The best press-on nails

THE NEW FAUX MANICURE

In the time BC (Before Corona), we enjoyed the services of the brilliant technicians of our favourite London salons, buffing, painting and preening and sometimes – when we’re feeling experimental – a little nail art thrown in, too.

Now, if you’re not a salon whizz and you find nail-painting is a problem, here are the alternatives that are taking over right now – nail stickers, press- and glue-ons have had a bit of a makeover since the 90s. Now they come in all sorts of sophisticated and fun shapes, sizes and patterns – and you can design your own here. Or try nail jewellery by Unistella here.

The real USP is that, once mastered, they take minutes to apply with no drying time and are budget-friendly – you could call them the unsung heroes of at-home manicures.

Now more than ever, with Dominic Raab’s announcement that personal care services – will not be able to re-open until 4 July at the earliest, this might be the quick fix you’re looking for.

Here’s the best edit of the press-on nails: from simple naturals to full-on sparkle and at least something to have a little fun with right now.

​Elegant Touch Luxe Looks False Nails Collection in Out Of Order, £7.95

Super-subtle nail art that offers a modernist edge to your manicure.

Elegant Touch Luxe Looks False Nails Collection in Out Of Order, £7.95 – buy here

​Elegant Touch Polished Core Nails in Red Alert, £5

Bright and beautiful, this matt red will add some glamour to your Zoom or home-dating.

Elegant Touch Polished Core Nails in Red Alert, £5 – buy here

​Nails By Angel, various custom sizes and shapes, from £16

A super-charged hot pink – and customisable in both size and shape.

Nails By Angel, various custom sizes and shapes, from £16 – buy here

​ncLA Los Angeles Instant Nail Fashion Designer Nail Wraps in Captured Reflection, £10.95

Fun nail wraps in summer florals – a perennial favourite.

ncLA Los Angeles Instant Nail Fashion Designer Nail Wraps in Captured Reflection, £10.95 – buy here

​GlamfalsiesStudio, various custom size and shape options, from £12

Blush pink, white and gold make for a classic nail colour combo but with a sparkly twist.

GlamfalsiesStudio, various custom size and shape options, from £12 – buy here

Invogue Coloured Oval Nails in Classic Nude, £5

A pretty natural with no drying time required.

Invogue Coloured Oval Nails in Classic Nude, £5 – buy here

​PerfectlyNailed, various custom sizes and shapes, £12

A dark and vampy shade with bespoke sizing offered too.

PerfectlyNailed, various custom sizes and shapes, £12 – buy here

​NailsByNthminx Nude Gold Veins Full Cover False Nails, £13.99

This is the kind of nail art we could never attempt at home as a DIY – so buy yours ready-made here.

NailsByNthminx Nude Gold Veins Full Cover False Nails, £13.99 – buy here

​Kiss Nude Nails – Sensibility, £7.99

A thoroughly modern pointy shape – without being too bling.

Kiss Nude Nails – Sensibility, £7.99 – buy here

​Elegant Touch Nude Collection Squoval Matte Nails at ASOS, £5

A super-practical shape and the matt version make these understated nails look oh-so modern.

Elegant Touch Nude Collection Squoval Matte Nails at ASOS, £5 – buy here

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