Press on nails continue to grow in popularity as the technology gets better and better and the designs more varied. Back in high school, I tried press on nails to no avail and wrote them off. I tried them again in recent years, when I needed a fresh set of nails in a snap for New York Fashion Week. I was immediately hooked. The ease of use, the versatility, the options and the price are all appealing. As a beauty editor who types all day, and also tends to break everything in my wake, I needed to find the top press on nails that would stick with me through opening packages, swiping to get on the subway, popping seltzer cans and rummaging through a giant tote. Here are the brands that were up to the challenge.
The top press on nails for a salon-level manicure
Chillhouse Chill Tips Press On Nails ($16)
Chillhouse has a beloved flagship in New York City and a newer location in Paris where you can get nail, face and body treatments. The funky vibes and the treats at the Café truly make the experience, but you can bring the expert nail styles to your home. Chillhouse is all about, you guessed it, chilling. Grab a pair of any of the unique designs—you can’t go wrong—and apply them on your next chill night in. They’re long lasting and salon quality.
Olive & June Press On Nails ($10)
A fraction of the price of a gel manicure and almost as long lasting, Olive & June makes a case for never setting foot in the salon again. One package includes 42 nails in 21 sizes all made from 94 percent post-consumer recycled materials, so you don’t have to feel bad about making your way through a couple of packs a month. If applied for long term wear, they can last over seven days.
Paintlab Press On Nails ($10-$15)
Paintlab is extremely on trend, so they’re likely to have nail designs you’ve seen go viral on TikTok. These press on nails are salon quality, reusable and can stick around for up to two weeks—sounds like a win all around. They’re sturdy and chic—what more could we ask for?
Static Nails Reusable Pop-On Manicures ($18-$20)
Static Nails are reusable—you could wear them for weeks at a time or just a few days, changing them to match your look. These nails can last up to 18 days and can be applied up to six times when sticking to shorter wears.
Kiss Glue On Nails ($4-$19)
While the glue-less imPRESS nails from the Kiss brand lasted all of 15 minutes, the glue on option proved much more reliable. Available at most drugstores, Kiss is a great solution for any last-minute nail needs. They withstand tons of hand washing, so they’re there to stick around.
Glamnetic Nails ($9-$22)
With a large selection and a variety of lengths and shapes, Glamnetic has a manicure for every event on your calendar. You can also save money by subscribing and having a set sent to you every 15, 30 or 45 days.
Dashing Diva Magic Press ($5-$9)
Dashing Diva is another good drugstore option. They’re durable and can provide up to 10 days of shiny, chip-resistant nails. The salon quality allows them to be flexible for a better fit all around.
Nail Reformation ($20)
Nail Reformation is all about boosting confidence, and they know there’s nothing like a fresh mani to do the trick. They have tons of unique options in a variety of shapes, including these glittery emerald coffin nails that transport us to a poolside vacay.
Mani Muse ($16)
Mani Muse’s press on nails wear like gel and last two weeks or more. While many of their nail options are solid or shiny options, this tortoiseshell design grabbed our attention.
Nails Inc. ($9)
Nails Inc. has an amazing variety of nail polish colors, but if you’re feeling a bit lazy or short on time, you can opt for the press on nails. Fancy French manicures are trending, so we think this is a perfect mani to try first.
Madam Glam exPRESS-on Nails ($30)
Madam Glam’s press on nails will give your hands a glow up in a matter of minutes. We love the Flamingo option, especially for a summer vacation moment.
Lavaa Press-On Nails ($20)
This Los Angeles-based beauty brand has something of a cult following. The press on options feel endless, from solid colors to intricate designs.