25 best press-on nails for a quick summer manicure, for every nail shape and style
Press-on nails are having a moment, largely thanks to the resurgence of many-a Y2K beauty trend that we loved back in the early 2000s. Think: claw clips, butterfly tops and press-on manicures.
Once upon a time, our DIY press-on nail options were limited to short, French manicure styles. So, to the nail artist, we went: the only place where we could achieve the long-lasting manicure of our dreams.
Today, press on nail options are endless, and there are a plethora of nail designs to choose from. Whether you want nude nails, pastel French nail tips, long nails with a matte finish or something bright and festival-appropriate, the likes of Kiss Impress, Shrine and PaintLab have got you.
The singer played no games when it came to creating an over-the-top music festival look — from head to toe.
Not only are these faux nails super easy to apply, but they look just as good as the gel manicure or acrylic nails you’d usually pay £££ for in the salon. What’s more, they won’t cause pesky dents to your nail beds that you’d usually find post-acrylic/gel removal. No natural nails will be harmed in the pressing-on of these bad boys.
As for how long they last? Take care of them with cuticle serums, hand creams and general TLC, and they’ll last for up to two weeks. Chaun Legend, Artist in Residence at Lottie London told us: "When applying nails, to make them last longer, I usually tell people to make sure the nails are clean, clean it with alcohol, push the cuticles back, add the adhesive, and just stick it on. You then need to be gentle.
“A good tip to navigating life with extra-long nails is to invest in a pair of tweezers. Put a set in your car. Put one in your purse. Tweezers will help you when you're at the parking meters or at the gas station or if you drop something.”
Granted, two weeks is a little less than a gel or acrylic mani at a salon, but considerably longer than a standard nail polish since they won’t chip. Once you’re done? Simple peel off. “My pro tip for removing my press-on nails is to use oil and water to remove,” Chaun Legend said. “It makes the process seamless. To remove, you just soak the nails in water with a little bit of oil — and be patient — they'll lift up.”
What is the best brand of press-on nails? Read on to discover the best press-on nails for a cute summer mani.
The best press-on nails for customising
Elegant Touch Totally Bare Short Stiletto False Nails, £4, Feelunique
Why we love them: Elegant Touch’s Totally Bare press on nails are designed to paint yourself, so whether it’s a polish you love but can’t quite match in the press on form, or you’d like to try your hand at nail art, these are the ones you need. To boot, they’re rated 4.5*, with customers touting them as a fab alternative to professional manis – at approximately a tenth of the price.
Save when you shop for the best press on nails with these Feel Unique discount codes.
Abstract press-on nails
Abstract Press On Nails, £18.50, Etsy
Etsy may not be first in mind when you're considering where to buy press on nails, but a quick scroll through their seemingly endless selection will have you wondering why. Thanks to the small and independent sellers behind them, many Etsy press on nails can be customised to fit your nail shape and size. Case in point: these abstract press on nails by NailsByNess which are handmade to order and super durable.
The best press-on nails for a black tip
Shrine False Nails in Black Tips, £7.99, ASOS
Why we love them: Black tips took over from traditional white tips last year, and the trend lives on. These Shrine press on nails are an easy and affordable way to get the look if you’re lacking the steady hand of an art major (that’s everyone, then).
Save when you shop for the best press on nails with these ASOS discount codes.
The best press-on nails for an ombre French tip
SOSU by Suzanne Jackson False Nails Stiletto Medium Fallen Angel, £8.95, BEAUTY BAY
Why we love them: SOSU by Suzanne Jackson’s former French tip press on nails were the second top customer-rated product on Beauty Bay, and this new iteration is set to take over. The set comes with 24 nails in ten different sizes to suit each finger, along with gel glue, a mini nail file and a manicure stick for flawless application.
Save when you shop for the best press on nails with these Beauty Bay discount codes.
The best press-on nails to make an impact
Shrine Swirl Tip False Nails, £8, BEAUTY BAY
Why we love them: The bright, eye-catching swirls on these nails make them perfect for summer. Keep your outfit muted and let your fingers do the talking.
Save when you shop for the best press on nails with these Beauty Bay discount codes.
The best press-on nails for a classic look
Elegant Touch Core Colour Nails Rich Red, £4, Feelunique
Why we love them: You can’t go wrong with a deep red, and the squoval shape of these Elegant Touch press on nails makes them all the more sophisticated. Proving they’re worth their weight, they’re also ranking in Feelunique’s top 10 best selling false nails.
Save when you shop for the best press on nails with these Feel Unique discount codes.
Short press-on nails
Pastel Solid Colour Press On Nails, £13, Etsy
Pastel nails may evoke thoughts of Easter egg hunts and Ballet Slippers, but they don't have to be so predictable. This set of press on nails, encompassing a creamy lilac, pretty pink and offbeat green, will really make a statement.
Pointed press-on nails
Tip Beauty Get The Point Press-On Nails, £15, Free People
Get long-lasting salon-quality nails your manicurist would be proud of with these long coffin nails from Tip – which can be filed down to a shape of your choice.
Press-on nails with coloured tips
Shrine X ASOS Exclusive Neon Nights False Nails, £9, ASOS
French tips are about the most classic nail art style you can go for, but with this Shrine and ASOS collaboration, things have been elevated. Make a statement with these pastel French tips, which have been designed to fit all nail sizes.
Leopard print press-on nails
SOSU BY SUZANNE JACKSON False Nails Call Me, £9, Beauty Bay
Animal print is almost as intricate as you can get when it comes to nail art, and these press on nails are so good, people won't believe they weren't created in a salon. They feature a gold and black tortoiseshell pattern, and they're entirely vegan.
Best press-on nails for summer
PAINTLAB Swirly Nails, £12.50, Beauty Bay
Say goodbye to boring nails with PaintLab's swirly press on manicure, adorned in a tie-dye design which features hints of yellow, purple, green and pink. They have a long length, rounded ends and are all reusable and recyclable.
French manicure press-on nails
Elegant Touch French 114 False Nails, £6, ASOS
For a “your nails but better” finish, classic gals should make a beeline for these Elegant Touch false nails which are designed to fit all nail sizes. You really can't go wrong.
Save when you shop for the best press on nails with these ASOS discount codes.
Simple press-on nails
Elegant Touch Warm Caramel False Nails, £4, ASOS
Elegant Touch press on nails are some of our favourites, because they're so darn easy to use. They're stocked on ASOS in an array of shapes and colours, and tend to last for around 10 days (give or take). Every Elegant Touch press on nails kit comes with adhesive glue – ideal if you don't already own your own – and they're often reduced in the ASOS sale. These caramel false nails make a simple yet elegant statement.
Reusable press-on nails
Cloudy Morning Polished Nails, £5, Boots
Why we love them: Boots’ very own press on nails are developed with a flexible fit, so you can rest assured they’ll suit your nail size.
Save when you shop for the best press on nails with these Boots discount codes.
The best press-on nails for easy application
Kiss Gel Fantasy Nail Kit in Ribbons, £8, Boots
Why we love them: Listed in Boots’ top 10 press on nails bestsellers, customers say these stay put longer than other brands they’ve tried, while there’s also two options for application: adhesive tabs or glue.
Save when you shop for the best press on nails with these Boots discount codes.
The best press-on nails for an ombre glitter finish
Kiss Gel Fake Nails in Fanciful, £7.99, Superdrug
Why we love them: Keen to amp up your nail ante without going all out? The ombre glitter finish on these press on nails is for you. 17 customers have left rave 5* reviews on Superdrug, praising everything from the quality to the ability to choose between the glue and mega-adhesive application tabs they come with.
Save when you shop for the best press on nails with these Superdrug discount codes.
Best press-on nails Etsy
KALE Almond Green French Nails, £17.99, Etsy
Available in a plethora of different sizes and shapes (from coffin to square and oval), these press on nails are a chic and spring-appropriate option. They come with a full application kit for an extra £2, including glue, sticky tabs, a file, nail wipes and a cuticle pusher.
Long press-on nails
Paintlab Reusable Gel Nail Set, £12, Free People
With cute pink tips for an elevation to your usual French manicure, this reusable press on nails kit includes 24 nails in a medium-length, each almond in shape – a universally flattering option that elongates the hand. They last for up to 14 days.
Press-on nails for festivals
Shrine False Nails - Happy Go Lucky, £6.50, ASOS
Exclusive to ASOS, this set of Shrine press on nails will unlock new levels of extra – with thanks to the cute animal print and face-inspired tips. You'll get 20 nails cut in an oval shape in each set, as well as adhesive glue.
Abstract face press-on nails
SOSU BY SUZANNE JACKSON False Nails Two Faced, £9, Beauty Bay
Get Pinterest-worthy nails with Suzanne Jackon's Two Faced press on sales, each designed with a soft nude base and abstract face line drawing. Your nails, just better.
Save when you shop for the best press-on nails with these
Long artificial nails
Mint and Teal Green Swirl Custom Press On Nails, £22, Etsy
Available in various shapes and sizes, these mint and teal press on nails come with a nail file, nail cleansing wipe, cuticle pusher and nail glue.
Elegant touch press-on nails
Elegant Touch x ASOS Exclusive Follow Your Heart False Nails, £6.50, ASOS
If you wanted to cut your natural nails into an almond shape, you'd need a little bit more length. So, if length is something you're lacking, then make a beeline for Elegant Touch's almond-shaped nail extensions. The Y2K heart-inspired print is super cute and festival-appropriate, and they last for up to 10 days.
Orange press-on nails
Elegant Touch Carnival Queen False Nails, £5.25, ASOS
Inject carnival vibes into your outfit with these epic Elegant Touch press on nails, cut in a coffin shape (popular on the 'gram and defined by tapered edges and a straight, blunt tip) and with an ombre gradient finish.
Reusable faux nails
Chill Tips Reusable Press-On Manicure Kit, £15, Free People
One of our favourite sets on press on nails in this edit, Chill Tips' press on manicure kit comes from the creators of Chillhouse nail salon. They offer quality nail art that you can do at home, without the smudges and mess.
Oval press on nails
PAINTLAB Red Hearts Press-On Nails, £12.50, Beauty Bay
Adorned in little red love hearts, perfect for Valentine's Day or any other time of the year, these press on nails make a subtle statement.
Save when you shop for the best press-on nails with these Beauty Bay discount codes.
