the quality of these nails is incredible, especially considering the price of a drugstore. Though they take a little more time to implement, they are well worth the effort if you want a long-lasting, low-cost solution.
Impress Press-On Manicure
Kiss’s sister company, ImPRESS, offers a wide choice of no-glue-needed artificial nails that are easy and quick to install. These nails don’t hold as well as Kiss Gel Fantasy nails, but they’re great for a quick manicure. The kit includes 30 nails in a range of sizes, as well as additional accent nails to spice up your look.
ImPRESS nails, like as Kiss Gel Fantasy, are surprisingly sticky for a glue-free cheap manicure. However, after just 24 hours, two of my nails pulled off: one when opening a Ziploc bag and the other while taking a shower. Because these press-ons are designed to attach to your fingernails using adhesive rather than glue, they are very difficult to reapply after they have fallen off. The solution is to have extra nail glue from prior press-on kits on hand.
ImPRESS nails are softer, thinner, and much less bulky than Kiss Gel Fantasy nails. While they don’t seem as similar to a gel manicure, they feel more natural and light on my hands. Because of the ultra-fit design, press-on application is a simple, quick, and clean procedure.
If you’re looking for a fast remedy for untidy nails, these press-ons are a great option that will feel and look natural.
Dashing Diva’s Magic Press Gel Nails
Dashing Diva Magic Press Gel Nails are another fantastic option for nails that seem brand new. Though these nails are not often available at drugstores such as Kiss and ImPRESS, they may be purchased at Ulta and other similar cosmetic retailers. While some press-on users, like myself, prefer a shorter, more natural-looking manicure, Dashing Diva has had several complaints that the nails are too short, so if you want a more groomed nail appearance, this brand may not be for you.
The Dashing Diva nails are glue-free press-ons; just peel away the translucent layer to reveal the adhesive and press them on. The adhesive, like ImPRESS, has significantly less staying power than nail glue, and these nails came off quite quickly – far quicker than the five days the packaging states.
These nails are available in a variety of designs and colors, including glitter and jewel accent nails. While their press-ons aren’t the best I’ve ever tried, Dashing Diva does offer another popular product worth trying: nail strips. Nail strips are simply nail polish in the style of stickers that, according to the producers, may last up to 14 days.
Nails That Are Static
If you want to spend a little extra on your artificial nails, go no further than Static Nails. These press-ons are extremely ingenious; they are both reusable and can withstand up to six reapplications. Static Nails is substantially more difficult to get than the preceding firms because to its distinguishing feature; the product is only accessible on their website or at Nordstrom. In addition, the company has teamed with Urban Outfitters to provide a limited, branded line.
Static Nails’ revolutionary adhesive is astonishing; it has the power of acrylic nail glue but is gentle on your cuticles and fingernails. The adhesive degrades over time, providing for an easy removal method with minimum residue. According to the company’s website, the more glue you use, the longer your nails will stay – up to 18 days! While they are a bit more difficult to get, Static Nails are well worth the effort: when they fall off, just add another dot of glue on the back and reconnect them with no extra care between uses.
These nails are unquestionably the most fashionable of them all, with designs ranging from sleek chrome finishes to attractive tortoise shell patterns. Of course, Static includes your standard nudes and stunning pinks, but they are most known for their designs that replicate the look of professional acrylic nails.
Nails in Marmalade
Last but not least is Marmalade Nails, a brand that will boost your manicure game without forcing you to attend a salon. Unfortunately, these nails aren’t available in your local drugstore – they’re only available online, with the exception of a few Morphe retail locations.
These nails are really adventurous. The bulk of the sets include dazzling metallic finishes or brilliant jeweled decorations, making them a fantastic choice for a fun night out.
Marmalade offers a number of nail shape and length options, ranging from stiletto or square to coffin or round. These press-on sets also contain the brand’s patented nail-cleaning tool, which makes removal straightforward and less likely to injure your fingernails or cuticles. While these nails are certainly the most difficult to get in terms of easiness, they also produce the most beautiful patterns. If you want to spend a little more time getting a bright manicure aesthetic, Marmalade Nails is the way to go.