I need to get something off my chest: I f*ck with press-on nails, HEAVILY. I think they’re way better than any other manicure, and I’m one hundred percent prepared to die on this hill—in fact, I’ll be digging my grave with a fresh set. Because say what you want about fake nails, but they’ve never hurt me quite like a fake nail manicure has. After one particularly horrifying acrylic removal appointment left my nails mauled and brittle for weeks, I swore off faux nails from the salon and promptly fell in love with press-ons.
Not only are they cheaper, easier, and faster to apply, but my fake nails have so far tricked every damn friend into thinking they’re “real,” too. Don’t get me wrong, I still love visiting the salon for a *regular* mani, one I can remove myself at home without scraping, peeling, or soaking (seriously, who has the time?). But for a manicure that lasts without chipping or flaking or requiring the steady hand of an art major? Yeah, press-on nails all the way.
The best press-on nail sets depend on what style you’re going for (i.e., coffin, stiletto, short nails, long nails, etc.) and how well you want the fake nails to actually “stick” to your real nails. If you’re looking for a non-committal option and easy removal, a glue-less nail that comes with an adhesive back is a great option. However, I’d be remiss not to warn you that these kinds of press-on nails can easily fall off. So, if you don’t necessarily want to walk around with half a set of nails, I’d purchase the ones that require nail glue.
If you go the glue nail route, you should understand that the removal process can damage your nails, similar to the acrylics, dip, and gel you get at the salon. When it’s time to remove them, follow these steps to prevent as much damage as possible:
So, since we covered the basics, and I’ve become the unofficial expert on all things fake nails in 2021, let’s get to the fun part: Here are the 18 best press-on nails ranging from drugstore to expensive.
Yes, these press-on nails are the kind of nails you’d request at the salon and pay a ridic amount for. So, I get that when I tell you that they’re under nine bucks, you’re a little shocked. The set comes with 24 nails of varying sizes and double-sided adhesive tape. However, in this case, considering the length, I would opt for nail glue.
IDK about you, but I’m already planning my IG feed looking at these bbs. The rich burgundy color is perfect for the cold weather upon us, and the design is so chic. These nails come as a stick-on material that mimics the gel manicure you get at the salon. Just prep the nail with the included prep pad, stick ’em on, and file off the excess!
These glossy purple nails are perfect for those who want a pop of color but are not ready to commit to super long nails. Because they aren’t long, they can stick to your natural nail without glue using the included attached adhesive tabs. However, if you’re like me and don’t trust yourself, I’d personally throw on a small amount of nail glue as well.
If the sherbert orange retro design on this press-on nail is calling your name, then hi, hello, welcome to the club. For just under 10 bucks, you can purchase this at-home mani set that’s perfect for those who want a chic pop of color. The set comes with 24 varying-sized nails, 24 nail adhesive stickers (that you can easily swap for glue), a nail file, and a wooden cuticle stick.
You can’t get any more classic than a good ‘ol French mani. If you have a special event coming up and are in dire need of a mani on the low-low (or you just want cute nails), this is just the kit for you. The set includes 24 nails of varying sizes, nail glue, a nail file, a cuticle stick, and an alcohol prep pad.
Geometric and fun shapes are all the rage, if you haven’t caught on already. Chillhouse’s press-on nails are salon-grade quality that come with 24 nails, a dual-sided buffer and file, a cuticle stick, and a non-toxic and non-damaging nail glue. After having tested these personally, I can attest that they do last quite a while, and they are the *perfect* length—not too long, and not too short.
I was able to test these nails out personally. The packaging is unmatched: a gorge black jewelry box that comes with a file/buffer, an orange stick, a wipe, and adhesives. The set is easy to trim (I’m not into the whole talon look, but you do you) and fit seamlessly along my nail bed without wonky gaps or overhang (largely thanks to the sizing chart on the site). I opted for a ready-to-ship set, which can cost anywhere from $10 to $18, and was in love with the results. I was able to squeeze in a solid two weeks wearing them, with minimal repairs.
These Kiss press-ons were another nail set that I was able to try personally. I love a good drugstore option, and these are by far the best cheap option (the most expensive set costs only $12). They’re a bit thinner than Marmalade but not by much, and the package includes adhesives, nail glue, an orange stick, and a file. This Kiss set lasted one and a half weeks before needing repairs on a few renegade nails. Basically, these press-ons are a great affordable option that’ll trick people into thinking (1) you have your shit together and (2) you’re a fancy salon regular.
Though these press-on nails will cost ya $35, they are definitely worth the price. Not only are they completely handmade and one-of-a-kind featuring some of the most gorge designs, but they’re also made-to-order, which means that you can choose between short, medium, and long to suit your personal nail needs. The set comes with 20 nails, nail glue, a nail file, an alcohol wipe, and a cuticle pusher.
If you’re into a little retro ’80s design, these Zig Zag cuties are for you! These funky pink nails were designed by celebrity manicurist, Nita Howard for ManiMe nails. Each purchase gives 10 percent back to NBCF for breast cancer awareness. The kit includes 15 stick-on gels that you can file to fit your nail, one nail file, and one alcohol prep pad!
How. Freakin’. Cute. Are. These. Nails?! E.S. Zakka, the Etsy brand behind these little star bbs, has over 720 reviews earning them a perfect 5-star rating. So, basically, you gotta try ’em. The set comes with 24 press-on gel nails, a choice of nail adhesive or glue or both, a mini nail file, a cuticle wood stick, a prep cleanser pad, aaaand a custom gift box.
If you’re really ~pressed~ for time (lol), this drugstore option is my go-to. The set doesn’t require glue, so you could literally apply them in an Uber on the way to a friend’s, thanks to a dot of adhesive under each nail. Although they are super cute (and cheap), after my personal experience testing, they were also pretty flimsy without actual glue, so they didn’t last longer than one night. Buuut that also meant removal was easy because the nails pretty much popped off after running my hands under some water.
Two other Cosmo editors are obsessed with these press-on nails, and for good reason: They’re crazy-cheap and crazy-good—as long as you use glue. So, obviously, I had to give ’em a try. Even though, yes, you can press them on with adhesive alone, I’ve found they last one to two days, max, without glue. While these aren’t my absolute favorite nail in terms of durability, this accent ring fingernail is so damn eye-catching and trendy, and the natural shape will last longer than a Kylie Jenner talon. Also, they’re So! Damn! Affordable!
OK, these nails are pure ~art~. You know, since that whole Y2K moment is a total trend RN, these are obvs the press-on nails you need to have ATM. Not only are you able to choose the length, but you also can choose the exact shape you want, making these nails totally customizable.
With over one thousand 4.5 star reviews, these nails are some of the best-selling press-ons on Amazon. Although the design is made to be extra long, according to reviewers, you can customize them to the length you want with a nail file. These nails are also completely reusable if you care for them correctly.
You know PopSockets, the company that makes all those cute lil’ phone grips? Well, much to my ~pleasant~ surprise, they also make adorable press-on nails. The set comes with 30 nails in various sizes that are lined with a thin gel adhesive, a mani stick, two prep pads, and a mini nail file. Oh, and if you want, you could totally match your nails to a phone grip.
This incredible set of nails is made by Renee, the owner of Nailed by Ren on Etsy. Each set comes with 10 nails that can be used up for three weeks with the proper care. The press-on nails are handmade and totally gorgeous. Each set comes with nail glue, a nail buffer, a nail file, a cuticle pusher, a prep pad, and application instructions.
And last but not least, these pink beauties are made by Color Camp. The company is known for its incredibly gorgeous and unique press-on nail designs. This rainbow road design is high quality and completely reusable.