A perfectly polished manicure can make a real difference in helping you feel your best. But going to a salon can be time-consuming — and nail art can be tricky. Enter the classic press-on nails. These faux nails are a great way to add length or an eye-catching design without the commitment and long application time.
Press-ons are super easy to apply and can last up to two weeks depending on how well you apply and take care of them. You can shower or go swimming with them on (just be careful with hot water, which can loosen them). Best of all, they can even be better for your nails, as they’re less likely to cause damage than a gel or acrylic manicure, and you can reuse them.
Here at the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab, our experts have found the best press-on nails on the market with our in-lab testing, top-rated and reviewed picks as well as favorites from our editors.
This Good Housekeeping Beauty Award-winner from Kiss is loved by lab experts and received glowing reviews from our testers. “The nails were still in perfect condition after seven days of wear, and I didn’t notice any damage after removal,” a Beauty Award tester raved. The best part is you can achieve this nail salon-quality look for $7 and you don’t need to fiddle with glue to do it. You can choose from so many beautiful colors and designs, from neutrals to striking bold shades and sparkling accents. They’re easy to put on and very gentle on your nails.
Ardell’s classic press-on nails are elegant and trendy, yet they hardly take any time to put on. The kit comes with everything you need to apply them, including glue, a file and a cuticle stick. Reviewers raved about how great the glue worked and how long the nails lasted. If you’re new to press-on nails, you should definitely give these ones a shot.
If you love how long gel manicures last but hate the damage they can do to your nails, try Dashing Diva’s Magic Press press-on nails made with gel base color. There’s no need for glue with these sets, and they’re extremely quick and easy to apply. All you need to do is prep your nails, peel off the back tab, and press! The brand says that the press-ons can last up to seven days, but some customers say their manicure lasts longer.
Static nailed it (pun intended) with their nude-colored press-on nails. They have a huge selection of gorgeous neutral shades that can complement a wide range of skin tones, plus other neutral colors like whites, grays, and dusty pinks. The set can be reused over and over again, and if you get tired of the design you chose, you can paint them with nail polish.
Gift yourself a set of The Nailest’s luxury press-on acrylic nails that will catch everyone’s eyes. These extravagant press-ons are completely handmade and customizable, down to the shape and size of each nail. Each set comes with exactly 10 nails, so order a sample sizing pack ($1) beforehand to get the right fit. The brand does have some sets ready to ship, but those that are made to order can take up to four weeks to process — so plan early if you need them for a special occasion!
Mari by Marsai is the latest from multitalented young CEO and actress Marsai Martin, whose love for nail art inspired her to start her very own line that launched in 2022. Available in a multitude of styles, lengths and shapes from emerald cut to pear cut, Mari has options for all nail lovers. “They look so expensive, and are easy to apply,” says one reviewer. Each set comes with 24 nail options for the best fit, glue and adhesive pads so you can easily achieve your glam nail look.
