After researching and testing products for my review of the best press-on nails, I chose the Glamnetic Press-On Nails as a top pick for their gorgeous designs. Read on to learn more about why this brand earned high marks for aesthetics.
The best press-on nails come in a variety of designs, shapes and lengths that make it fast and easy to upgrade your mani game without requiring a lengthy or costly appointment. They should feel sturdy but still look natural, and last you for at least a week without lifting or wearing out at the tips. They should also offer enough size options so that each nail fits like a glove.
After researching the market and narrowing the choices down to seven top brands to test over the course of 2 weeks, I found the Glamnetic Press-On Nails to be the best for their selection of designs. The brand currently offers over 90 chic styles, but with new ones constantly cropping up, it’s impossible to provide a specific number at any given time (even according to its PR firm). Read on for more on why Glamnetic took the top spot for aesthetics.
Number of designs: 90+ | Reusable: Yes | Size options: 15 per hand | Adhesive: Glue
Best for:
- An extensive range of nail art designs
- Sturdy, high-quality styles
- A non-damaging option
Skip if:
- You want more size options
Sturdy Nails That Feel And Look High-Quality
Although I’d never tried Glamnetic products before, the brand certainly has a good reputation for its press-on nails on social media, in consumer reviews and among my beauty editor friends. One set on Ulta holds a perfect five-star rating—which I’ve never seen on another product before—and 3,682 five-star ratings on Amazon. I immediately noticed how sturdy the nails felt when I first put them on. They have a substantial thickness to them that makes it easy to see how you can reuse them a second (and even a third) time, but they’re not so thick that they look like the chunky acrylics of the past.
Glamnetic’s Press-On Nails have a substantial thickness to them that makes it easy to see how you … [+]
Lengthy, Non-Damaging Wear
When starting out, I was surprised that the instructions didn’t prompt me to buff the top of my nails before application, like most of the other brands I tested did. Scuffing up the surface helps create a stronger grip, but it can be damaging to your nails. So while I love the idea of preserving my natural nail, I reluctantly skipped the buffing step, thinking this would be detrimental to the brand’s 2-week-wear claim. After 9 days of wear—I intentionally cut their life span short to observe the removal step and any effects—the nails still looked and felt fresh and secure. They could’ve easily lasted a few more days at a minimum. When I removed them, I had some residual adhesive, but my nails remained healthy and strong.
Glamnetic offers its fan-favorite press-on nails in practically every color, style, shape and length … [+]
A Huge Variety Of Colors And Designs
Now, for the fun part: Glamnetic offers its fan-favorite press-on nails in practically every color, style, shape and length you can dream up. Among its bestsellers are classic French tips on a short almond shape and a velvety-looking metallic finish in different colors and in a handful of shapes and lengths. The brand does the best mismatched nails look, in my opinion. Case in point: these negative-space swirls; this multicolored, multi-patterned set; and these rainbow French tips. On the brand’s site, you can narrow your search by shape or length, and you’ll find pages of designs ranging from solid colors and minimal nail art to shimmery finishes and whimsical novelty designs. Whether you prefer more contemporary looks or retro-inspired designs, like this 1970s swirl, you’re likely to find something you like here.
How Do Glamnetic Press-On Nails Compare To Other Press-On Nails?
Glamnetic offers a length category of super-short nails, which is something I haven’t seen from any other brand. I can’t get acrylics because they make things infinitely more difficult with a toddler and a baby, and press-ons that are too long pose similar challenges. This shorter length is perfect for when I want my nails to look manicured for longer periods of time, like on vacation, but I still have mom duties to attend to.
Glamnetic offers a length category of super-short nails, which is something I haven’t seen from any … [+]
Glamnetic stays current, releasing press-ons in popular nail art looks as they’re trending, like jelly finishes and cow prints. The brand also sells bundles that contain a curated collection of styles, like summer looks, spring pastels and these retro patterns.
How I Tested The Best Press-On Nails
For each press-on nail brand I tested, I took into consideration details like price, aesthetic and customer reviews. I carefully combed through application instructions to vet ease of use, and scoured through shops and retailer offerings to evaluate the shapes, sizes, lengths and designs offered. And because it’s all in the details, I looked at branding, adhesive type and nail materials under a microscope. Above all, quality, length of wear and how they held up visually over time were the criteria at the top of my list.
For an accurate side-by-side comparison, I applied all of the nails simultaneously, alternating brands across all fingers (which actually made for a cute mismatched look). This ensured each would be subjected to roughly the same amount and type of wear over the same period of time. To even the playing field, I prepped each nail exactly according to its instructions. Some called for buffing of the nail before applying glue, while others instructed me to apply glue to both the press-on and natural nail.
I put all of the nails through everyday tasks, including washing dishes in warm soapy water, styling my hair, changing diapers, handling car seat buckles, typing and more. My mismatched mani got 9 days of wear—some making it all the way through and some falling off earlier than expected—and I conducted daily check-ins to evaluate chips, lifting at the edges or if any of them snagged on clothes or my hair.
My Expertise
I’m a beauty writer and editor with bylines in top women’s magazines, including Allure, Elle, Women’s Health, Brides and more. But my expertise in this category comes from over a decade of firsthand experience with press-on nails. I was first introduced to them in high school and have worn them for most major milestones in my life along the way, from my first date with my now husband to the baby shower for our second child. Through the course of my work, I’ve closely followed the evolution of the nail industry and experimented with a number of application techniques across a slew of brands.
For this story, I looped in Nailing Hollywood artist San Sung Kim for her best mani practices and insight into press-ons. She specializes in avant-garde designs and works with press-on nails to create her Insta-famous looks, from textured, 3D designs to artful marble prints.
