I’m not too proud to admit that I take every opportunity possible to save a few bucks on my nail routine. A $35 manicure every week adds up—quickly. Whether you’re opting for a simple summer nail polish or more elaborate gel-X extensions or builder gel, they’ll usually set you back a couple hundred a month, and I'm personally not trying to shell out that kind of cash. That's where the best press-on nail sets enter the chat.
Press-ons provide the perfect solution—they’re cute, pretty easy to apply, and with the right application technique, last almost as long as an in-salon manicure. (It took me a while to warm up to press-ons because I could never seem to get the application process right, but now, as a beauty editor with access to the professionals, I’m happy to report that I have it down to a science.)
First, when choosing a set of press-ons, Los Angeles-based celebrity nail artist Brittney Boyce says there are a few things to keep in mind. “Quality is key when choosing a press-on nail set,” she tells Marie Claire. “Look for press-ons that aren't flimsy and have a well-defined shape. With nail art, it's usually easy to tell the quality just by looking at the design.”
In other words, don’t opt for the cheapest or thinnest-looking set. The absolute best press-on nails don’t skimp on quality and still manage to stay under the $20 mark. If you’re ready to try out a new color or intricate art (may I suggest fruit nails or neutral nude), I’ve put together a complete guide to press-on nails below.
To create this guide, I’ve asked my fellow beauty editors for their all-time favorite press-on sets, consulted two celebrity nail artists, and test-drove the best ones myself to give you the full picture. You’ll also want to check out the FAQ at the end, which answers all of the most common questions regarding press-ons, including the best application method and how to remove them.
The Best Press-On Nails
- Best Overall Press-On Nails: Glamnetic Hailey Short Almond Press-On Nails
- Best Budget Press-On Nails: Ardell Nude French Press-On Nails
- Best Press-On Nail Designs: Chillhouse Catch the Crown Press-On Nails
- Best Press-On Nail for Beginners: Lost Angels Press-On Nails in You Wish
The consensus amongst beauty editors is that Glamnetic offers some of the best press-on nails. In addition to receiving glowing reviews from editors, my aesthetician recommended this particular set to me and said it’s one of the best pop-on manicure sets she has ever tried. This set earns the top spot in my edit because it’s super affordable, features a gorgeous design, and each of the nails is the perfect length—not too short and not too long.
What’s Included: Nail file; Cuticle stick; Alcohol prep pad; An assortment of 30 nail sizes; Nail glue
How Long They Last: Up to 2 weeks of wear time
What I Love: Affordable; Cute design; Perfect length
What I Don’t: A few nails popped off after a few days
Review for MC: "This Glamnetic set is a favorite due to its trendy design (inspired by one of Hailey Bieber’s infamous manicures) and the nails are the perfect length. This set normally retails for $20 but is currently on sale for $17, so it’s a total steal, in my opinion. The nails are easy to apply and are durable, so they don’t bend or break easily. The glue that comes with these nails is also really forgiving, so if you don’t quite align the nails properly the first time, they’re easy to adjust before the glue dries. The only con that I had with these nails is that a few popped off after a couple of days, and I had to reapply." — Shawna Hudson, Contributing Beauty Writer
Beauty editor Shawna Hudson tries Glamnetic Hailey Short Almond Press-On Nails
Like I mentioned above, it is possible to find budget-friendly press-on nails that are still high quality. This set from Ardell proves it. At just $8, these press-on nails are some of the most affordable on this list and feature an elevated nude French manicure design. They are a bit longer in length, so keep that in mind if you don’t like your nails too long.
What’s Included: An assortment of 24 nail sizes; Nail glue; Nail file; Cuticle stick
How Long They Last: Up to 2 weeks
What I Love: Affordable; Minimalist design; Long length; Easy to apply
What I Don't: The Length is slightly too long
Review for MC: "I absolutely loved this set from Ardell. It has a classy, minimal design and it's great for beginners. I followed Boyce's tips on how to best apply press-on nails (listed down below in the FAQ of this article), and these lasted about a week and a half before they started to lift. The only con I had with this set is that the length was just slightly too long for me. They truly are gorgeous, but if my nails are a bit too dramatic in the length department, it makes it difficult to perform daily tasks." — Shawna Hudson, Contributing Beauty Writer
Beauty editor Shawna Hudson tries Ardell French Nude Press-On Nails
For those who like to take more of a maximalist approach to press-on manicures, Chillhouse offers the best designs. With this Catch the Crown design, you’ll trick everyone into thinking you got a professional manicure. Not only does the negative space look super elevated, but the elongated almond shape of the nails also looks exactly like Gel-X extensions you’d get at the salon.
What’s Included: An assortment of 24 nail sizes; Nail glue; Nail file; Cuticle stick
How Long They Last: Up to two weeks
What I Love: Professional-looking design; Nail durability; Easy to apply; Reusable
What I Don't: They feel heavier on the nails than other options
Review for MC: "This set really impressed me. The nails are extremely thick and durable so they never chipped or broke easily like some sets I’ve tried in the past. They were also really easy to apply and adhered quickly. The only not-so-great thing I noticed about this press-on set is that the nails felt a bit heavier than other options on this list." — Shawna Hudson, Contributing Beauty Writer
Beauty editor Shawna Hudson tries Chillhouse Press-On Nails in Catch the Crown
Designed by Boyce (who happens to be Megan Fox’s personal manicurist), these press-ons are extremely high quality, and the design gets a solid A+ from me. They’re the perfect medium-length almond shape, featuring a first-of-its-kind gel top coat that won’t chip or fade.
What’s Included: An assortment of 30 nail sizes; Nail file and buffer duo; Cuticle stick; Alcohol prep pad; Adhesive tabs; Nail glue
How Long They Last: Up to 2 weeks
What I Love: Nail sizes are labeled so it’s easy to match up your sizes; Unique design; Perfect medium length; Easy to apply
What I Don’t: Numbers on the nails are hard to see
Review for MC: “Because a professional nail artist designed these, I knew these were going to be up there in quality. I love that these nails come with both glue and adhesives, so I can pick which option I’d like to go with. These press-ons fit my own nails so comfortably and looked natural. I decided to go with the adhesive tabs when trying these because I’d never tried them before and ended up loving them. Glue can be messy and not look great if you accidentally get it all over your nails (guilty). I was pretty impressed with how long they lasted with just adhesives—around a week for me.” — Shawna Hudson, Contributing Beauty Writer
I’ve always loved Static Nail press-on sets because, with the right application technique, they can last up to 18 days. This medium-length, round-shaped French manicure set is so elegant, classic, and perfect for events. While the nails are pretty durable overall, you’ll definitely want to be careful. I did notice that one or two of them bent after one wear.
What’s Included: An assortment of 24 nail sizes; Nail file; Nail glue
How Long They Last: Up to 18 days
What I Love: Reusable; Elegant and classic design; Reshapable
What I Don’t: A couple of nails bent after one wear
Review for MC: “I tried this press-on nail kit from Static before an event once and was so impressed by it. It features a classic French design and the length was just right for me. I only kept them on for a few days after the event, but they were really easy to remove and were perfect for what I needed at the time. A couple of the nails did bend after one use, but I’d still say the nails were pretty durable overall.” — Shawna Hudson, Contributing Beauty Writer
Sometimes, you just want a pop-on manicure that doesn’t look like a pop-on manicure, you know? This instant mani set from Olive & June contains nails that look so real. They're also so lightweight, you won’t even know you’re wearing them. The only thing to keep in mind here is that the glue dries a bit faster than other sets so you’ll have to work quickly.
What’s Included: An assortment of 42 nail sizes, nail file, cuticle stick, alcohol prep pad
How Long They Last: Up to 2 weeks
What I Love: Made of 94% post-consumer recycled materials, lightweight, milky gradient design
What I Don't: Glue dries a little too fast
Customer Review: "I don’t usually get medium length nails, but they worked so well they’ve stayed for two weeks. I love them so much." — Target
This Chillhouse set offers a cute twist on a classic. If you’re looking for a way to elevate your average French manicure, this is the perfect way without paying a small fortune extra for nail art at the salon. Chillhouse sets (including the blue and white option above!) are really durable, have a lot of fun design options, and are beloved by editors.
What’s Included: An assortment of 24 nail sizes; Cuticle stick; Nail buffer and file
How Long They Last: Up to two weeks
What I Love: Reusable; Fun twist on a classic design; Easy to apply
What I Don't: Nails feel heavier than other options
Review for MC: “These press-ons look the most realistic, in my opinion. The last time I wore them, someone even asked me if I got Gel-X. That’s when you know you have a good set! The sizes are versatile, the patterns are elevated, and the wear-time is quite impressive. If I’m careful (read: using a proper pair of scissors instead of ripping open my packages like a cavewoman), I can get two full weeks out of them.” — Jamie Schneider, Senior Beauty Editor, Who What Wear
Classic red nails always look good, and this short-to-medium almond-length set from Glamnetic is so vibrant. The size and shape of the nails also make it look the most natural. People will just think you got a good gel manicure on your regular nails—it’s a win-win.
What’s Included: An assortment of 30 nail sizes; Nail glue; Double-sided nail file; Cuticle stick; Alcohol pad
How Long They Last: Up to seven days
What I Love: Vibrant red shade; Affordable; Look like your natural nails
What I Don't: They only last about seven days
Review for MC: "The Glamnetic nails are the only press-on nails I trust to last me for a full week. I usually go for this bright red shade, which is the perfect short-but-still-long-enough almond length, and I always get compliments. Honestly, people think they’re my real nails! I think there’s magic in the glue, it’s seriously like Gorilla Glue yet easy enough to remove when it’s time." — Siena Gagliano, Contributing Beauty Writer
Paintbox gets my stamp of approval for the “Best Variety” category. For starters, much like Lost Angeles, the brand’s press-on sets feature both glue and adhesive tabs so you can decide which ones you’d like to use. Second, the brand has various designs ranging from 3D accents to unique 2D ones and simple (but stunning) colorways.
What's Included: Adhesive gel tabs; Nail glue; Alcohol prep pad; An assortment of 32 nail sizes; Nail file and buffer duo; Cuticle stick
How Long They Last: Up to 2 weeks
What I Love: Made of recycled plastic; Easy to remove; Brand has a variety of designs and colors
What I Don’t: More expensive than other options
Customer Review: “Super easy and fast to apply even during a flight! Love the design and got so many compliments!!”
What Are Press-On Nails?
Boyce explains that press-on nails are pre-made nail covers (with or without a nail extension) that can be applied onto your natural nail for salon-quality nails in minutes—and last two weeks or longer. Celebrity nail artist Elle Gerstein notes that, "tabs are easy to apply but don't have incredible staying power, whereas glue can last anywhere from seven to 10 days."
How to Use Press-On Nails
Both Gerstein and Boyce say the main thing you’ll want to make sure of before applying press-ons is that your nails are squeaky clean and dry. Boyce recommends washing your hands, pushing back your cuticles, gently buffing the nails, and wiping them with a cleansing alcohol pad first. This will ensure that your press-on nails adhere properly and last as long as possible.
Next, you’ll want to select the best size for each of your nails and set them in a pattern so you know which press-on matches each nail. If you’re like me and your nails are different sizes on each hand, you’ll definitely want to size each nail individually and not just use the same sizes you picked for the opposite hand. Then, it's time to apply your nails.
- For Glue Application
If you’re using glue, Boyce says to apply a dot of glue on both the press-on and your natural nail, then align the press-on with your cuticle. Push down at a 45-degree angle for 45 seconds. Some glue takes a lot longer to fully dry and you may have to press firmly on the nail for more than a minute. Let your nails then dry fully and avoid getting water, oil, or lotion on them for a few hours.
- For Adhesive Application
If you’re using adhesive tabs, you’ll go through the same prep process, but this time, you’ll select the best press-on nail and find the matching adhesive tab size. You’ll want to apply the adhesive side of the tab on the natural nail and then peel off the film from the tab. Then, you’ll align the press-on extension with the cuticle and push down firmly at a 45-degree angle. Rub the center and then the sides of the extension to fully secure the adhesive.
How Long Do Press-On Nails Last?
How long your press-on nails last will definitely depend on proper prep and application, but if you do it correctly, they can last just as long as an in-salon manicure. According to Gerstein, press-ons with adhesive nail tabs don’t last as long as options with nail glue, usually only lasting anywhere from three to five days. Boyce says that when using nail glue, your press-ons can last 14 plus days if you prep your nails properly using the above tips.
How to Remove Press-On Nails
To remove adhesive tab press-ons, Gerstein says rubbing alcohol is required. “The alcohol will quickly release the adhesive for an easy cleanup,” she explains. “Glue requires cutting the tip all the way down and then soaking in pure acetone nail remover for 25 minutes. Patience is required—about 30 minutes.”
Boyce also has her own helpful method. “Once extensions start to lift, soak them in warm, soapy water for five minutes. Gently rock the extension side to side until it completely detaches," she says. Do not force extensions off nails. Boyce also mentions that cuticle oil works well for removing adhesive tabs. Rub some around the edges of the press-ons and wait 60 seconds.
Why Trust Marie Claire
For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.
How I Tested
For this story, I sourced editor favorites, drawing on past and present experiences with different press-on nail sets, and tested over 15 sets to ascertain our top picks. We also dove into customer reviews and selected the most highly rated options on the market. We also evaluated each option for ease of application, durability, and how long each pair lasted without chipping or popping off.
Meet the Experts
Brittney Boyce is a Los Angeles-based nail artist and founder of press-on nail brand Lost Angels. She brings over 10 years of experience in the nail industry to this article and has created many iconic celebrity nail looks for award shows and photoshoots. Her celebrity clients include Megan Fox, Charli D’Amelio, Kim Kardashian, and BLACKPINK’s Rosé.
A natural born nail artist, Elle Gerstein opened her own business at age 17, with over 80 clients per week. Now one of the industry's top artists, she is world renowned for her cutting-edge nail shaping, and her understanding of color, texture and trends. For Elle, nail styling means creating the ultimate glamour. Her celebrity clientele includes Lindsay Lohan, Angelina Jolie, Blake Lively, and Kelly Ripa.
