The Best Drugstore Press-On Nails
Last year I shared my top tips for the ultimate at home manicure and pedicure. Fast forward a year, I’ve been doing my nails at home and have officially found the best drugstore press-on nails!
After trial and error, I can say not all press-on nails are great. Honestly, most of them suck. But I found a set of salon quality acrylic nails that not only look like I got them done professionally, but last over a week and feel great.
The Best Drugstore Press-On Nails
I should have known my favorite press on nails would be from the same brand as my go to fake eyelashes. If you follow me on Instagram, you know I’ve tried literally every type of fake eyelashes and even spent $$$ on the fancy at home kits. But my ride or die lashes have always been the Kiss Lash Trio set.
I’ve tried dozens of different at home manicure options, from gel polishes & gel manicure kits to nail dips, acrylic & buildable fake nails. But they never look AMAZING and never last very long on me.
I tried some press-on options from Static Nails that I loved, but they cost $16 (pre shipping). Since I’m pretty hard on my nails – I wash the dishes, cook, do crafts, type, exercise, etc., I rarely make it to the 2 week marker on any manicure. Even if it’s done in a salon. $20 for a set of nails that lasts me about a week just isn’t worth it.
KISS Salon Acrylic Nude Nails
These press-on nails from KISS are legit. Not only do they look amazing, they’re sturdy. I’ve never had one break or bend. There’s something about the shape of them that actually fits my nail bed and doesn’t lift.
I buy mine on Amazon – where they cost $7.99 for a set of 28. I get 2 wears out of them a lot of them time – meaning I can make them last for at least 2 weeks. Most of the time, around the one week mark, I’ll have one pop off. Which is a sign for me to re-glue the rest of them.
You can also buy them at most drug stores – I see them for the same price at Walmart & Target.
They don’t chip either. I love that they’re more natural looking. But you can also paint them or add nail art if you want. They are super flexible, making them comfortable. And are thinner at the cuticle for a more natural fit.
A few Tips for Making Press-On Nails Last
Skip the nail kits. You can use the nail glue that comes in the box. Some people recommend using prep pads, but I don’t think it’s necessary. Here’s my process:
- Soak nails in warm soapy water & clean your cuticles.
- Let your nails dry & buff them. Having a rough surface for the fake nail to stick to will make it work better.
- Don’t use the stupid adhesive tabs. They don’t work.
- Figure out what size nail works best for your nail bed. I always go smaller than bigger. If it hangs over your nail bed and touches your skin or cuticle, it’s too big.
- Put a little glue on your nail. Then also put a little glue on the fake nail base (only where it will touch your nail). The glue/glue method helps them stick.
- Push down on the nail for about 20 seconds & wipe any excess glue off (I usually just use a paper towel).
- Repeat on all of your nails. I like to work from my pinky nails to my thumbs. But it doesn’t make a difference!
- There’s no need for nail polish, you’re ready to go!
I’m not an expert on the removal process – but I think the best way to remove press-ons is to soak them in a small bowl filled with acetone based nail polish remover. Soak them until the glue breaks down and you can pull them off easily / they fall off.