Though I can’t take credit for starting the fad of press-on nails, a story I published in January 2023 did serve as a stark reminder that these products exist and are better than ever.
Since then, I’ve noticed that everyone has gone back to using press-on nails. Don’t try to pin this on me. Just performing my duty, that’s all. Yet, I am not exaggerating when I claim to be aware of the top press-on nail brands.
For nearly fifteen years, I have been a dedicated press-on nail wearer. The whole thing started when I rushed around trying to find a pair to wear to Warped Tour. These days, I have more containers of press-on nails and nail glue than actual nail polish in my nail polish drawer. God bless the women who do their own nail art and use at-home gel kits, because I will never be one of them. In a pinch, I can do a quick polish (with the help of brands like ORLY, Essie, and JINSoon), but I lack the time and temperament for anything more involved. My fingers don’t paint, but they do create works of art through the written word. My new standard response to compliments on my nails is to reveal that they are fake.
It really shouldn’t come as much of a surprise to anyone at this point in time that press-on nails are beginning to compete with traditional manicures. As a direct result of this, I simply couldn’t resist the need to share some of the very best press-ons that have come into my possession over the course of the past few years… Visit the Maby blog to discover the most trending nail art today.
Static nails
Here’s the one thing I don’t like about Static Nails: not all of them are available. If you need your nails done quickly and mindlessly (no stress, no hassle) I highly recommend Static Nails. Its transparent package makes it easy to see that you’re getting a standard gel manicure-style nail. They may have been popular before Hailey Bieber made the glazed donut manicure popular, but that doesn’t make them uninteresting or out of style. They’re the perfect length and inexpensive, but they’re too difficult to pick up for my liking.
KISS nails
ISS seems to be succeeding at whatever it is they’re up to over there. Whether it’s the Fantasy series, the Naked but Better series, or the limited edition collaborations, these have always been my favorites. They initially won my love in high school, when I was giving myself French manicures in front of my drama class to the… is bemusement the right word? That’s the term I’m going to use.
KISS nails (not Impress press-ons; I refer to the ones that must be applied with glue) are strong, long-lasting, and reasonably priced. It’s a safe bet that you can find a set of KISS nails in any American pharmacy. When I visit my parents in the suburbs, I find KISS nail sets in CVS and Target that I had previously only seen in fantasies. For this reason, they will always hold a special place in my heart. Amen. In addition, please refer to: Romantic Nail Art Patterns We Love For Spring.
Glamnetic
When it comes to press-on nail designs, I think Glamnetic has the market locked down. These are adorable, simple to use, and the company clearly cares about what consumers want in nail polish. It’s the first time I’ve used them (only in the case of one popping off and having to reapply very quickly). Because of the numerous compliments I’ve received, though, I’ve decided to keep them as a backup option.
Disadvantages come from inconsistent sizing, though. The world might feel like a graveyard of Nails That Were Too Long For This World when you have tiny nail beds like mine. Nail length is fixed by design, so unless you’re a master with nail clippers, you’ll have to accept it. Actually, I’m not. Overall, though, they’re fantastic for the risk-taker who doesn’t want to deal with a lot of upkeep.
Chillhouse chill tips
There must be a collection of press-ons designed specifically for Chillhouse. My coworker Carly Danner and I wore the Chill Tips while hosting this summer’s Refinery29 YouTube Live Shopping, so you could say we were big fans of this nail salon before it became trendy. These nails are as sturdy as they claim to be, lasting for up to two weeks on me. They must have put some sort of mystical ingredient in the nail glue. But, there is always that one errant nail on me. It’s the way the cookie crumbles. Again, I have to give it a bad review because the patterns call for complete dedication and offer very little leeway in terms of length or trimming. However, if you’re new to the world of press-on nails, I highly recommend starting with Chillhouse.
Marmalade nails
Designs, durability, and a wide range of options are what make these nails so appealing to me. The company has a remarkable knack for “nailing” (pardon the pun) fashion trends including velvet nails, glass nails, and chrome nails. My newfound ability to cook bread and these nails are the two best things to come out of my time in lockdown.
Nails of LA
My supervisor doesn’t have any sway over me, as she is already involved in a cooperation with Nails of LA. I am so in love with these press-on nails that I bought several sets as holiday presents for my loved ones. The only reason they aren’t part of the complete collection is because I’d want to see more iterations of them.
Trés she
Trés She is ideal for the woman who sets the fashion trends; she is a full-length coffin. Although I really doubt it will ever be me, I do appreciate the flexibility in its styles to accommodate my desired look. Yet these are more of a luxury in the world of press-on nails, so weigh the cost against your time and effort invested. But my god, they’re stunning.
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