Preparation is key.
While that is a lesson to apply to most things in life, it’s absolutely essential if you’re affixing press-on nails. The better the prep, the more long-lasting the style, no matter the brand, shape or size in question.
Over the last few years, there’s been something of a nail art revolution. Not content on sticking to block colours, we are getting more and more creative with the patterns adorning our fingertips. Whether you’re tapping into fresh colourful renditions of the classic French, swirls, pastel hues or the most intricate designs, lengthy and often costly salon appointments tend to go hand in hand.
While at-home gel mani kits will take you well on your way to recreating that professional look, if you’re pressed for time or lacking in artistic flair, stick-on nails are a quick, easy and now longer-lasting solution.
If you grew up in the Nineties and Noughties, you will no doubt assume that these artificial nails last for a total of five minutes before falling off, chipping or cracking, but that’s no longer the case. Quality has transformed this kind of nails and now adhesive-backed falsies are more premium-looking and feeling and harder-wearing than ever.
“Without a doubt modern-day nails are superior to ones used in previous years, especially the nails of the 90s/00s”, explains Lucy Tucker, the official KISS UK Nail ambassador. “One of the biggest differences of modern day nails and specifically KISS nails would be how natural they appear once on. KISS nails are so thin that they don’t even appear as a false nail, they are so seamless and flat that the ridge of the nail isn’t detectable when applied correctly”.
What’s more, if you’ve found your nails weakened from consecutive gel, brittle from biting or seen better days after picking off polish, these will give your nails the chance to recover, grow and strengthen while still offering eye-catching, playful designs.
We consulted Tucker on everything to know about false nail prep and application.
How to make stick-on nails last
“The way to make your KISS Nails last is all in the preparation”, she stresses. “Ensuring that the nail beds are clean from any oil or dust is crucial. The best way to ensure this is by applying acetone to a kitchen towel or tissue and thoroughly wiping over each nail”.
How to remove stick-on nails
Stick to Tucker’s tips to preserve the health of your nails. She explains, “When removing your nails, start by cutting the nails down, apply acetone to a cotton pad, lay this over the nail, then wrap the nail/tip of finger in tin foil and leave it for five minutes. The nail will then melt away. Alternatively, you can place your hands in a bowl of warm water, and the glue will start to disintegrate”.
How long do stick-on nails stay on?
The press-on nail game has come on leaps and bounds in the last few years and they’re more long-lasting than ever before but the duration is still down to how you apply them. Tucker breaks it down “The length of which nails stay on depends on how clean the nail beds are and how much glue is applied to the nails during application. The nails can last anywhere from seven to 14 days. The time duration is affected by the variables mentioned previously”.
Are stick-on nails bad for you?
In short, “No” says the nail expert. “Stick-on nails do not damage the natural nail, provided that they are removed correctly”.
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nails inc. Shellfie Ready Tortoiseshell Artificial Nails
You need not sit in the salon for hours to tap into the ubiquitous tortoiseshell nail trend. A simple stick-on-and-go is all you need for these stylish almond-shaped press-ons from Nails Inc. There are 24 in the pack so you have multiple sets and spares if mishaps occur.
Buy now £7.19, lookfantastic
Rainbow Cat Eye Pastel Short Press On Nail
These magical press-ons will add a touch of sparkle to your look and are sure to ignite compliments everywhere you go, especially when the light catches them. They have a square shape and come as 24 in the pack. You will notice immediately how each individual nail has a sturdy but customisable construction and glitter finish.
Buy now £8.00, Etsy
lottie x KimKim stay press'd- colour block party
This design comes as part of a collaboration between affordable Gen-Z makeup label Lottie London and celebrity artist KimKim. The latter is known for decorating the nails of celebrities from Kourtney Kardashian to Dua Lipa. The short, rounded almond shape is adorned with a glossy gel finish and has a vibrant colour-blocking design with pops of fuschia, orange and nude.
Buy now £7.95, lottie
SHRINE Diggin' Your Aura False Nails
You may already know SHRINE for its collection of vegan, cruelty-free and lively hair dye but the brand’s offering expands to another festival favourite, press-on nails. This design has a psychedelic, circular design with bold tonal hues.
Buy now £6.00, lookfantastic
Rave Nailz Dream Nailz
Rave Nailz is a US brand (so pay attention to shipping costs) but the designs are unlike anything else on the market so if you’re planning a bulk buy of whimsical, intricately detailed designs, it is very much worth the extra postage price.
This celestial theme offers a dreamy look with its matte pastel lavender backdrop and dreamy white detail. The high-quality construction makes them chip and crack-proof.
Buy now £23.99, Rave Nailz
Kiss Bare But Better Nails Nude Drama
Minimalistic makeup has transformed the contour, bake and heavy layers that defined the pre-lockdown aesthetic and it’s expanding into nailcare too. Tap into the barely-there aesthetic with these coffin-shaped nails that have a nude colourway.
Buy now £9.00, Boots
stay press'd - heart to heart
These squareletto-shaped beauties bring a touch of romance all year round with their pretty heart motif. To make the application process as seamless as possible, they are layered with an adhesive pad as well as glue to keep them firmly affixed for up to a week.
Buy now £6.95, lottie
Spring Fling - Set of 10
This intricate style is one you may have attempted with your at-home mani but if you were unable to achieve the eye-catching design by hand, this is a way to faux your skills. The base is semi-sheer and layered with pastel hues and a glitter line detail. They are handpainted to order where you can select the shape of your choosing, from coffin to oval as well as the size.
Buy now £10.99, Etsy
Silver Chrome Tips Patterned Press On Nails
The classic French mani is given a metallic twist with chrome tips. Created with gel polish and a natural-looking colourway, this set is almost indistinguishable from your true nails. This design is also made to order and the shape and length can be customised too.
Buy now £23.00, Etsy
Elegant Touch Berry Blast Nails
Keep your mani simple with this berrylicious colourway. Elegant Touch is offering this design with a high-shine finish set on a squoval shape. From the pigmented polish to the quality construction, you get a salon-like mani for a fraction of the price.
Buy now £5.00, lookfantastic
Kiss Classy Nails - Silk Dress
The alternative French mani is a huge trend and one set to endure no matter the season. Keep it Classy with this set that takes a more triangular shape to the design in the classic colourways. These are hard-wearing press-ons that will stand the test of time.
Buy now £7.99, Boots
Flower French Tips Patterned Press On Nails
Bring the summer feeling no matter the weather with the adorable flower pattern set on these press-ons. This design may just be your favourite manicure you’ve ever had, from the quality construction to the utmost attention to detail paid to the polish. Choose the length, size and your preferred shape.
Buy now £23.00, Etsy
nails inc. Going Dotty Dot-Print Artificial Nails
Simple but effective, these press-on nails prove that a single dot can make a big impact. They may not be the most natural-looking nails on the list but they certainly make a statement with the long silhouette, almond shape and contrast black dot on pink.
Buy now £7.19, lookfantastic
Makeup Revolution Flawless False Nails - Constellation
Made for dreamers, the abstract constellation design of these falsies will capture your attention for hours. They come in a contemporary square shape with different sizes on offer.
Buy now £4.80, lookfantastic
24pcs Long Almond Press on Nails set
If the white colourway pictured is not for you, fear not as this unique swirl design where each finger is adorned with a subtle deviation from the previous comes in six different shades, including a bold red, pastel blue and unmissable forest green. Applied correctly and you’ll find these last weeks and are even reusable.
Buy now £9.00, Etsy
