Salon-Worthy Mani in Minutes: These Are Our Go-To Press-On Nail Kits (2025)

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Whether you want flashy designs or an all-in-one kit, there’s a press-on nail set just for you.

By

Caitlyn Martyn

Salon-Worthy Mani in Minutes: These Are Our Go-To Press-On Nail Kits (1)

Caitlyn Martyn

Caitlyn Martyn is responsible for writing tested product recommendations and reviews

InStyle's editorial guidelines

Updated on October 17, 2024 @ 09:10AM

In This Article

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In This Article

  • Our Top Picks
  • Reviews
  • What to Keep in Mind
  • Your Questions, Answered
  • Why Shop With Us

Sometimes, you’ve got to be a little high maintenance to be low maintenance in your daily routine. Enter press-on nails. While these nail enhancements may seem a little fussy to apply, they can last much longer than a basic manicure. The dizzying array of designs gives you endless options to customize your look (even if you’re not particularly talented at nail art). And as a bonus, you can even reuse press-on nails for a manicure that lasts and lasts.

However, you might be a little wary of press-on nails if they’re new to you—especially since the removal process can damage your nails if you’re not careful. From how to mimic a salon-grade manicure at home to how to remove press-ons properly, we got all your questions answered by nail experts. Then, we tested over a dozen sets of nails to see which truly “nailed” it based on how well they did in these categories: ease of application, design, glue strength, durability, and the integrity of the natural nails post-removal. Here are the ones that we know we’ll use again.

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Why We Love It: The application process couldn’t be easier. Our tester found that press-ons fused to her natural nails really well. The best part is that they don’t even look like fake nails once they're on. The nails looked professionally painted. The nails themselves are sturdy, which is a good thing when it comes to staying power. However, since they’re so solid, you may need to dedicate a few minutes to each nail for shaping and filing.

Who It's For: For comfortable, long-lasting nails, we found PaintLab’s offerings to be the best press-on nails we tested. PaintLab’s press-ons come in various designs—such as swirls, cherries, smileys, and more—so it’s easy to find a set that matches any aesthetic.

Number of Nails: 24 | Adhesive Included: Glue | Extras: Dual-sided nail buffer, cuticle stick

Salon-Worthy Mani in Minutes: These Are Our Go-To Press-On Nail Kits (4)

Why We Love It: The Magic Press Solid Color sets from Dashing Diva are perfect for achieving simple salon-quality gel manicures in seconds. There's no need for glue, either: You can pop these on your natural nails and head out the door, no muss or fuss. They're easy to apply and look convincingly real. Our tester admitted she'd rather use these than go to a nail salon.

Who It's For: Have you ever been in a situation where you needed to look put together, but your chipped manicure made you feel otherwise? A must-have for someone with a penchant for barely there, nude nails, these customizable press-ons make for an easy, high-gloss mani without using any UV light. Despite the lack of glue, the adhesive felt strong in the lab setting. However, if you tend to be rougher on your hands or spend a lot of time in the sink, you might want to consider another option. After several hand washes, it's safe to assume that the adhesive will eventually give, and you may lose a nail or two.

Number of Nails: 30 nails in 12 sizes | Adhesive Included: Double-sided nail tabs | Extras: Prep pad, nail file, cuticle stick

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Why We Love It: Press-on nails have really evolved as far as designs are concerned. Back when we were just dipping fingers into the world of fake nails, we could only really find plain pinks and reds. These nails have unique designs that rival professional nail artists' creations. The press-ons are easy to apply and they come with a glue that gets super tacky for a long-lasting set.

Who It's For: While there's nothing wrong with a simple, one-tone manicure, a set with nail art that looks like it was done at a salon is unmatched, especially now that chrome finishes, psychedelic swirls, and colorful tips are all the rage. Constantly heading to the salon for a new design can get pricey, though, so we're thankful that Chillhouse offers tons of designs for a fraction of the cost. Maximalists with a knack for over-the-top nails, these are for you.

Number of Nails: 24 nails | Adhesive Included: Glue | Extras: Dual-sided buffer, cuticle stick

  • Salon-Worthy Mani in Minutes: These Are Our Go-To Press-On Nail Kits (11)

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  • Salon-Worthy Mani in Minutes: These Are Our Go-To Press-On Nail Kits (14)

Why We Love It: Selecting a set from Static Nails is comparable to choosing a shade of polish from the wall at the nail salon—it can feel impossible to pick just one. Once you do, though, the possibilities are endless. Each set can be reused, reshaped, and even repainted. Best of all: These nails have some serious staying power. Our tester shared that the nails look very natural.

Who It's For: Find yourself wanting aesthetically-pleasing nails to look at while working with your hands? Our tester wore them to do laundry and wash dishes—all of which they stuck around for. One thing to note: the kit has everything you'll need for application except a wooden manicure stick. It's not a big deal, but you may need to use your fingers to push back your cuticles before putting on any glue.

Nails of Nails: 24 nails in 12 sizes | Adhesive Included: Glue | Extras: Dual-sided buffer

Why We Love It: While all you need for a gorgeous-looking faux manicure is nails, glue, and a little patience, the Olive & June Press-On System convinced one of our testers that extras (like a nail clipper, dual-grit nail file, pro-grade nail buffer, and cuticle serum) make all the difference. Simply pick your favorite press-ons, which are made with 94 percent post-consumer recycled plastic, and let Olive & June supply the rest. The kit comes with a full set of nails, but when you're inevitably ready to switch things up, you can buy a new design for just $10 without repurchasing the entire kit.

Who It's For: It's so easy to fall into the trap of hoarding boxes of beloved press-ons with five or six nails left (just incase you need them down the line). With this brand, you don't have to discard nails you've already worn because they can be reused, too. Once you're ready to take the nails off, all you have to do is follow the simple instructions on the removal kit. Since the nails are made from recycled plastic, they don't exactly look like real nails, but that didn't seem to bother our tester.

Number of Nails: 42 nails in 21 sizes | Adhesive Included: Glue | Extras: Carry-all pouch, file, buffer, prep pad, cuticle pusher, clipper, cuticle serum, nail strengthener, removal system

What to Keep in Mind

  • Size and Fit: When it comes to press-on manicures, size matters. How each fits on your nail actually determines how long the press-on mani will last. "Make sure to pick a press-on nail that matches your nail bed size and curvature," says Julie Kandalec, a professional nail artist whose work has graced the fingertips of celebs like Sydney Sweeney, Mariah Carey, and Jessica Chastain advises. If you're in between sizes, choose one size larger and then file down the sides so it hugs your natural nail. “Press-ons can come off easily if they don’t fit right. But, when applied correctly, they can last you up to two weeks,” she says.
  • Application: According to Kandalec, you should use a pea-sized amount of nail glue on your natural nails. "Don't press too hard when applying," she warns. Doing so will cause the adhesive to seep out from the sides and dry along the cuticle line, making the nails look fake and crusty.
  • Removal: Press-ons can be applied with nail glue or double-sided sticker tabs. If your press-ons were applied with nail glue, the fastest way to remove them is to trim down the length as much as possible, use a coarse grit nail file to rough up the nail's surface, and then soak them in pure acetone. As for double-sided nail tabs, Kandalec explains that the soaking method can actually make the adhesive even stickier. Instead, she suggests using a paintbrush dipped in acetone to loosen the edges of the nail before gently pulling them off. Then, to remove the sticker, roll it off using your thumb.

Your Questions, Answered

How do you make press-on nails look real?

Kandalec explains that to ensure your press-on manicure looks as convincing as possible, the nail's edge should match up with your cuticle line. "Not filing this area is a telltale sign that the nails you're wearing are fake," she says.

How do you apply press-on nails?

"Before applying your press-ons, make sure you trim or file your polish-free natural nails short so the free edge doesn't show," Kandalec explains. "Then, lightly buff your nails to improve adhesion and swipe them with 91 to 99 percent isopropyl alcohol." After you've chosen all 10 nails and shaped them to fit perfectly, cover each fingernail with glue (one at a time). For best results, try aligning the press-on along the cuticle line and applying each one at a downward angle, pressing firmly for 20-30 seconds. "If any glue seeps from the sides, remove it immediately with a cuticle stick dipped in acetone," she adds.

How can you care for your nails after removing press-ons?

Always make sure to remove your press-on nails correctly. Improper removal (like ripping them off) can lead to brittle, damaged nails. Kandalec says that after you soak your nails off, be gentle with them for a few hours. "Apply a hydrating cuticle oil and hand cream to replenish the skin after removal since acetone can be drying," she says.

Why Shop With Us

Caitlyn Martyn is a former commerce writer for InStyle, where she covered all things beauty and fashion. With expert insight from Julie Kandalec, a professional nail artist, and our in-house testers, she poured over product specifications, and rounded up our top picks for this story. She has experience researching, testing, and writing about beauty products and has tried tons of different press-on nails, including several of the above brands.

Salon-Worthy Mani in Minutes: These Are Our Go-To Press-On Nail Kits (2025)

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