19 Press-On Nail Designs You’ll Want to Try for an Instant Pinterest-Worthy Manicure
If there’s one beauty category that’s really stepped up its game in recent years, it’s definitely press-on nails. Hearing the term “press-on nails,” you might think of the French tips we all used to score in middle school, but you’ll be amazed to see the range of designs brands offer now. We bet you’ve even scrolled through some press-on nail designs on your Instagram feed and didn’t even know it.
But what’s the true appeal of press-on nails? Besides the gorgeous designs that you won’t have to pay a salon to paint, they’re incredibly affordable, easy to apply, reusable, and you can switch them as often as you’d like to match your mood or outfit. You can also try out different shapes of nails without committing.
Our best tip before embarking on your press-on nail journey is to score some nail glue dots, which are stick-on adhesives that act like glue but without the mess. While most press-on nail kits come with nail glue, we find it’s a good idea to have these on hand for an easier removal process. You never know what design you might be feeling!
Whether you’re longing for that simple French tip, bold summer nail colors, or the latest trendy nail art—we promise there’s a press-on nail option for it all. Check out all the best press-on nail brands and designs below.
Want to try your hand at DIY? Check out our tutorial for at-home holographic nails:
1. Flower Child
CHILLHOUSE reigns supreme in the press-on nail world. They create the press-on nail trends that we see taking over social media. Their newest launch is a collection with nail influencer, Lauren Ladnier.
The Inner Bloom set from CHILLHOUSE is perfect for spring and you can play around with the pattern of colors between the peach and yellow nails. Of course, CHILLHOUSE gives you a file to shape to your liking, glue, and a cuticle stick.
2. Lilac Dipped
Colorful French manicures are at the top of everyone’s list these days. Instead of heading to a nail salon or grabbing a striper brush and attempting it yourself, just pop on this GLAMNETIC X IPSY set. All of the packaging and nails themselves are recyclable PET plastic, so you can reuse your set as many times as you’d like and then recycle every piece. Plus, the coffin shape is super chic.
3. Chic Tortoise
If you’re into neutral nails but want to experiment, you can’t miss STATIC NAILS. Press-ons from STATIC NAILS (like this set designed by Urban Outfitters) are incredibly sturdy and you can choose your fave shape, in any design and color. This particular tortoiseshell look is perfect all year long.
4. Indie Mixed
You may have noticed the indie nail trend—having every nail be a little different from the other—is popping up everywhere. If you’re into this vibe, you’ll def want to check out the Mixed Set from OLIVE & JUNE, which features checks, smileys, sparkles, flames, and more.
5. Subtle Celestial
This Designed by celebrity nail artist Brittney Boyce, NAILS OF LA has the cutest neutral designs—like The Minimalist, which is super chic with its gold half moon embellishment. For a more natural nail look without the length, they also have nail stickers in similar designs, too.
6. Decked in Decals
These press-ons are so fun and as their name suggests, always a surprise. COLOR CAMP teamed up with DECO MIAMI to create these one-of-a-kind press-ons (aptly named Surprise!) with a sparkly base and all-over decals. They’re the perfect choice if you’re wanting to hop on the nail sticker trend.
7. A Peek of Red
The MARMALADE NAILS set in Babydoll give new meaning to the accent nail. The kit features a nude pink color on top with a vibrant red underneath. Yep, just like those famous red-bottomed heels. Don’t wait for your next Valentine’s Day nails, the pink and red trend will be seen everywhere this summer.
8. Spring Green
This light green is the “it color” of the year—as seen on this set from VANITY TABLE in Shine Muscat. You likely have a piece of clothing, or an accessory, in this color, making these nails the perfect way to tie it all together. The shade effortlessly takes you from spring to summer.
9. Celestial Ombré
Slightly different than your traditional press-on, MANIME offers custom-fit gel nail stickers. We’re personally head over heels for this “Colorful Mind” ombré design. Once you create an account, you’ll need to upload photos of your nails. When you receive your design they’ll fit you almost perfectly. All you need to do is some light filing for a little extra shaping. You’ll notice the gel finish once sealed onto your nails, looking like you just came from the salon.
10. Latte Gradient
If you haven’t heard, coffee inspire nails are 100 percent in! The imPRESS Press-on Manicure from KISS in As Usual are super affordable and can be found at most drugstores even. They have a gel finish and feel super Cassie-inspired from Euphoria given the gemstones.
11. Peachy Florals
Another must-have design from CHILLHOUSE: Devil Wears Florals. These two-toned press-ons have swirls and flowers for an elevated spring-summer mani. CHILLHOUSE nails always come in a rounded shape but of course, you can file as much as you’d like for a coffin or square look.
12. Matte White
You can’t go wrong with a white manicure, so why not make it matte? We love the MARMALADE NAILS Press-on Manicure Kit in Aria | Square Matte White. The great thing about press-on nails is they are so easy to switch out depending on your outfit or mood.
13. Holographic Shimmer
The holographic trend is getting a second wind this spring and summer. Don’t spend money and time doing your nails with holographic polish (or asking for cat-eye gel at a salon), pop these on instead! The OLIVE & JUNE Diamond Holographic Press-Ons scream disco vibes and are the perfect edition to your summer concert outfit.
14. Pastel Waves
Fun fact: COLOR CAMP nails are also completely customizable. And, they’re the exact type of gel manicure you would get in a salon under the UV light. They’ll send you a try on kit before so you can size each of your nails. Then, you’ll choose if you want full nail art or just half! This wavy Spring Break design is great for those who want to keep things mostly neutral, but with a pop of color.
15. Electric Blue
Deep Ocean is another must-have color from the KISS collection. Electric blue is a color you need to have in your nail plan this spring and summer. Don’t be afraid to jazz them up with some nail decals either!
16. Baby Hearts
The best part about this press-on set from GLAMERMAID is that they look like you have nail decals on your natural nail! They have a bit of an iridescent shine to them and you can purchase in multiple nail shapes. GLAMERMAID nails actually come with adhesive tabs (or glue dots) but you can also use nail glue too.
17. Rainbow Watercolor
OHORA is the best-kept secret in the press-on world. These gel manicures are under $16 and always go on sale, often selling at half the price. We love these pastel rainbow press-ons and their glossy finish. Keep an eye out on OHORA, this k-beauty nail brand is starting to pop up everywhere!
18. Silver Velvet:
If you’re well-versed in the Indie Nail world, you know how popular ‘velvet’ nails or the ‘cat-eye gel’ nail technique is. These nails from GLAMNETIC feature a shimmery silver tip that look exactly like velvet nails. Perfect for your next party or chill brunch with friends.
19. Checkered Tips
Move over boring French manicures. If you like checkered nails and colorful French tips, you’ve hit the jackpot. In the popular electric blue color we all know and love, these tips look chic and give ‘that girl’ status.
Want to keep up with the latest nail trends including press-ons, decals, designs, and nail polish colors? Take our Beauty Quiz now to get started. Already an Ipster? Refer your friends to earn points, which you can use toward products. Either way, don’t forget to check us out on Instagram and Twitter @IPSY.
Like this article? Share it with your friends by clicking the icons below!