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The 14 Best Press-On Nails for Easy, Expert-Level Manicures
No drying time required.
By Any BAZAAR beauty editor will tell you that the best press-on nails truly are the unsung heroes of quick manicures. While we'll always have a soft spot in our hearts for quick-dry polish, these beauty essentials are the latest trend in easy nail innovations created specifically to use in the comfort of your home, hotel room, or maybe even on-the-go. While you may be tempted to try out an extra long set of glam press-ons, experts suggest sticking to your usual nail style and length instead to get the best use out of a your favorite kit.
“When choosing a press-on, select a style that fits into your everyday lifestyle,” celebrity nail artist and Kiss brand ambassador Gina Edwards tells BAZAAR.com. “It's important to factor in shape, length, and nail designs.” Whether you're a fan of an almond, round, pointed or square, there are plenty of excellent options worth shopping to suit your nail needs. Here, we've gathered some of the best press-on nails from top brands like Chillhouse, Nails of LA, and more, that are quick and easy to apply for a foolproof manicure—even with your non-dominant hand.
xPress/On Special Effect Press-On Nails
Pros
- Reusable
Cons
You'll definitely get bang for your buck when it comes to these enchanting press-ons from OPI, since they can be worn over and over again for up to two weeks.
Customer review:
"I consider myself good at applying press-ons so they last, but these are next level. The glue is so strong. They look and feel like salon nails. 10/10 recommend." —Elizabeth
| Number of Press-Ons Included | 30 |
|---|---|
| Materials | Features 94 percent post-consumer recycled materials |
| Shape | Coffin |
Ready-to-Wear Gel Manicure
Pros
- Available in a number of color and style options
Cons
Amazon is a great resource for discovering unique and stylish press-on nails you won't find anywhere else. This top-rated, shopper-approved chrome set is a frequent nail go-to for shoppers, and has close to a five-star rating with over 3,000 customer reviews.
Customer review:
"Beautiful, a good replacement for getting them done at the salon and way less damaging to my natural nails. can't beat the price, I usually spend $70 at the salon for the same length and look. One set lasts me about two weeks, just make sure to push the air bubbles out of the glue when applying." —Tyra L.
| Number of Press-Ons Included | 24 |
|---|---|
| Shape | Almond |
The Illest Press-On Extensions
Pros
- Nail artist-approved
Cons
Celebrity nail artist Betina Goldstein counts the brand Nails of LA as one of her favorites for press-ons, thanks to their range of modern styles, like this versatile pair that's available on sale right now.
| Shape | Oval |
|---|---|
| Number of Press-Ons Included | 24 |
Pros
- Made to last for up to three weeks
Cons
Press-ons that combine stardust and shimmer? We’re sold, especially since this pointed almond set from Glamnetic is both waterproof and reusable (and channels glazed donut nails with ease).
Customer review:
"I've been wearing the stardust for about a week now and have gotten so many compliments. Haven't had any issues at all. Just need to get used to the length as I am on a keyboard all day." —Lissette
| Finish | Glossy |
|---|---|
| Length | Medium |
| Shape | Pointed Almond |
| Number of Press-Ons Included | 24 |
Pros
- Includes adhesive tabs and nail glue
Cons
Channel retro vibes with this 24-pack of semi-transparent, reusable nails that can be cut and filed based on your chosen shape and length.
| Shape | Almond |
|---|---|
| Number of Press-Ons Included | 24 |
Homecoming Press On Nail Kit
Pros
- No glue needed
Cons
You can't go wrong with a classic: these french manicure press-ons are simple yet sophisticated, and nicely come in a pack of 30, just in case you end up losing a couple.
Customer review:
"I’m in love with these press-on nails! If you want a quick, beautiful French mani, get these!! They’re so easy to apply and look amazing! Thank you!" —Katie P.
| Number of Press-Ons Included | 30 |
|---|---|
| Shape | Oval |
Flower Checkerboard
Pros
- Includes two prep pads, a nail file, and wooden stick
Cons
If you're looking to road test the checkerboard look, this whimsical set from Vanity Table makes it simple to transition the trend from your closet to your beauty rotation—plus, it's also on rare markdown.
| Number of Press-Ons Included | 40 |
|---|---|
| Shape | Coffin |
Violet Press-On Manicure
Pros
- Includes sticker adhesives and nail glue
Cons
For a vibrant take on your next nail look, consider this kit that contains a range of matte coffin-shaped press-ons in a stand out purple shade.
| Length | Long |
|---|---|
| Finish | Matte |
| Shape | Coffin |
Pros
- Earth-friendly
Cons
Here's a set of earth-friendly nails from Olive and June that are made almost entirely of post-consumer recycled materials, and tested on more than 1,000 people to find the ideal fit, curvature, and wear for most natural nails.
Customer review:
"Quick and easy! I love using press-ons for super saturated colors, especially reds, because they occasionally stain my nails. It’s also such a pain to remove red polish, even when being careful my whole fingertip is red. So being able to just soak off the press on is perfect!" —Kate W.
| Materials | Made from 94 percent post-consumer recycled materials |
|---|---|
| Number of Press-Ons Included | 21 |
| Shape | Oval |
| Looks So Real | Developed with engineers and tested on thousands of people to ensure best fit |
Color Press-On Manicure
Pros
- Includes prep pad, mini file, and cuticle stick
- No glue needed
Cons
The manicure masters at Kiss created this set of moody press-ons, which peel and stick to your natural nails without the addition of glue (unless you really want to add it).
Customer review:
"These press-on nails are the best! The trick is to make sure you put them on slightly under your cuticle. It takes me less than 20 minutes to put these on, and I like to file the corners to round them a bit. They last about a week and a half." —KH
| Number of Press-Ons Included | 30 |
|---|---|
| Shape | Square |
Round Pop-On Reusable Manicure Set
Pros
- Available in a number of different color options
Cons
Want a bordeaux manicure without the mess? This reusable, no-fuss set from Static Nails is a sophisticated take on the rich hue, and features a short round shape that won't get in the way while sending a text.
| Shape | Round |
|---|---|
| Number of Press-Ons Included | 24 |
Chill Tips Press-On Nails in Everything Zen
Pros
- Vegan
Cons
Chillhouse is known for their professional-level beauty services and products, like this all-inclusive set set of 24 patterned press-ons, mini nail file, cuticle stick, and non-toxic glue.
| Number of Press-Ons Included | 24 |
|---|
Pros
- Includes a 30-day return policy
Cons
Here's a set of stiletto-shaped press-ons that quickly elevates a minimal neutral manicure, and contains 12 different size options for your nail options to secure the right fit.
Customer review:
"I love these nails! New faves! They are perfect for everyday wear and super easy to apply. I’m known for my nails, and people can’t even tell these are press-ons." —KiKey
| Shape | Medium Stiletto |
|---|---|
| Number of Press-Ons Included | 24 |
Pros
- Lasts up to two weeks
Cons
This striking geometric set is made to last for up to two weeks per wear, and is literally a piece of art. Plus, this kit even includes its own removal tool once you're ready to change up your nail look.
Customer review:
"I applied them on Saturday. Since then, I've washed dishes and showered several times. They are still there and look great! Love their natural looking curve." —Maria M.
| Number of Press-Ons Included | 24 |
|---|---|
| Style | Almond/Stiletto |
| Length | Medium |
What are the longest-lasting press-on nails?
Depending on your lifestyle, press-on nails can typically last anywhere from a week to two weeks. Adding a few drops of glue to your natural nail and the extension, and gently squeezing it in place for at least 30 seconds can help ensure maximum hold.
How do you make press-on nails look real?
If you're in search of a work-friendly set of press-ons to finish off your beauty look without going overboard, opt for shorter round or square nails that won't get in the way of typing an email. And since these staples are easily manipulated, you can also file press-ons according to your preference for a more natural look.
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