Get a Flawless Mani At Home With These 6 Press-On Nail Sets That Lasted for Weeks (2024)

Included Nails: 24 | Included Tools: Glue, file/buffer | Waterproof: Yes | Reusable: Yes

According to our tester, Vita, the Pop-On Manicure from Static Nails is generally easy to apply, though the glue was almost too sticky, sometimes adhering to the top of the nail prematurely. With 24 nails and 12 different sizes included, she was able to find the perfect size for each finger. The set also comes with a dual-sided file/buffer tool and glue that promises not to damage your nail beds.

Each nail was set in place after applying the adhesive and pressing down firmly for 30 seconds. Thanks to the chic almond shape, the final look appears natural and sophisticated. (You can also get sets with rounded and square tips.) Even better: These waterproof press-on nails held up surprisingly well through washing dishes and folding laundry. Vita shared that only one nail had fallen off 10 days later—if this happens to you, you can just glue it back on.

Included Nails: 30 | Included Tools: Prep pad, file, cuticle stick | Waterproof: Yes | Reusable: No

On a budget? Dashing Diva is a solid choice. The brand's MagicPress nails earned perfect scores on all our tests. Tester Jessica said they were super easy to apply, and after cleaning your nail beds with the included prep pad, all you do is peel off the clear film from each nail to reveal the adhesive, then press down firmly.

The glueless design means they aren't reusable. But considering the affordable price and fuss-free process, we still highly recommend them. A set comes with 30 nails in different sizes to fit any hand—plus, the brand ensures they’ll last up to seven days. “The adhesive is strong, and it doesn't feel like these will fall off my nail beds,” says Jessica.

Included Nails: 24 | Included Tools: Glue, buffer/file, cuticle stick | Waterproof: No | Reusable: Yes

If you're a fan of nail art, you'll appreciate the designs from PaintLab. These press-on nails feature everything from cute animal prints and retro color blocks to fruits, flames, and cowboy boots.

Tester Joshua said that they were very easy to apply, though once most of the nails were on, the length made attaching the rest a bit challenging. Still, they fuse well to the nail beds and look professional and seamless. While these press-ons aren't billed as waterproof, they held strong during a basic hand wash.

Included Nails: 24 | Included Tools: Glue, buffer/file, cuticle stick | Waterproof: Yes | Reusable: Yes

Looking for a set you can use again and again? Chillhouse press-ons are your best bet. Though tester Maia noted it was hard to avoid getting glue everywhere, she found these press-on nails fairly easy to apply. "I was actually quite surprised by how good they did look. The only thing I didn't love was that you could see the glue a little through the nail,” says Maia.

Chill Tips are durable—almost too durable—and can withstand up to three weeks of wear. No press-ons loosened upon getting wet, and Maia found them somewhat tricky to remove, requiring some patience.

Included Nails: 24 | Included Tools: Prep pad, glue, buffer, file, cuticle stick, stickers, and a reusable box | Waterproof: No | Reusable: Yes

Très She Instant Acrylics can be glued down or simply stuck on using the included adhesive stickers. Though the stickers will save you time in a pinch, tester Rachel found the gluing process was easy and stress-free, drying quickly with minimal mess. (The instructions say you can use both together to maximize longevity.)

The individual nails are relatively long, but they're easily filed down with the included file. Rachel loved the translucent jelly aesthetic—it mimics the effect of a professional manicure. She also liked the thick, durable design, though this makes the press-ons hard to remove and can leave the nails looking and feeling a bit brittle.

Included Nails: 42 | Included Tools: Nail clipper, file, buffer, cuticle pusher, cuticle serum, nail strengthener, removal kit, carry pouch | Waterproof: Yes | Reusable: Yes

Olive & June's Press-On System was also a hit in The Lab. This kit comes with 42 nails, a clipper, a file, a buffer, a cuticle pusher, a cuticle serum and strengthener, and a removal kit, all within a carrying pouch. Our tester, Ruby, noted that the glue is pretty messy, making it nearly impossible not to get it on your skin during application. Still, the nails attach without much fuss, and if one falls off, you can just reapply the glue and try again.

The overall design of these press-on nails is impressive, and we appreciate that they're made of 94% recycled materials. While they don't exactly look natural, that's not always the point with nails. They are flattering, fun, and last as long as you want.

FAQ

• How do you apply press-on nails?

  It's always best to read the instructions that come with the specific nails you're using, but here is some general advice: Start with clean, polish-free nail beds, then remove any oily residues with rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover. Once you have the proper sizes picked out for each finger, coat one nail bed at a time with glue. Then align the fake nail and press it down firmly, holding for about 20 seconds. (For peel-and-stick nails, just peel off the backing, then press it on.) Repeat on each remaining nail.
  

• How long do press-on nails last?

  Depending on the adhesive, press-on nails last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Waterproof glue-down nails tend to hold up slightly longer than peel-and-stick nails. And if any of the nails fall off, you can just reattach them with another coat of glue.