The 14 Best Press-On Nails for an Easy, Breezy Mani in Minutes
Everybody loves a comeback, which is why Y2K beauty essentials like lip glosses and the best press-on nails are still in their renaissance period. The early-2000s staple has has cemented its return to the beauty space, and this time around, there are tons more (and far better) options to choose from.
This new generation of press-on nails gives an effect nearly identical to expensive gel manicures at the salon. They also come in all kinds of shapes, sizes, and thicknesses. Plus, glue quality has improved so today's fake nails last much longer than the press-ons of yesteryear—also resulting in less damaging aftermath. Chillhouse, Glamnetic, and Olive & June offer bold, irresistible nail art patterns, while brands like Sally Hansen, OPI, and Mani Muse offer plenty of slick solid colors and classic French tips.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: Glamnetic Press-On Nails, starting at $15
- Most Durable: Static Nails Reusable Pop-On Manicure, $18
- Easiest Application: Olive & June The Super Stick Mani, $8
- Best Selection of Nail Sizes: Olive & June The Instant Mani, $10
- Best Custom Press-Ons: The Nailest Press-On Nail Set, starting at $15
- Best Design Selection: Chillhouse Chill Tips, $16
- Best Minimalist Designs: Paintbox Press-On Nails, $28
- Best Drugstore Press-Ons: Kiss ImPress Press-On Manicure, $9
Whether you want to go short and neutral or long and bold with a vibrant set, we've got you covered ahead with the latest and greatest in press-on nail brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What's the best way to apply press-on nails?
- Are press-on nails bad for your real nails?
- Meet the experts
Best Overall: Glamnetic Press-On Nails
Why It's Worth It: To complement your Glamnetic falsies, grab a box of the brand's press-on nails. They feel as thick as a traditional acrylic nail, so even if you're rough on them, they'll stay adhered. Each pack comes with 24 nails, a cuticle stick, tube of glue, nail file, and alcohol prep pad. You can choose from a variety of fun patterns, shapes, and sizes. Our pick: the mismatched, negative-space set above, aptly named Wild Card.
Tester Feedback: Glamnetic is one of Madaus's go-to press-on brands, thanks to their range of on-trend styles. "Glamnetic nails are seriously so strong and thick," she says. "I also love that they still have plenty of stylish sets in short lengths, because as a writer and librarian, long claws make me entirely afunctional as an employee." Christine Doan, a licensed cosmetologist and content creator based in Los Angeles, says she wears Glamnetic whenever she has short nails. (However, generally speaking, she notes that a problem she runs into herself and for her Asian clientele is that press-ons "usually lack a C-curve and long-enough nail bed length.")
Available Styles: 150+
Most Durable: Static Nails Reusable Pop-On Manicure
Why It's Worth It: We were so impressed by Static Nails's Reusable Pop-On Manicure, we gave it an Allure Best of Beauty Award in 2022. We love the rounded French tips of this particular design and how easy the press-ons are to put on. (You'll be done in under 15 minutes.) The glue is formulated to bond like a traditional acrylic, so it feels superglued to your natural nail, but it essentially dissolves over time so you won't be left with fragile, paper-thin nails. This set is also reusable up to six times if you apply and remove them correctly.
Tester Feedback: Allure contributor Kimberly Rolfs gushed over the Static Nails pop-ons in her review, noting how strong they are. "The first set I tried lasted a week and a half with no lifting or breakage, and this is through multiple boxing classes, laundry days, and various other activities that have caused me to lose a nail or two in the past," she said. "Plus, once the glue began to dissolve after a week or two, they eased off with some warm water and a cuticle tool under the edge."
Available Styles: 200+
Easiest Application: Olive & June The Super Stick Mani
Why It's Worth It: As wedding season approaches, you might want to consider the easy-on, easy-off Olive & June The Super Stick Mani. Instead of glue, these nails adhere to your natural nails with sticky tabs. Not only do they remove the mess, but they come off without any tearing, tugging, or nail breakage. They likely won't last as long as a traditional glue press-on set, but these salon-quality nails will carry you through a weekend of festivities with no problem. Each kit comes with 32 nails (which are made from 94% post-consumer recycled material), 32 adhesive tabs, an alcohol prep pad, buffer, and cuticle stick.
Tester Feedback: Allure contributor Sarah Madaus loves these because they're non-damaging and look incredibly realistic. "I'm in the middle of a long recovery from regular gel manis, so to keep my nails protected while they strengthen back up, I find myself turning to these sticky tab press-ons time and time again," Madaus says, noting that she wants to stay away from using nail glue on her already-fragile nails. "Olive & June's sticky tabs have lasted on my nails for up to five days, and they come off without any issue—or damage—and only take 15 minutes to apply," she adds.
Available Styles: 39
Best Custom Press-Ons: The Nailest Press-On Nail Set
Why It's Worth It: Sometimes you just want to look and feel fancy. The Nailest gets it. Whether you're spending $118 on the brand’s Swarovski crystal-encrusted set or $32 on something simpler like Pink Smoke (pictured above), the brand’s looks are always *chef’s kiss* good. They are curved enough to comfortably fit on your nail and have the perfect width so that they’re durable but not clunky.
Editor Tip: Before you shop, measure your nails and use the brand's guide to ensure a perfect fit. Each pack comes with only 10 nails, and you’ll have to purchase your glue separately. However, buying your glue (or sticky tabs) separately ensures that you can choose the formula that works best for your nails and lifestyle.
Available Styles: 250+, mostly found on Etsy
Best Minimalist Designs: Paintbox Press-On Nails
Why It's Worth It: New York City-based nail design studio Paintbox unveiled their signature press-ons during COVID-19 so people could keep up their editorial-ready manicures at home. Four years later, there are plenty of dreamy minimalist, and solid designs to choose from. We love the touch of gold in the Mixed Materials set, pictured above.
Editor Tip: Each pack from Paintbox includes two ways to apply the nails: Glue or gel tabs. The brush-on glue is easy to apply and far less messy than traditional glue bottles, and the gel tabs are great for short-term wear (or when you only have 10 minutes to get your nails on).
Available Styles: 30
Best for Festival Season: Rave Nailz Press-On Nail Set
Why It's Worth It: When Austin-based nail artist Braelinn Frank used to attend raves, she always got compliments on her manicures. The praise inspired her to create Rave Nailz so we could all get a little piece of her drip. Each package comes with everything you need to create the perfect manicure: 24 to 28 nails, glue, and a nail file. This brand specializes in moody, witchy, and kinda goth nails that are perfect for festivals, Halloween, and, well, raves. Some styles, like Cherry Bomb pictured above, even have chains attached, while others are "pierced" or hand-painted with a matte finish.
Editor Tip: For a casual glam look, we're super into this Rodeo French set, a.k.a. brown French tips with a glossy finish—because brown is finally having its trendy moment in the sun.
Available Styles: 25
Best Nail Size Selection: Olive & June The Instant Mani
Why It's Worth It: Olive & June's classic Press-On System is one of our failsafe ways to zuhzh up the at-home manicure experience. If you're leaning into the "girlhood" trend that's been taking over our lives and TikTok feeds as of late, O&J's flirty, feminine designs will scratch the itch. We're all about the brand's array of ballerina pinks, cherry appliques, tulip-dotted tips, and iridescent shimmer for spring—and beyond.
Editor Tip: Each pack includes 42(!) press-ons, along with all of the tools you need for a polished and healthy finish: a file, buffer, cuticle pusher, nail strengthener, and cuticle serum. So even if you have extra wide or extra tiny nails, you're practically guaranteed to find falsies that fit onto your natural nails.
Available Styles: 77
A Classic Choice: Sally Hansen Salon Effects Perfect Manicure
Why It's Worth It: Sally Hansen, ever the consistent queen. The Salon Effects Perfect Manicure set comes with our Best of Beauty seal of approval, thanks to the variety of different lengths and shapes to choose from (many of which you can probably find at your local retailers like Walmart, Target, or CVS). Each pack comes with 24 nails and all the tools you'll need to get the job done.
Editor Tip: Similar to more pricey picks on this list, Sally Hansen's nails come in a range of elongated tips, cool colors, and even a few artsy designs. So if you're heading on vacation and forget to book a mani, swing by the drugstore and pick these up.
Available Styles: 30
Best Design Selection: Chillhouse Chill Tips Set
Why It's Worth It: New York City-based Chillhouse brings its signature whimsical in-salon manicures to your home. Check out Babs on the Beach, a swirly pink and orange take on round nails that you're bound to adore, or Creepy Baby (pictured above), a look that features retro '70s squiggles and an almond shape. Each set comes with 24 nails, glue, a cuticle pusher, nail file, and buffer duo.
Editor Tip: Madaus is a regular at Chillhouse's Soho salon but she's also tried a handful of the Chill Tips. "They are on the longer side for me, so I recommend taking a nail clipper to 'em and/or using a file along the underside of the nail—so you don't slough any of the colors off—if you want to shorten and shape them," she says.
Available Styles: 62
Best Short Nails: OPI Xpress/On Nails Set
Why It's Worth It: OPI is a legend in the nail industry and the Xpress/On Nails is just the latest reason why. They're extra-durable (they last for up to two weeks) and feature popular nail trends (like cat-eye shifts and French tips) and classic OPI hues (Allure senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor's go-to is the long-length set in Lincoln Park After Dark, a midnight purple). This comprehensive pack comes with 30 nails, a dual file and buffer, prep pad, cuticle stick, and glue.
Editor Tip: This affordable pick nabbed a Best of Beauty Award in 2023 because they're so well-suited to anyone who prefers a more low-key, shorter silhouette. (Hello, writers, furious texters, and anyone with a hands-on job.) This collection includes demure lengths and rounded tips that will never go out of style.
Available Styles: 14
Best Shape Selection: Paintlab Press-On Nails Kit
Why It's Worth It: Paintlab's Press-On Nails Kit has officially entered the chat with high-quality gel nails that are a breeze to put on—and they come in oval, almond, sqoval, short almond, regular coffin, and long coffin. Each glue-on nail set includes 24 gel press-on nails that come in different sizes to perfectly fit every nail bed as well as the basic tools you need to nail your look.
Editor Tip: Speaking of looks, this press-on manicure set comes in a seemingly endless array of cool designs and patterns to check out, including the summer-ready tie-dye set, seen above. And if your toes have seen better days, well, Paintlab makes toenail press-ons too. Weird? Perhaps. Innovative? Absolutely.
Available Styles: 100+
Best Neutrals and Solids: Mani Muse Press-On Nails
Why It's Worth It: If the super hard, acrylic-like press-ons aren't quite your style, the Mani Muse Press-On Nails look and feel like breathable hard gel. So if you tend to feel "claustrophobic" with heavy nails and get the frequent urge to tear them off (been there!), you might want to opt for this budget-friendly set.
Editor Tip: Mani Muse's easy-to-apply press-ons come in a range of styles, but we love the brand's selection of minimalist neutrals and shiny solids. If you want to add a touch of DIY maximalism, you can pop some of the brand's cute Quickie Stickies nail stickers onto your press-ons.
Available Styles: 16
Best for Beginners: Dashing Diva Magic Press Nails Set
Why It's Worth It: Chances are, you've tried Dashing Diva's Magic Press Nails Set before—it's a drugstore classic, after all. Whether you're looking for a subtle spin on a French manicure (like the multicolor set Eternal Youth, seen above) or want a simple solid color, Dashing Diva's lineup of stick-on nails has your mani covered.
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.
However, there are preventative steps you can take to keep your nails intact. To minimize damage, Dr. Stern suggests applying a coat of clear nail polish before application. "Polish can absolutely be protective and it is generally the removal process that leads to the dehydration and potential damage," she says. When it's time to remove your press-ons, she recommends skipping acetone-based nail polish removers—which can dehydrate and weaken your nails — and using warm, soapy water or cuticle oil to weaken the adhesive instead.
Meet the Experts
- Dana Stern, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City and founder of nail-care brand Dr. Dana
- Christine Doan, a licensed cosmetologist and content creator based in Los Angeles
For more nail content, keep reading:
- 13 of the Best Press-On Nails Amazon Offers for a Flawless Manicure
- The Prettiest Nail Polish Colors For Spring 2024
- If You’re 50+, Here’s Exactly How to Care for Your Nails
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