The 10 Best Press-On Nail Kits for an Instant Summer Manicure, Tested by Editors
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Updated May 14, 2024: This article on the best press-on nails was updated with new editor-tested product picks and expert insights. We are currently testing additional press-on nails from brands like Dashing Diva for consideration in this expert-approved guide.
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Just like a good blowout, a new set of nails leaves you feeling polished, pulled together, and ready for whatever the summer brings. But, a fresh mani can run you a pretty penny and take up lots of precious time. Our solution? Simple press-on nails that look like a salon-done manicure. The best press-on nails cost a fraction of the price of a gel manicure or acrylic set and only take 15 minutes max to pop on — plus, they’re easy to remove and replace to match your outfit or mood-of-the-moment.
“One of the benefits of press-on nails is cost — a set from the salon costs a minimum of $40, and press-on nails can be as inexpensive as $9,” says celebrity nail artist and Nails of LA founder Brittney Boyce. Press-on nails also have the benefit of giving your nails a uniform look; if you’ve chipped a nail, you can easily conceal inconsistencies in length with good faux tips. And contrary to what you may think, press-on nails don’t damage your nails, as long as you remove them properly without prying them off, according to Boyce.
Press-on nail kits have had a makeover in the past five years: Uncomfortable claws are out, realistic-looking, durable faux nails are in. The DIY beauty hack is one of the most popular TikTok beauty products with over 170 million views and searches, where users share press-on nail tutorials and reviews on top brands like Glamnetic, Chillhouse, and Olive & June. Beyond the home salon, beauty insiders are embracing press-on nails from the red carpet to the runway, too — Allison Williams stunned with graphic adhesive tips at the 2024 Met Gala, while nail artist Julie Kandalec designed over 1,000 custom press-ons for models at the Christian Cowan’s spring 2024 runway.
“I’m pro press-on,” says Kandalec, who cites Olivia & June Acrylic Instant Mani Press-On Nails as a great long-wear option. She explains that kits with adhesive tabs will wear for just a few days, whereas those that apply with nail glue can last you over a week. For the latter, she says, “the tips are just made out of plastic, so you just soak them off like you would an acrylic and they come off in 15 minutes — no damage. It’s a great way for someone to grow out their natural nails underneath.” Kandalec adds that gel tips like Kiss Salon X-Tend Press-On Nails that are cured at home are the most enduring option, though “removal is going to take a little bit longer” — but more on that later.
Scroll through our options, and you’ll see that the latest press-on nails are available in varying lengths, shapes, and styles (both solid-colored and complete with nail art designs). The new league of press-on nail kits includes various sized tips to suit any nail size, and easy-to-use adhesives that make application quick and simple.
We put these press-on nails through two rounds of rigorous testing to ensure they’re worthy of your hands, and these 10 options passed with flying colors. Read on for the top press-on nail kits of 2024, plus pointers on application, removal, and making them last — one secret is alcohol — and we don’t mean those margaritas you’ll be sipping all summer long.
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Top Press-On Nails of 2024
Editor’s Choice: Glamnetic Press-On Nails
Editor’s Choice: Kiss Impress Nails Short Solid Color Press-On Nails
Editor’s Choice: Kiss Salon X-Tend Press-On Nails
Testing Verdict: Top 3 Press-On Nails of 2024
To curate the best-of-the-best press-on nails on the market, WWD Shop editors lent our nail beds to extensive testing across dozens of press-on nail brands. We enlisted two celebrity nail artists for expert recommendations on long-wear brands and seamless application, as well as conducted extensive research across top beauty retailers and most-loved options on TikTok to determine the most universally satisfactory options on the market. During our press-on nail testing, we assessed various nail lengths, shapes, designs, and adhesive applications.
Since our initial round of testing in January 2023, our test team conducted a second round of testing to revisit our original recommendations and examine new discoveries on our radar, whether recommended by our expert sources, TikTok FYPs, or rave reviews. Press-on nail options that no longer held their own against new additions were removed from this guide, however we found that many of our original recommendations remain stellar options for their finish and long-lasting wear.
The best press-on nails are not created equally. While some adhere with nail glue, others lock in place via sticky tabs or LED nail lamps. Plus, the range of shapes and designs are ultra-personal, so rather than choosing one all-around recommendation, we’ve selected three that represent different application techniques and manicure preferences.
Glamnetic Press-On Nails: Aptly named, Glamnetic press-on nails are your best bet for a long-wearing, full-glam manicure in minutes. This almond-shaped kit flatters the hand with an elongating style that still allows you to to type on the keyboard (see, no typos here!), while the brand also offers everyday shapes like short round tips, along with a bounty of nail art designs and salon-worthy finishes, from shiny chrome to metallic swirls. Durable and seamless, we love to glue these on and go.
Kiss Impress Nails Short Solid Color Press-On Nails: If you’re not looking to fuss with glue, the Impress Press-On Nails from Kiss are super quick to apply and come in glossy solid-color options that look like a fresh gel manicure. This set is comfortably short (ever so slightly longer than a filed-down natural nail) and by far the easiest to remove on our list.
Kiss Salon X-Tend Press-On Nails: These innovative X-Tend Press-On Nails make for an ideal at-home mani to apply before a vacation or a span of time when you don’t want to worry about be re-gluing your claws, because they double-down on extended durability with a gel lamp cure step. It comes come recommended by Kandalec — who was wearing this very set upon speaking to WWD — for their super long-lasting wear, due to their thicker tips that won’t split or chip like plastic options.
EDITOR'S CHOICE
Glamnetic Press-On Nails
Editor testing review rating: 5/5 rating
Number of nails: 30
Adhesive type: Glue
Tools included: Nail glue, double-sided file, cuticle stick, and prep pad
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$15
$15
$15
Glamnetic is the go-to if you’re longing for length — even the shortest styles will give you a good free edge. The immigrant-owned brand launched with faux lashes in 2019, and has since become an established player in the press-on nail space. Although Glamnetic offers solid colored press-on nail kits, they’re known for their funky nail art: You can shop checkered and french sets, iridescent manicures à la Hailey Bieber, or go with a kit that combines different designs in a similar color palette for a bespoke effect.
Editor’s testing and review notes: “While testing long press-on nails, I noticed one common issue: They’re far more likely to break than shorter options. That’s not the case with Glamnetic. They’re the only lengthy press-ons I could wear for more than a week without dealing with chipping. The nails are thinner and lighter than other press-ons, but they stayed secure until I removed them.”
Wear time: 5/5 rating | Ease of application: 5/5 rating | Results: 5/5 rating
Price upon publish date of this article: $15
EDITOR'S CHOICE
Kiss Salon X-Tend Press-On Nails
Editor testing review rating: 4.9/5 rating
Number of nails: 30
Adhesive type: Glue and LED nail lamp
Tools included: LED soft gel adhesive, cuticle stick, and prep pad
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$10.99
$11.99
Kiss Salon X-Tend Press-On Nails stand as an innovation new addition to any at-home salon. Rather than applying with sticky tabs or just glue, these tips cure to your nail beds like any gel mani. They start with a small dot of gel adhesive to secure the nail in place, then lock onto your natural nails in mere minutes with the help of an LED nail lamp. For those who have a particularly flat nail bed, Kandalec explains that the tips in this nail kit are “thicker and stronger than a plastic options, so you’re going to have more longevity.”
Editor testing and review notes: “Wow — the extra lamp-curing step is completely worth it. These tips lasted me over two weeks. I’m an avid glue-on-and-go girl, but these blow typical press-ons out of the water with super strong durability that avoids pesky pop-offs while you’re out and about. I found the thicker glue is far easier to work with than other runnier formulas, which makes up for the added few minutes of curing under the lamp.”
Wear time: 5/5 rating | Ease of application: 4.8/5 rating | Results: 5/5 rating
Price upon publish date of this article: $10.99
EDITOR'S CHOICE
Kiss Impress Nails Short Solid Color Press-On Nails
Editor testing review rating: 4.7/5 rating
Number of nails: 30
Adhesive type: Sticker
Tools included: Nail file, cuticle stick, and prep pad
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$6.97 $7.99 13% off
$7.99
These Kiss Impress press-on nails outperform their competition at the drugstore. The sticker-style adhesive means you don’t have to fuss with nail glue, so they’re a great option for press-on beginners. All of the colors available are classics — think along the lines of ballet pink, navy, and cream. The shape and size is easy to file down from a square to a round or almond shape. Pro-tip: For a super long-wearing manicure, double-down with a small drop of nail glue under the the adhesive sticker. Trust us, those claws won’t be popping off any time soon.
Editor’s testing and review notes: “I apply these Kiss Impress nails multiple times throughout the year; they’re my favorite when I need fresh nails, fast. The adhesive can get stuck on spare pieces of hair when they start to lift, but usually they last me about five to seven days. The tips feel like thick gel polish, and best of all, they leave no residue after you remove them.”
Wear time: 4.6/5 rating | Ease of application: 5/5 rating | Results: 4.7/5 rating
Price upon publish date of this article: $6.97
EDITOR'S CHOICE
Olivia & June Acrylic Instant Mani Press-On Nails
Editor testing review rating: 4.9/5 rating
Number of nails: 42
Adhesive type: Glue
Tools included: Nail glue, cuticle stick, dual nail file and buffer, and prep pads
Target Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
Walmart Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
$9.99
$9.99
Olive & June pioneered a foolproof system for at-home manicures, complete with a custom silicone brush handle attachment that gives you more control when you’re painting your nails with your non-dominant hand. So we weren’t surprised when Olive & June’s press-on nails debuted with a kit that makes applying press-on nails easy; the set has a massive range of nail sizes that makes it easy to find your exact fit. Keep tabs on their seasonal limited-edition designs, which always sell out. These nails have more of a curve to them than others on our list, so those with flatter nail beds will want to press down on each nail before applying for a longer-lasting result.
Editor’s testing and review notes: “I consider myself a well-seasoned pro at applying press-on nails, so when I was in a pinch, I took a risk and popped on The Instant Mani in an Uber ride on the way to dinner. Despite the chaotic city traffic and overcrowded back seat of the car, I managed to locate the perfect nail size for each of my nails with ease. The glue instantly gripped — without any nail filing or cuticle prep — and the nail tips seemed to have a unique, tight curve that held super secure on the natural nail apex. The mani lasted me for two whole weeks, which is impressive compared to other popular brands I’ve tried, and earned me so many compliments. Everyone assumed they were fresh from the salon!”
Wear time: 5/5 rating | Ease of application: 5/5 rating | Resuls: 4.8/5 rating
Price upon publish date of this article: $9.99
Btartbox French Tip Press On Nails
Editor testing review rating: 5.9/5 rating
Number of nails: 30
Adhesive type: Glue
Tools included: Storage box, nail glue, adhesive tabs, dual nail file and buffer, cuticle stick, and prep pads
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
$14.97 $16.97 12% off
If you’re an avid scroller on #NailTok, you’ve seen buzz around Btartbox press-ons. They’ve got 14.5 million views and searches on TikTok for their easy application and natural appearance that looks straight from the salon. That’s because they’re handmade from gel — not printed plastic — which results in a super shiny and durable finish. They’re also flexible, so they’ll properly mold to your natural nail apex and create a seamless cuticle line. We love this glossy French mani set for day to day occasions, but the brand offers a treasure trove worth of dramatic shapes and designs for when you’re craving something a little more glam.
Editor testing and review notes: “Off the bat, these press-ons feel far more sturdy than traditional plastic tips. The different sizes don’t come numbered, however I found it easy to find the right fit for each nail — and keep them glued down thanks to the flexible nature of the gel tip. These tips lasted me a little over two weeks, and earned me countless compliments.”
Wear time: 5/5 rating | Ease of application: 4.8/5 rating | Results: 5/5 rating
Price upon publish date of this article: $14.97
EDITOR'S CHOICE
Opi xpress/On Press-On Nails
Editor testing review rating: 4.9/5 rating
Number of nails: 30
Adhesive type: Glue
Tools included: Nail glue, cuticle stick, dual nail file and buffer, and prep pads
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$12.99
$12.99
Opi is a renowned nail polish brand — even if you’re not a manicure person, you’ve seen their colors on the fingertips of legends like Beyoncé and Kerry Washington. The Opi xpress/On Press-On Nails are a genius addition to the line, allowing you to achieve a pretty manicure at home with iconic OPI colors, like Funny Bunny, Bubble Bath, and Lincoln Park After Dark. The faux nails feel like gel polish rather than plastic, which is a rare find.
Editor’s testing and review notes: “Finding a good fit for my pointer, middle, and ring fingers is always difficult, as a faux nail that’s slightly too big or too small throws off the look and wear time of my manicure. OPI’s press-on kits have loads of mid-sized tips to ensure a perfect match for those tricky-to-fit fingertips.”
Wear time: 4.7/5 rating | Ease of application: 4.9/5 rating | Results: 5/5 rating
Price upon publish date of this article: $12.99
Static Nails Metallic Reusable Pop-On Manicure
Editor testing review rating: 4.8/5 rating
Number of nails: 24
Adhesive type: Glue
Tools included: Nail glue and dual-sided buffer
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$20
If you’ve ever searched for press-on nails, odds are you’ve come across Static Nails. They’re one of the few brands that makes reusable press-ons you can actually wear more than once, thanks to the ultra-durable tips. You can browse over 200 styles in varying lengths and shapes, from extra-short square to medium coffin and long almond. We love these fun silver French tips that’ll earn you so many compliments.
Editor’s testing and review notes: “I always keep a set of Static Nails on standby — the high-shine tips look flawless and realistic. The brand also has a great, non-damaging nail glue you brush on just like polish, and I use it with any glue-on faux nails I apply.”
Wear time: 4.7/5 rating | Ease of application: 4.8/5 rating | Results: 5/5 rating
Price upon publish date of this article: $20
Chillhouse Chill Tips Nail Art Press-On Nails
Editor testing review rating: 4.7/5 rating
Number of nails: 24
Adhesive type: Glue
Tools included: Nail glue, cuticle stick, dual nail file and buffer, and prep pads
Target Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
Shopbop Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 5/5 stars
$19.59
$16
If you’re eager to mix up your nails with cool designs (but hate how long it takes at the salon) order up some Chillhouse Chill Tips. The edgy brand has spa locations in New York and Paris, but you can get one of their signature nail art manicures at home with their press-on nails. Chillhouse launches new tips seasonally, so you can always look forward to new colorways and designs.
Editor’s testing and review notes: “Chillhouse Chill Tips are my favorite to pop on for the weekend, or when I’m heading on vacation. The funky designs uplift my mood every time I glance at my fingertips. The tips are medium length, but you can easily file them down if you prefer a shorter manicure.”
Wear time: 4.6/5 rating | Ease of application: 4.7/5 rating | Results: 4.9/5 rating
Price upon publish date of this article: $16
Manime Gel Nail Strips
Editor testing review rating: 4.9/5 rating
Number of nails: 18
Adhesive type: Sticker
Tools included: Nail file, wood stick, and prep pad
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
$9.59 $12 20% off
Unlike traditional press-on nails, ManiMe’s polish comes in adhesive gel strip stickers, not full-on faux tips. Apply them straight onto your nails for a splash of color without a change in the length or look of your natural nail. The result rivals what you’d walk out of the salon with after a gel manicure. And if you have narrow or wide nail beds, you can order a custom-made set that fits like a glove: Manime has technology that runs a 3D scan of your nails via images you take on your smartphone.
Editor’s testing and review notes: “When my nails are healthy and even in length, I love to smooth on Manime’s nail strips. They cover my nail beds just like traditional polish, but without the dry time. I get compliments on my manicure every time I use them — little do my friends know that I did it myself.”
Wear time: 5/5 rating | Ease of application: 4.8/5 rating | Results: 4.9/5 rating
Price upon publish date of this article: $9.59
Nails of LA Press-On Extensions
Editor testing review rating: 4.8/5 rating
Number of nails: 24
Adhesive type: Double-sided adhesive stickers or nail glue
Tools included: Nail glue, adhesive stickers, cuticle stick, and file and buffer duo
$8 $16 50% off
Boyce designed these Nails of LA Press-On Extensions using years of expertise as a celebrity nail artist to ensure the durable tips feel comfortable on your fingertips. The tips work with adhesive stickers or nail glue (you’ll get both in your kit), so you can choose the adhesive that you’re most comfortable using. All of the tips feature minimalistic nail art designs that range from geometric to abstract, and each one adds a little je ne sais quoi to your look.
Editor’s testing and review notes: “The Nails of LA press-ons are a serious win because of the adhesive options — I love that I can apply the pretty designs with glue stickers or traditional nail glue. The length is excellent for daily wear; I can easily put in contacts without poking my eye.”
Wear time: 4.7/5 rating | Ease of application: 4.9/5 rating | Results: 5/5 rating
Price upon publish date of this article: $16
How To Apply Press On Nails
When applying a fresh set of press-on nails, Kandalec explains that proper sizing can pose an initial challenge. She explains that the curve of many press-on nails, also known as the apex, is often too curved for flat nail beds, so it’s important to select a larger tip that’ll align with the natural shape of the nail, rather than one that’s too small and may pop off despite tacky adhesive. “The key is if you don’t have to press it down, that’s when you know have the right fit. Size up and then file down the sidewalls of the press-ons to get the best fit.”
“Prep is everything, no matter what kind of manicure you’re doing,” stresses Boyce. “If you don’t buff and cleanse the nail properly, the polish or glue won’t be able to bond properly.”
Applying glue can also present a learning curve. Kandalec’s pro tip? “More is more.” To avoid trapped air bubbles under the tip which can increase your risk of developing greenies (a sign of infection), she explains that, “if you’re doing a clear nail, especially if you do a lighter color, make sure that the whole nail plate is covered with adhesive, that way it just looks like it’s your natural nail.”
Here’s how to apply press-on’s for a long-lasting result:
Cleanse your hands by removing any existing polish from your fingertips, then washing your hands thoroughly.
File and shape your natural nails, then lightly buff them to remove any visible shine.
Fit your faux nails by finding the press-on nail that’s the closest match to your natural nail. “If you’re between sizes, choose the bigger option, then lightly file down the sides of the faux nail so they fit your nail bed without touching your skin,” says Boyce.
Wipe down the natural nail with rubbing alcohol, and wait for it to fully evaporate. This key step ensures that the adhesive will set properly for a longer-lasting manicure. Without it, the natural oils on your nail will interfere with the glue’s ability to bond.
Apply the press-on nails: If using adhesive stickers, remove the sticker backing and firmly press the faux nail onto your natural nail for 10 to 15 seconds. If using glue, dot a drop onto the base of your natural nail and the base of the faux nail. Carefully place the faux nail onto your fingertip, holding it in place for 30 seconds. Use a cuticle stick to remove any excess glue from the side walls of your nail.
Repeat steps four and five on each nail.
Cleanse your hands once more after 30 minutes of application to remove any excess glue that has wandered to the perimeter of your nail beds.
How To Remove Press On Nails
Resist the urge to peel or pull them off — this tugs off layers of your natural nail, causing damage. You can remove your press-on nails two different ways: One option is to soak your nails in a bowl of warm water with a spoonful of coconut oil for about 20 minutes. You can also buff the faux nails and soak them in acetone for about five minutes, which is Boyce’s preferred method. After soaking your nails with coconut oil and water or acetone, Boyce says to gently rock them back and forth until the press-on nails have loosened; then they’ll gently fall off without damaging your natural nails.
How To Make Press-On Nails Last
Wondering how long press-on nails last? With proper application, your press-on manicure can last for up to two weeks. These practices will help keep them in tip-top shape.
Avoid water for 30 minutes after application: “If you get water on the nail glue before it dries, any excess glue on your cuticle or the side walls of your nail will dry down white instead of clear,” Boyce explains. To preserve your manicure after it’s set, wear rubber gloves when you’re doing dishes.
Grab a scalp massager: These handheld silicone brushes lather up shampoo without applying pressure to your fingertips. They also prevent your nails from snagging on your hair when you rake conditioner through it — this lessens the likelihood of your nails coming loose or falling off after wash day.
Apply cuticle oil: Emollient nail products are essential for any manicure, according to Boyce. “Without oils and creams, the natural nail becomes brittle and dry, preventing a long-lasting manicure,” she explains. Focus on the sides and base of your nails when you massage it on.
How We Tested and Selected the Best Press-On Nail Kits
Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections.
To choose the best press-on nail kits, we considered a multitude of factors, including the wear time, durability, feel, and ease of application and removal. We noted the faux nail size options, ensuring that each kit on our list is inclusive for the largest and smallest of nail beds. While testing the best press-on nails, we exposed the nails to water, soap, cuticle oil, body lotion, lots of clacking on a keyboard, folding laundry, opening packages, and so much more. The press-on nails that chipped, broke, or popped off were nixed from our list. We also interviewed a nail expert who has experience creating her own press-on nail brand, and used her expertise to inform our selections. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Expert
Brittney Boyce is the definition of a multi-hyphenate as a celebrity nail artist to Hollywood’s biggest stars, founder of cutting-edge nail brand, Nails of LA, content creator, and more. Boyce began her career as a nail extension specialist in high-end nail salons across LA. Rapidly establishing a reputation, Boyce became highly sought-after for editorial, fashion and beauty campaigns. Now, Boyce works with top celebrities including Megan Fox, Machine Gun Kelly, Kim Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian, Travis Barker, and Olivia Rodrigo. Her nail looks are viral sensations including the $30,000 diamond manicure on Machine Gun Kelly for the 2022 Billboard Music Awards, benefiting local Cleveland charities. Beyond her skills as a manicurist, Boyce has lent her talent to beauty brands to support marketing, product development, content and more. In 2020, Brittney launched NailsofLA – the ultramodern adhesive nail designs brand.
Julie Kandalec is a celebrity nail artist and educator. To Julie, nail care is far beyond just polish. Always the artist, she is also trained in painting, drawing, color, and dance. Known for her gentle touch, calm demeanor, and precise attention to detail, Julie’s specialties vary from a clean, natural nail to elaborate, custom-designed nails. Julie’s work can now be seen in major publications, beauty campaigns, and regularly on the fingertips of Kim Kardashian, Jessica Chastain, Emily Blunt, Rose Byrne, and many more.
Meet the Authors
Claire Sullivan is the Senior Beauty and Lifestyle Commerce Editor for WWD and Footwear News. She’s spent over five years researching, reporting on, and writing about the beauty industry for publications like Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and Byrdie. She became a press-on nail nut during the pandemic, testing dozens of sets from different brands. To compile the best press-on nail kits, she factored in durability, ease of application, wear time, and whether or not the sets damage your natural nails.
Olivia Cigliano is a Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD where she writes and edits shopping content across fashion, beauty, footwear, TikTok style trends, and more. Cigliano received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Emerson College, and her byline can be found in publications including Elite Daily and CR Fashion Book. She is currently based in New York City. At WWD, she regularly tests and reviews top-rated beauty products. She updated this shopping guide in May 2024 with new releases, expert insight, and additional editor-tested press-on nail reviews.
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