Hello friends! I know I’m not the only one who has struggled with their beauty routine during social distancing. In addition to my exploration of natural hair, I’ve had to figure out how the heck to do my nails! And thank goodness for press-on nails. At-home manicures were never going to happen for me. I truly don’t have the patience. Every time I attempt to paint my nails it looks like a preschooler’s art project. For an SNS or Dip Powder manicure with nail art here in Charlotte, I pay about $50-60. So, you can imagine my excitement to test out something new- especially since it could save me money! After a bit of research, I decided to try out three of the top press-on nail brands in 2020: Kiss, Impress, and The Nailest. Each set came with everything you’d need and multiple nail sizes. I’ll be sharing a few pros, cons, and my overall favorite press-on nails below!
I first learned about The Nailest from one of my favorite beauty bloggers, Jackie Aina! She has sworn by them for years and wears them religiously. I was SHOCKED when I found out they weren’t her real nails because I’ve never seen press ons look this good. You can choose from “Instant Glam” or “Dazzle” options (both ready to ship) OR Handmade Sets (custom sizing and designs). I decided to choose the Instant Glam option for my trial basis because I didn’t know my nail sizes. The package came with 24 nails, a cuticle pusher, buffer, nail file, adhesive tabs, glue, and an alcohol wipe. It was nice having absolutely everything I needed for my first time!
If you’re looking for press ons that look exactly like your natural nail but better, then THIS is your clear winner. They offer every nail shape you can think of and unique nail art options. They lasted about a week but I only used the nail glue and struggled with applying the first set by myself as a beginner. I’m confident they could last up to 2 weeks if applied correctly and thankfully, they’re reusable! I’d 100% order from them again. I’m excited to try out the handmade sets next time now that I know my nail sizes! You can use code ‘TOMI15’ for 15% off!
There are some GREAT pros for the Impress brand. First, they’re pretty easy to spot in any pharmacy or supermarket. The nails are typically shorter so they look quite natural, too! I’ve also just been informed that they have press on pedicures available?! I definitely haven’t tried those but… TBD. The kit comes with the cuticle pusher, prep pad, and glueless tabs. The adhesive tabs are very easy to apply- making it perfect for nail emergencies! If I was a wedding coordinator I would keep a few packs of these in my bags at all times.
Now, let’s get to a few areas of improvement. Impress boasts a large collection of designs online, but you’ll struggle to find any of the cuter ones in the store. Without glue, it certainly makes it safer on your natural nails compared to competitors. However, it’ll be a challenge to keep these on for anything past 24 hours. You can’t add glue to the tabs for extra strength because it will damage the nail. Unfortunately, they’re not reusable, either. They make up for it by supplying 28-30 nails in each set, but I somehow still struggled with finding the best sizes for each nail. If you’re looking for a quick fix, THIS is your brand. If not, I’d suggest looking elsewhere.
While Kiss and Impress are owned by the same company, they’re a bit different. For starters, Kiss provides you with adhesive tabs AND glue. Out of the 3 brands that I tried, this combination allowed 8 out of the 10 nails to last for over a week. My left-hand looks like I applied it yesterday. They provide you with the same items as Impress, 24 nails, and the glue. Kiss offers a few more nail shapes and designs but the real reason they stand out is because of their “Jelly Fantasy” products. In fact, I’d suggest not getting another press-on nail option by Kiss unless they’re a gel style. They tend to look less like plastic and mimic your typical manicure! Again, I wouldn’t suggest wearing these nails more than once. And they also don’t provide the perfect fit. However, I think THIS brand wins for best all around. An amazing price point, convenient to purchase, and long-lasting nails without the hassle.
File or cut your nails to match the nail shape of your artificial nails. Next, push back the cuticle with the tool provided (you can also gently use nail clippers). Wipe down the surface of each nail with an alcohol swab or nail polish remover to sanitize it before applying your press-ons. NEVER apply the glue to your natural nail. Instead, place a small dot on the press on and apply quickly to your own. Hold each nail for 30 seconds and go back and hold again after you’ve finished each hand. I also suggest applying your fingers first and finishing with your thumbs!
How do you remove fake nails at home? Take a cotton swab with acetone and dab it on the sides of your press on. GENTLY lift the sides of the nail and continue dabbing the cotton swab until they slowly come off. If they’re particularly stubborn, soak them in acetone for 30-60 seconds and they should come right off, too!
Just like Dip or SNS polish, I would suggest this for people who struggle with nail-biting. It’s not only difficult to accomplish but about 10x more painful if you’re successful. For those of you who opt for nail polish at home, even fewer are able to recreate the nail designs by Pinterest professionals. With the press on option, it allows you to be a bit more creative with your nails! Once you master the application, it shouldn’t take you more than 15-20 minutes. Compare that to the time spent sitting in a salon, waiting for nails to dry, and wondering when the last time they cleaned their tool kit? No contest.
One big thing for me has been hygiene. It depends on the brand you choose (more later) but if the nail doesn’t exactly fit your own, there can be a gap. The gap can store food, dirt, makeup, etc. and make it very difficult to clean without removing the whole nail and reapplying. It’s even worse when you’re using the adhesive tabs because they’re so sticky! I’ve also never realized how much I try and open packages with my nails. LOL. I was constantly concerned they would pop up or become damaged- something that I never worried about with my natural nails.
At the end of the day, I could see myself working press on nails into my beauty routine. The pros outweigh the cons for me and I like being able to switch up my look for a fraction of the cost!
Have you tried press-on nails before? I’d love to know about your experience and your favorite brands!
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These are all so cute!! Press on nails have been my saving grace during this quarantine haha! Xx.
LOL. Same girl!
Thank you so much for the detailed review – I have been wanting to try some press on nails!
I’m so glad it was helpful! I tried to be as thorough as possible :)
I have never tried press on nails. i have to try these out.
❥ tanvii.com
I hadn’t tried them since I was younger and they def look cuter now!
I so needed this post. I made an appt at my salon though heard my state may be pushing back out reopening date. So press ons it may be!
Yes! Salons are such high traffic areas anyway that I’m not sure when I’ll be back unfortunately.
I tried Impress nails recently and I was really impressed! I’ve never done gel or acrylics so this was completely new to me. The pair I picked up looked pretty good an I got them to last about 5 days before I got annoyed with them!
That’s great!! I think Impress would definitely last me longer if I wasn’t doing all the handiwork around my place haha
Those are all so cute! I can’t even pick a favorite! So hard to believe they’re press on – love them!
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
Thank you, chica!
It has been literal YEARS … like maybe 10? since I used press-on nails. I constantly bought Kiss nails in high school for my ballroom dance balls and other events, but who knew they’d leveled up so much since then? I’ve been doing at-home gel manis for about 3 years now, but I’m tempted to give press-ons a try again just to see what I think! Love that you wrote up such detailed reviews on each brand!
hahah SAME. Now is the time, friend!!
These photos of you – I AM OBSESSED! So freaking cute!!!
xo Laura Leigh
https://louellareese.com
Aw, thank you!
I’ve been wearing Impress Nails since October and LOVE them! Have only been to a salon once since (and that’s because I had a gift card!). They do take a little while to get used to, but after 2-3 applications they started lasting 8-10 days on me! Occasionally I do lose one nail early, but so easy to re-apply with glue. For me getting that many days of wear for the $7 price makes them unbeatable! :) I’d give Impress a few more tries! I have an IGTV tutorial on my Instagram showing how I apply them if that helps!
xoxo A
http://www.southernbelleintraining.com
They’re a great everyday nail option for sure! I just wish they had some cuter options available.
I’m the absolute worst with nails and not sure if I can be trusted to wear press ons, lol. All of these look cute though so it’s nice to know they can be worthwhile in a pinch! xoxo, Sarah
HA- sounds like me! They’ve definitely come a long way
First of all yes, to the accent nails! You can never go wrong with a good accent nail in my humble opinion lol. But thank you for this timely piece, I’ve gotta try cause my nails have been a mess this entire quarantine.
http://www.festivelyfaith.com/
Yes, girl! Mine were lookin CRAY!
These nails are so fun! I’m awful at painting my nails so I need to give them a try!
Awesome review of all the types. I’ll probably try the one that lasts the longest. I’m excited about saving money!
Great job! Thank you.
Happy to help! :)
Ok I’ve got to try these!! This girl has NO CLUE how to paint her nails so these were made for me!
sameeee!