Beauty Review: How to Use Press-On Nails

If like me you were a regular visitor to the nail salon pre-COVID-19, you'll understand that the struggle of bare, natural nails is real right now. Thankfully, there are still DIY options to keep you going through this tough time. Here's my experience with press-on nails and how to apply to fake nails at home during lockdown and beyond.

My Academy Award inspired nails by Graffiti Beauty

Of all the things I've missed the most since being on lockdown, my nail artist, Caroline, is right up there. Not only because she creates the most beautiful and unique nails for me every time, but because she's an absolute joy to be around and always up for a natter. Be it about film, TV shows we've watched lately or just having a moan about life.

Caroline is the founder of Graffiti Beauty in Stamford* and has a wealth of experience in the beauty world. She creates bespoke nail art and has even worked with brands such as Dr Martens and MAC to bring her concepts to life.

My Valentine's themed nails by Graffiti Beauty

Since lockdown, Caroline has had to temporarily close her beautiful, neon-lit salon in the heart of Stamford but has been working tirelessly to make face masks for NHS staff which are also available to customers via her FaceFilter shop. Luckily for me, she is also offering bespoke, reusable press-on nails with custom designs for you to apply yourself, safely at home which can last up to 2 weeks.

Press-On Nails from Graffiti Beauty

So how does it work? Well, once you've requested your order via the Graffiti Beauty Instagram page, your custom press-on nails will arrive in a neat little package. Each pack includes two alcohol wet-wipes, adhesive gel nail tabs in a selection of sizes (nail glue can be used but this will damage your natural nails), and a handy little nail file. 

How To Apply Press-On Nails 

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Prepare your own nails 

Before applying your fake nails, make sure there is no existing varnish, wash your hands thoroughly to ensure they are clean and free from any oils or dirt. 

Using a cuticle pusher, push the cuticles back to remove any dead skin or any dirt and make way for your new false nails. If you don't have one of these you can use your fingernails to create a similar effect. 

Apply cuticle oil to each finger, massage in to the skin and nail and allow a few minutes for it to absorb.

Use the alcohol wipes provided to clean your nails again, removing any access oil from the nail itself, right up to the cuticle and nail plate. 

Check the Size 

Once your hands and nails are clean and ready to go, it's time to size up your nails. Before sticking anything down, check the fit/size of each nail by placing it over your natural nail plate. If the false nail is too wide, you can adjust the size by filing up the sides of each. After filing, be sure to wipe it to remove any dust using your alcohol wipes. 

Now your nails are filed to size, it's time to size-up the adhesive nail tabs by holding up each tab to your natural nail.

Be sure to check the sizing before removing any tabs from the plastic to avoid wastage. These tabs are super strong adhesive and can hold for up to three weeks so take your time before sticking anything down.  

Stick 'em down 

Once you're happy with the size and fit of both the false nail and the adhesives, remove a tab from the plastic and place it straight over your nail plate so it sticks flat. 

Take the false nail and stick it directly over the tab at a downward angle, starting from the cuticle area and then upwards. Push down evenly on to the edge of the nail, checking that there is no air bubbles. 

If you still need to reshape your nail, resist the urge to file them until you've applied the full set and given them a chance to stick and hold properly. And that's it! Beautiful, professional nails for up to 3 weeks.

How To Remove and Reuse Press-On Nails

If you take good care of your press-on nails, you'll be able to reuse them again. To remove your press-on nails safety without ruining them, soak your nails in warm, soapy water for around 10 minutes. Remove them from the water and then gently peel off the nails. For more stubborn nails, return them to the water and try rocking your fingers back and forth to allow water under the nail to loosen it. Allow them to dry fully before re-applying and follow the steps above to stick back on.

Well, that's it for another beauty review. A huge thanks to Caroline for creating these stunning blue flame nails for me, they are so needed during lockdown but can be used any time. If you'd like to order your own custom press-on nails, you can contact Caroline via her DMs on Instagram.

But tell me, have you ever tried press-on nails? What are you looking forward to the most after lockdown? As always, I love reading your comments so please do leave me your comments below. For this tutorial I also created my very first IGTV so please do check that out above and via my Instagram and let me know what you think and whether I should do more videos.

Until next time, stay home, stay safe.

*Disclaimer - Caroline very kindly gifted me this particular set of press-on nails but I am a regular customer to her salon and would recommend her services to anyone. As always, all opinions are my own.