So, I got my hands on five of the hottest press-on and glue-on nail brands, and I’m finally ready to spill the tea on which one came out on top!
The brands I tested? Red Aspen, OPI xPRESS/ON, BTArtbox, imPRESS, Glamnetic, imPRESS, Kiss, Color Street, and Dashing Diva. Each brand offers its own unique spin on the press-on nail game, and they all cater to different preferences.
Red Aspen, imPRESS, and Kiss lean more towards the acrylic side, giving you that sturdy, curved nail feel. Red Aspen requires glue, while imPRESS comes with adhesive stickers already on the back, and Kiss gives you the flexibility to use both options.
On the flip side, Color Street and Dashing Diva are more like stickers designed to mimic the look of regular nail polish, rather than acrylics.
Of course, I should point out that these are just my personal opinions. Everyone’s lifestyle, activity level, and nail types are different, so what works for me may not be the same for you. But, if you’re looking to explore the world of press-on nails, I’m here to share what I found!
Best Press-On Nails
OPI xPRESS/ON Press On Nails
The name might be a bit quirky, but when I saw the OPI xPRESS/On nails, I knew I had to give them a shot. Right now, they come in a range of OPI’s most popular shades and are available in the “Classic” length, which is a short-to-medium almond shape—perfect for me!
They also offer some shimmer options, though those tend to come in longer, coffin-square shapes. I managed to find a shimmery shade called “Throw Me a Kiss,” which also comes as a polish if that’s your thing. It’s got this gorgeous iridescent finish that reminds me of the super trendy “glazed donut” nails.
In terms of price, these run about $12-$15 for a set, which includes glue, a prep pad, a cuticle pusher, and a mini file. It’s pretty standard pricing compared to other press-on nails, and I really appreciated that the packaging is made from recycled plastic.
Application was super similar to Olive and June’s nails. The key thing I’ve learned is you have to follow the directions to the letter! Here are some of my tips: Don’t apply the nails right after getting your hands wet—wait at least an hour. So, no showering and then rushing to put them on!
After applying, make sure you keep your hands dry for at least another hour to let the glue “set.” Honestly, the best time to apply them is right before bed. If you’re planning to clip or file them, wait that hour, too. It might sound like a hassle, but these steps have helped me get press-ons to last for weeks!
One neat feature with the OPI set is that it comes with a little layout sheet where you can organize which nail goes on which finger. A small touch, but I liked it.
These nails stayed on for two full weeks—honestly, they could’ve lasted longer, but my nails started growing out. I got so many compliments, and people kept asking if I had acrylics or if I went to a salon. The almond shape is so flattering, and it made me wish imPRESS had more color options in that style. Also, I’m hoping OPI expands their xPRESS/On line to offer even more shades!
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BTArtbox Press On Nails
BTArtbox X-Coat Press-On Nails are a fantastic cross between press-on and gel nails, offering long-lasting results with just a couple of extra steps. Unlike traditional press-ons, they use a special glue that needs to be cured under a UV light, which makes them stay on for weeks. The process might sound lengthy, but once you get the hang of it, it takes no more than 30 minutes, and the payoff is worth it.
BTArtbox’s patented technology includes soft gel tips, a tip primer, and a base coat, creating a durable and flexible nail. You can leave the nails bare or add your own polish and decals before sealing them with the builder gel and topcoat provided.
I chose the French tip styles in coffin shape, which looks sleek and polished. They offer a variety of shapes and lengths, and while they don’t have many pre-designed options, the minimalist base allows for customization. I’ve been wearing mine for over a week with no issues, which is impressive considering most press-ons start falling off after a few days.
BTArtbox claims the X-Coat nails can last up to 30 days, and based on my experience so far, I wouldn’t be surprised if they do! A salon-quality manicure without the salon price.
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KISS imPRESS No Glue Mani Press-On Nails
I’ve been using the KISS imPRESS No Glue Mani Press-On Nails for a while now, and they’ve really impressed me (pun intended!). First off, I love that imPRESS is a cruelty-free brand. I actually reached out to them via email to confirm, and they assured me that they don’t test on animals, which makes me feel even better about wearing them.
They’re waterproof, and I’ve had them last as long as three weeks on my fingers! Ideally, they look their best for about a week. By the second week, they still hold up nicely, but by the third week, you’ll start noticing your cuticles growing out, and that’s when it’s time to remove them. To make them last even longer, I wear rubber gloves whenever I’m cleaning or doing dishes—this little step has really extended the life of my manicure.
imPRESS nails come in a variety of super cute designs. Whether you’re into classic black or fun pink tones, there’s something for everyone. They also release special designs around holidays, so if you like to switch things up, keep an eye out. You can easily find their designs on Amazon or check out the wide selection available at Target.
One thing I’ve always struggled with when it comes to press-ons is finding sizes that fit my small nails, but imPRESS nails have a great range of sizes in each kit. They fit perfectly, which is such a relief!
The application process is so easy, too. Each kit comes with clear instructions, a little prep wipe, and the nails themselves. All you have to do is clean your nails with the wipe, pick the right size for each finger, peel off the plastic backing, and press them on. Just make sure to follow the instructions to get them on the right way—it’s super simple, but still a helpful reminder!
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Beetlejuice Glamnetic Press On Nails
These nails feel incredibly secure from the moment you apply them—they don’t bend or feel loose at all. Whether I’m at the gym, on a run, or in a hot shower, they stay put. Occasionally, a nail might pop off after about a week, but re-gluing it solves the issue, and they’re good as new.
Glamnetic nails are reusable, lasting up to two weeks per wear. The set includes 30 nails in 15 different sizes, so finding the right fit is easy. Each kit comes with helpful tools like nail glue, a double-sided file, and a cuticle stick. While some of the designs, especially those with gold accents like my favorite “Material Girl,” start to show wear over time, they’re still wearable and stylish. Overall, Glamnetic nails offer high-quality salon looks that truly last.
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Chillhouse Chill Tips Limited
These nails were surprisingly easy to apply, although I did get glue on my hands at first. The nails looked great once on, but I noticed the glue was slightly visible through the nail, which was a minor downside. They stayed put for weeks, likely due to the extra glue I used, and maintained their elegant look without needing much filing. However, the removal process was tricky since they didn’t all come off at once, requiring some patience. Overall, Chill Tips are perfect if you’re looking for a long-lasting and reusable set that can withstand daily wear.
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