L

et’s be real: you can’t beat the quality of a professional manicure. Sitting down for a yap sesh with your technician while you get pampered and they bring your vision to life is amazing, and it can be a much needed break from the rest of your busy life. But there are some downsides.

Taking a trip to the nail salon every 2-3 weeks means spending lots of time and money (regular manis can cost hundreds of dollars a year)... two resources most of us just don’t have enough of. So what to do?

Enter press-on nails: the ultimate hack for looking fabulous without spending hours (or $$$) at the salon. The nail girlies amongst our writing team have tested countless sets, scrolled through thousands of reviews, and compiled the ultimate guide to the best press-on nails Amazon has to offer.

Here are a few of my favorites, plus other info a thrifty nail-lover should know, including:

  • Benefits of choosing press-on nails vs. acrylics or pro manis
  • The absolute best press-on nail sets on Amazon
  • How to make a press-on manicure last as long as a salon one
  • A final breakdown of how much money you can save by switching to stick on nails

Let’s go girls 🎶

The Case for Press-On Nails

Okay, maybe this is a hot take. If you’ve been struggling to get your press-ons to stay, well, on, don’t worry. We’ll talk strategies in a sec.

But before we dive into the recommendations, let's talk about why press-on nails are a great option for anyone who wants great-looking nails without hitting the salon. Benefits of using press-ons include:

  • Affordable alternative to salon manicures
  • Quick application (we're talking like 15 minutes here)
  • No special skills required
  • Great for special occasions or everyday wear
  • Zero drying time
  • Easy to change up your look

The Top Press-On Nail Sets on Amazon

Many of the press-on nails we’re covering on this list can be found at your local beauty supply store, whether that’s ULTA or Walmart. That being said, shopping for nails online puts the greatest range of styles and designs at your fingertips… all with 2-day shipping to land them at your doorstep in no-time flat.

But without further ado, here are a few of the brands and sets we’ve been loving lately.

1. imPRESS Nails

Price: $8-$12

Okay, I will admit that these are the nails that made me a believer in press-ons, full stop. Before I found imPRESS, I had all the usual issues with press-ons – nails falling off, weak glue, chipping, and even breaking (and I’m an office worker, so I don’t think I really put them through the wringer!)... so believe me when I tell you these nails are a game changer.

And I’m not the only one. Every single one of my friends I’ve gifted a set to has had the same experience.

imPRESS nails are available in a variety of on-trend colors and designs, and if you follow the application steps, they will seriously stay put for weeks. Typically, I don’t have to touch up the glue on a nail for at least 10 days when I use these. Seriously. They’re amazing.

AND the award-winning nails are cruelty free and vegan 🐇♥️

imPress Press-On Nails in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles

💅 Snag a couple cute sets for less than the price of one professional manicure, like:

2. Kiss Salon Color Press-On Nails

Price: $7-$10

I feel like KISS is everyone’s first set of press-ons… I mean look at them. They’re available everywhere from CVS and Walmart to Target and ULTA, and they have several different lines that cater to different styles.

Bare But Better = understated nudes perfect for a clean look

Voguish Fantasy = trendy options that usually have a little bling

Salon Acrylic = extra sturdy nails in salon-approved styles

And more.

In fact, imPRESS is actually owned by Kiss Beauty. The OG Kiss Nails have been around since the early 1990s.

By comparison, the imPRESS line has only been around since 2012, and they released the “new and improved” glue technology that sets them apart from other Kiss products in 2021. So while Kiss nails don’t have the indestructible staying power of Kiss’s newer line, they do have an insanely wide selection of looks to choose from built up over 40+ years.

And if you’re keeping tabs… only some of Kiss’s products are cruelty-free. Others are not.

Fake nail sets from different lines by Kiss Beauty

💅 Here are a few Kiss press-ons that show off the brand’s range of stylest:

3. Glamnetic

Price: $15-$22

The worst thing about using press-on nails is that it’s hard to replicate the creativity of a real live professional nail artist. You might have lots of colors and textures to choose from, but if you’re looking for more bespoke nail designs, your options are pretty limited. Unless of course you shift your attention over to the cruelty-free nail brand Glamnetic.

Glamnetic has all of the staples – solid color, holographic, french tips. But their collabs and seasonal offerings really set them apart from the pack. Just one example: when their Beetlejuice Beetlejuice line dropped ahead of the movie’s release in late 2024, the whole stock sold out in mere hours. Yours truly was unfortunately not one of the lucky ones who scored the double sided nail design – but I totally get why everyone was obsessed.

Glamnetic is a premium brand, so the prices are a little higher here. But they still aren’t bad when you consider the press-ons are reusable!

Glamnetic Nail Sets

💅 Here are a few of Glamnetic’s hottest designs that you can still get your hands on:

4. Chillhouse

Price: $15-$17

Okay, these ones don’t have the name recognition of some of the other brands on our list, but they are funnnnnnn!

The Chillhouse brand is all about “supporting a chiller world” by helping you bring the spa experience home for some much needed self-care. We love that for you. Plus, how could you not get an instant mood boost every time you look down at these bright, happy designs?

The NYC-based brand even donates 1% of each purchase to mental health initiatives :) Animals are also near and dear to their hearts, so their products are proudly cruelty-free.

If you can’t make it to their flagship store in SoHo, you can find these nails in Target stores or have them delivered to your doorstep with Amazon.

Chill Tips press-on nails in vibrant colors and fun designs by SoHo based boutique Chillhouse

💅 Treat yourself to a a very chill pick-me-up with Chillhouse sets like these:

5. BTArtbox

Price: $14-$30

BTArtbox is a creative nail brand that’s striving to become the next generation of nail art. That includes their patented XCOATTIPS system which swaps standard plastic-like nail tips for ones that feel more natural. Perfect for beginners or pros, the system will have you ready to rock salon-quality styles in under 30 minutes from base-coat to done.

Other things we love about them? Their products are vegan, cruelty-free, and non-toxic.

sets of cruelty free press on nails available from BTArtbox

💅 These BTArtbox nails are currently sitting in my shopping cart:

How to Make Your Press-On Nails Last Longer

Take it from someone who’s tried everything: when it comes to making your press-on nails last longer, proper application is key. Even if you applied a thousand sets of press-ons before, make sure you read the directions for your set before getting started just in case there’s anything unique there.

But in general, make sure you’re following these simple steps for the longest-lasting press-on manicure of your life.

  1. Prep your nails. Clean it with an alcohol wipe – one is usually included with your set.
  2. Gently buff the nail's surface. Don’t make it smooth! You actually want to rough up the top just a bit so the glue has a slightly less smooth surface to stick too. Don’t damage your nails, though. Hitting them with the coarsest side of your nail buffer should give you plenty of grip.
  3. Trim and shape your natural nails. If possible, leave them as close to the length of the press ons as possible to provide your fake nails with maximum support + maximum surface area to stick to.
  4. Apply your nails! If using no-glue nails, this is as simple as pulling the tab and pressing them on. If using nail glue to apply or fix a nail that popped off, make sure you apply a small amount to your natural nail, let it get tacky, then a small amount to the press-on nail and hold it in place while it sets.
  5. Apply pressure for at least 30 seconds per nail, or longer if they don’t feel like they’re firmly in place.
affordable fake nail removal kit including clips, pads, and files
Protect your nails! A complete nail remover kit like this costs less than $10 on Amazon. Shop now on Amazon >

Now that your nails are in place, what can you do to protect your mani? Glad you asked. Here are a few ways to make sure your nails stay put for a week or more.

  • Avoid water. Don’t submerge your hands for a few hours after application, and wear gloves for dishes and other cleaning throughout the duration of your mani.
  • Always make sure your nails are prepped. Wet or oily nails won’t hold your press-ons, so always follow the steps above for the best chance of success!
  • Make sure your nails fit. Most sets come with a variety of sizes so that you can find the ones that fit your fingers. They should cover the nail without the cuticle or skin around the nail forcing them to break contact with the nail itself (this would mean the size is too big). If you’re really having trouble with fit, you can always order a custom set on Etsy.
  • Remove them gently to prevent damage. It can be tempting to peel them off when they start to get loose, but this is bad for your fakes if you want to reuse them and can also damage your natural nails! Always soak them in acetone to dissolve the glue, then gently lift the nails. You can finish cleaning up your natural nails + press-ons from there.

If you’re feeling fancy, you can grab an electric soaking bowl or nail clips to get your fake nails off easily, but all you really need is a bowl + some pure acetone, which you can pick up from any drugstore or beauty supply shop.

professional nail technician inspecting a client's manicure
For some people, professional manicures are a must-have expense. For others, it’s a luxury that’s frustratingly out of budget… but fake nails can help bridge the gap between affordable options and beautiful designs.  

Budget Breakdown: Pro vs. Press-On Nails

Okay, let’s talk numbers. Salon appointments can get expensive. The average basic manicure costs about $45 in the US, and the price creeps up higher for acrylic sets, gel polish, and other design elements and add-ons. But let’s stick with $45 per mani and add a 20% tip because your tech is obviously an all-star. That means each professional manicure costs about $54.

If you get your nails done every 2-3 weeks, that’s about 18 manicures per year.

The grand total? Based on those numbers, you’d be spending $972 on manicures every year 🥲

Now let’s compare to the press on nail options we pulled above. Broken into 3 tiers, here’s what you can expect if you buy the same number of sets (ignoring the fact you can reuse most of them just for argument’s sake).

  • Budget Option: $7 x 18 = $126
  • Mid-Range: $12 x 18 = $216
  • Luxury: $20 x 18 = $360

Saving you $846 with budget nails, $756 with mid-range nails, and $612 with premium press-ons.

So are press-on nails worth giving up your salon trips?

Honestly, it depends on your personal preference. If you love the escape of sitting in a salon for a couple hours to treat yourself, do it!! But if constraints like time and budget are keeping you out of the chair, you don’t have to give up on salon-quality nails.

Press-on nails are the ultimate life hack for looking put-together with minimal effort. Whether you're a busy professional, a student on a budget, or just someone who loves to switch up their look, there's a perfect set of press-on nails waiting for you on Amazon.

My top recommendation? Start with the imPRESS Press-On Nails. They are easy to use and offer a great balance between price, quality, availability, and variety. But don't be afraid to experiment – half the fun is trying different styles!

Happy nail styling, friends! 💅✨

PS – Prices and availability may vary. Always check current Amazon listings and read recent reviews before purchasing.

Posted 
Feb 7, 2025
 in 
Health
 category

Melissa Pallotti

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