These Press On Nails Are So Good, I Quit Gel Nails (2024)

After developing an allergy to gel nail polish, I've been looking for gel-nail alternatives ever since. But I've not yet had much success . I've tried long-lasting polish and top coats, but truthfully? I always smudge my nail polish and it never lasts me longer than a couple of days before it starts chipping. Nothing ever really filled the void of a long lasting, chip-free manicure like gels did.

In a bid to explore other options, I recently bought a set of OPI's new X/PressOn Press On Nails in the shade Throw Me A Kiss (£16), and since wearing them I've lost count of the number of compliments I've received. "Are those gels?" my friend said as we sat down for brunch. "Are those chrome gels?" said a colleague in the office. I delight in telling them that they're actually press on nails, and unlike others I've tried, these actually last—almost two weeks, in fact.

OPI X/PressOn Nails Review

These Press On Nails Are So Good, I Quit Gel Nails (1)

(Image credit: @eleanorvousden for Who What Wear UK)

OPI

X/PressOn Press On Nails in Throw Me a Kiss

What Comes In the OPI X/PressOn Nails Kit?

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(Image credit: @eleanorvousden for Who What Wear UK)

Inside the kit you get:

- 30 individual nails in varying sizes for an accurate fit to your nail shape
- A nail buffer to shape and prepare your nails
- OPI prep pad
- Cuticle stick to push back cuticles
- Nail glue to secure your press ons
- Nail guide to help you choose the nails for each finger

I tried the shade "Throw Me A Kiss", which is soft pink pearlescent shade that resembles chrome powder for a glazed look. There are a great handful of classic OPI shades to pick from, including the iconic Bubble Bath, Big Apple Red, and Malaga Wine. There are also different nail lengths and shapes to choose from, and you can choose from classic colours, nail art or tigereye effects. I opted for the classic short length with a rounded oval shape.

How to Apply OPI X/PressOn Nails

These Press On Nails Are So Good, I Quit Gel Nails (4)

I'm not great at doing nails, but this kit makes it so easy that anyone can do it.

Step-by-step:

1. The first step is choosing the right size for each of your nails from the 30 supplied in the kit. You can then lay them out on the guide included so it's easy to remember what nail fits your thumb, forefinger etc on each hand. If you're between sizes, OPI recommends sizing down for a more snug fit, which will ensure they last longer.

2. At this stage, you have the option to file each nail into your desired length or shape. I personally preferred mine how they came, so I moved on to the next step.

3. Now you'll want to ensure your nails are free of polish, and you might want to file your natural nails down if they are long to ensure your press ons fully cover your nail plates. Using the cuticle stick, push back your cuticles and then buff over your nails with the other side of the nail file, and finish by swiping over the prep pad to remove any dust and debris from your nails.

4. Now you're ready to apply your nails, you have two options. For longer-lasting hold, OPI recommends applying the glue to both your nail plate and your press on nails. If you want them on for a shorter duration, you can just apply the glue to the nail which will make them easier to remove.

5. You then apply the press on to your nail, lining it up at the base of your cuticle and holding in place while applying firm pressure to the entire nail for seconds. My advice would be to apply less glue than you think you need, as it can seep out the edges as you hold down your press on into place, but this can be tidied up with the cuticle stick if needed. And you're done!

6. When the time comes to remove them, you want to soak them in water for 10 minutes and apply a drop of acetone nail polish remover at the base of the nail before using the cuticle stick to lift the nails off.

Are OPI X/PressOn Nails Worth It?

These Press On Nails Are So Good, I Quit Gel Nails (5)

(Image credit: @eleanorvousden for Who What Wear UK)

Pros: Last for two weeks, great alternative to gel nails, range of classic colours, easy to apply, reusable, affordable, vegan, made of 94% post consumer recycled materials

Cons: May damage nails if you don't remove them correctly, not as much range as available in the U.S.

The Verdict: Comparing the cost of a gel manicure versus these, OPI's press on nails work out much for affordable at £16, and you can reuse them again and again, which makes cost per wear way more affordable than in-salon gels.

I found the sizes of the nails matched my nails really well for a secure fit. At around day 12, they started lifting around the edges slightly, but they did make it to the 14 day mark before one fell off and I decided it was time to take them off.

Like any nail enhancement, it's important that you remove them correctly to avoid damaging your nails. I found that my nails stayed healthy underneath, and it actually gave them a chance to grow underneath while shielded by my press ons. My only wish is that the extensive range available in the U.S. makes it way over to the UK soon, as there are a lot more options to choose from.

All in all, I honestly cannot recommend these press on nails enough, and I have been telling everyone to get them before they ultimately take off and sell out. I'm already planning on getting my hands on more of the colours.

Shop OPI X/PressOn Nails

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X/PressOn Press On Nails in Throw Me a Kiss

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X/PressOn Press On Nails in Bubble Bath

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X/PressOn Press On Nails in Big Apple Red

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X/PressOn Press On Nails in Malaga Wine

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X/PressOn Press On Nails in Don't Bossa Nova Me Around

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X/PressOn Press On Nails in French Press

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X/PressOn Press On Nails in Lincoln Park After Dark

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X/PressOn Press On Nails in I Want It, I Got It

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X/PressOn Press On Nails in My 9 to Thrive

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X/PressOn Press On Nails in Swipe Night

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Nails

These Press On Nails Are So Good, I Quit Gel Nails (2024)

FAQs

Are press on nails better than gel nails? ›

Press-on nails are a great alternative to more damaging options like gel polishes and acrylics. Though gel polishes and acrylics may last longer, the removal process for press-on nails is much easier on your nails, and since they only stay on for a couple of weeks, they are less likely to cause any issues.

Do press on gel nails damage your nails? ›

What's more: I find that press-ons and glue don't damage my nails the same way gel polish or acrylics do when they come off — nail artist Gina Edwards agrees. "The biggest benefit of a press-on is that you are in charge of your nail health," she says.

Are press on nails good for your nails? ›

The incredible thing about press on nails is that they won't damage as easily as other false nails. The nail is made of plastic but is strong and crafted to last long. Press on nails don't lose their finish either, they will continuously shine.

What is the least damaging fake nail? ›

Choose soak-off gel nails instead of acrylic nails.

While gel nails can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking, they're more flexible than acrylic nails. This means your own nails are less likely to crack. You'll want to ask for gel nails that soak off rather than ones that must be filed off.

Do nails grow under press on nails? ›

Your nails will look beautiful when you leave the salon, but obviously your natural nails will continue to grow, leaving a gap at the bottom of the acrylic. This means that every few weeks you will need an infill appointment to get these gaps filled.

How long does a press on nails last? ›

How Long Do Press On Nails Usually Last? A set of press-on nails will typically last for about one week but if you follow the tips above and take care of your nails they could stay intact for two to three weeks (or until you remove them).

How often should you take a break from gel nails? ›

According to a Today article, it's recommended to take a one-week break from gel nails at least every eight weeks. This interval is necessary to give your nails time to rehydrate and undergo natural repair. Some beauty professionals also generally suggest pausing after you've had two or three gel manicures in a row.

What is the healthiest manicure option? ›

Unlike acrylic nails that use liquid monomer and polymer powder, gel nails cure under UV or LED light for 30-60 seconds. One of the main reasons gel nails are considered a healthier option is their flexibility. The gel formula allows the nails to bend and move more naturally, reducing the risk of breakage and chipping.

Do nails get weaker after gel? ›

Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling and cracking, and repeated use can increase the risk for skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands. To keep your nails healthy before, during, and after gel manicures, dermatologists recommend following these tips.

Is it OK to wear press on nails all the time? ›

It's also possible to experience an allergic reaction to the press-on nail itself or the glue used to secure it. An allergy to these ingredients can develop at any time. To help alleviate the risk of infection, Dr. Murray recommends only wearing press-on nails for special occasions and keeping the length short.

Do celebrities wear press on nails? ›

CELEBS THAT LOVE PRESS-ON NAILS

In fact, some of the worlds biggest names, at some of the worlds biggest events, have also opted for an instant mani. Jennifer Lopez we're looking at you. Not only has she rocked press-on nails at some of the world's biggest award shows, she wears them in concert too!

What are the side effects of press on nails? ›

They can save you time and money, but can also lead to infections. Press-on nails can trap moisture, creating an environment for fungus and bacteria to thrive. Applying and removing the press-on nails could lead to more damage. That includes brittle nails and even breakage.

Why is dip bad for your nails? ›

"Dip powders are temporarily damaging to the nails as the seal layer of your nails is broken in the process of this type of manicure," Josephine Allen, a nail technician at Samuel Shriqui Salon, tells PS.

Which is worse for your nails, gel or dip? ›

Though dip powders are generally considered the gentlest option, both gels and dips can be used long-term without damaging your nails. Once again, choosing a high-quality product – and taking care of your nails properly – are the most important factors when it comes to nail health.

Does dip powder ruin your nails? ›

Dip powder isn't necessarily “good” for your nails (because no nail technique—other than having bare nails—truly is), but they shouldn't create any long-term damage either, so long as your technician is taking safety measures into account (more on this below...).

Why do my press-on nails fall off? ›

They come in tons of different styles and colors, and they typically last anywhere from ten days to two weeks when applied correctly. Sometimes, though, they can fall off or chip within a matter of days. This is usually caused by improper application or lack of care once the press-on nails are applied.

Do press-on nails come off in the shower? ›

To answer this question, it should be noted that only fake nails that do not have good quality can come off in the shower or other activities that can include water. The reason is that they may not hold up well in wet conditions. Glamermaid press-on nails are specifically designed to be waterproof and durable.

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