Press-On Nail Kits That'll Trick Everyone Into Thinking You Just Left the Salon

You'll achieve the look of a professional-grade mani in minutes.

Don't underestimate the power of press-on nails—I'm here to make you a believer and to make your life way, way easier. Press-on nails have a reputation for being flimsy, child-like, and unreliable. But I promise, there are press-on nails out there that don't fly off your nails in five seconds and actually look cool. Like, you just left Paintbox cool. In the current climate, going to the nail salon is not an option for many of us right now. We're all for practicing being your own professional manicurist if that floats your boat, but if you'd rather spend your time at home doing other things, then opt for a five-minute nail fix instead.

So why are press-on nails such a hit right now? "Press ons are popular due to availability of the quality of the nail tips, variety of nail shapes and lengths, also the added trending shades, effects and designs," says OPI North America Education Manager, Galdina Jimenez." Also the ease of use of allows for an instant manicure at home when you can’t get into the salon."

Jimenez is right—press-on nails take less than five minutes to apply using the adhesives that come in each kit, and can last up to a week. Five minutes for five days? Are you sold yet? Some can even last several weeks, depending on if they're reusable or not (we have options below that are). They're also light years healthier for your nails, especially if you're in a rehab stage because you're coming off of back-to-back acrylics or gel manicures, which can wreak havoc on your real nails. And they're dirt cheap—all of the options below are under $16 (!). 

Can't decide what shape and length works best for you? Here's a tip: "Shape preference depends on occasion and time length you plan to wear you press ons," says Jimenez. "If you just want them for a day or night you may be able to get away with an edgy long length. If you plan to wear them for about a week then keep in mind you lifestyle where a shorter length may be a safer fit if you go to the gym, type on a computer, or use your hands for work. You can always adjust the shape to best fit your needs."

Maya Allen
Former Beauty Editor

Maya Allen is the former Digital Beauty Editor at MarieClaire.com where she covered makeup, skincare, haircare, wellness, you name it! She has a 15-step skincare routine, owns over 200 red lipsticks, and enjoys testing the latest and greatest in beauty. On most weekends, you can find her at her happy place, which is her makeup vanity. There, she’s usually blasting her speakers while singing along to lyrics at the top of her lungs, and making sure her highlighter is on point.