The Charm
The 6 Best Press-On Nails Sets of 2023, Tested by Byrdie
Theresa Holland is a freelance writer covering all things fitness and wellness for Byrdie. You can also find her work in Elite Daily, MyDomaine, Thought Catalog, and more.
Updated on 06/12/23 09:33AM
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Cherisse Harris is a fact-checker with a focus on lifestyle, beauty, and parenting. She’s worked in research for nearly two decades.
Trips to the nail salon are costly and time-consuming. But if you don’t have steady hands, painting your nails at home can be challenging. The solution? Press-on nails. Unlike press-on nails of the past, today’s offerings feature cool designs and modern shapes and are easy to apply. “Having the ability to take them off and switch them every day for your outfit is a great way to stay on-trend,” says celebrity stylist Chloe Delgadillo, who specializes in hand styling.
Whether you’re looking to glam up your fingers for a special occasion, don’t have time to head to the salon, or just aren’t great at painting your own nails, press-ons are for you. Of course, not all sets are created equal. So, we tested 13 of the most popular press-on nail sets in The Lab to find the prettiest, most user-friendly options that won’t fall off during date night or destroy your nail beds.
Here are the best press-on nails, tested and reviewed by Byrdie.
In This Article
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Best Overall
View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Beyondpolish.com
Our Ratings
Ease of Use
4.5 /5
Look
4.5 /5
- Easy to apply
- Looks like real nails
- Durable and reusable
- Almost too sticky
Our best overall choice is the Pop-On Manicure from Static Nails. These press-ons were generally easy to apply, though the glue was almost too sticky in that it would sometimes adhere to the top of the nail prematurely. With 24 nails and 12 different sizes included, we were able to find the perfect size for each finger. The set also comes with a dual-sided file/buffer tool and glue that promises not to damage your nail beds.
After applying the adhesive and pressing down firmly for 30 seconds per nail, they were set in place. The final look appears natural and sophisticated, thanks to the chic almond shape. (You can also get sets with rounded and square tips.) These waterproof press-on nails held up surprisingly well through washing dishes and folding laundry. One of our testers shared that only one nail had fallen off 10 days later—if this happens to you, you can just glue it back on.
Price at time of publish: $20
Included Nails: 24 | Included Tools: Glue, file/buffer | Waterproof: Yes | Reusable: Yes
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ACTING
Acting Classes
The Green Room Acting Studio provides Zoom acting classes for kids, teenagers, and adults in the St. Louis area. The studio offers a $25 trial class. After that, monthly classes range between $100-120 per month for kids and $150-180 for teenagers and adults.
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Acting Classes
The Gateway Center for Performing Arts offers acting classes for all ages, as well as summer camps, intensives, and performing opportunities. One-on-one private coaching lessons are also available for several disciplines, including vocal and instrumental music, dance, and acting instruction. Prices and schedules vary.
BLACKSMITHING
Blacksmithing Tulip Series
Learn basic forging techniques and create a floral centerpiece in the process with this three-part blacksmithing course. The class is open to both beginners and intermediates. Sparks are sure to be flying, so come prepared with protective clothing! February 7–21. $385 for the three-part course.
Various Classes
Local blacksmith Kim Stahl will be teaching a variety of blacksmithing classes at Craft Alliance this spring. Grasp the fundamentals of the medium with the six-week course “Introduction to Blacksmithing,” where you’ll learn how to hand-forge and manipulate metal. Slightly more niche classes include “Making a Cheese Knife” and “Making Hooks and Wall Hangers.”
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BOOKBINDING
Introduction to Bookbinding
Central Print is hosting an introductory bookbinding class where students will learn how to make four book structures. The structures they’ll learn are pamphlet, double signature sewn as one, case-in pamphlet, and multi-section book case-in. Cost is $255, and all materials and tools are provided. Spring class dates are coming soon.
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CANDLEMAKING
Candlemaking Sessions
Explore more than 100 fragrances at the Candle Fusion Studio, where patrons can create their own custom soy candle or room sprays, body mists, spa salts, and wax tarts. The studio takes walk-in appointments for individuals or small groups, but reservations are recommended for groups with six or more people.
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CLAY/CERAMICS
Pottery Open Workshop
The South Broadway Art Project hosts Open Workshop, which provides pottery students with as much instruction as they want or need to learn. Students learn at their own pace and can take part in classes such as the Make-A-Mug Workshop, Glaze & Paint Your Own Pottery, and Clay Date Night. The group offers a 10 or 28 Hour Pass or Monthly Membership, which are $95, $185, and $150, respectively.
Wheel Throwing
Laumeier Sculpture Park offers wheel throwing and clay classes and workshops for people of all ages. Participants meet in small groups and work at their own pace with guided instruction. Classes range from $112 to $187 and are available in groups based on age. Check Laumeier Sculpture Park’s website for dates and times.
Various Classes
The Craft Alliance offers 20 different clay and ceramics classes for participants, such as handbuilding, ceramic restoration, and wheel classes. Patrons can learn how to make mugs, jars, bowls, and more through these classes. Dates, times, and more information is available on the Craft Alliance’s website.
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COMEDY/IMPROV
Various Classes
Local venue The Improv Shop offers classes, workshops, and shows for those looking to bump up their comedy chops. Newbies might enjoy their “Level 0: Entry Level for Beginners” course, while experts can explore a range of topics spanning from “Longform Mechanics” to “Advanced Musical Improv.” Most classes kick off in early February.
Improv Dim Sum
Inspired by the tasting menu invoked in its name, this four-part series of improv courses offers a little bit of everything. A new coach leads each session, and the classes are held virtually over Zoom on Sunday evenings. With a 10 player limit, there’s sure to be plenty of time for every participant to build their skill set. February 5–26. $80 for all four sessions.
CREATIVE WRITING
St. Louis Oasis: Creative Writing
Kim Lozano, a developmental editor, writing coach, and workshop leader, is holding a creative writing workshop for both beginners and experienced writers on February 9 and 23, and March 9 and 16 from 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. At her workshops, participants will be able to receive feedback from Lozano and their peers. Readings will include writers of fiction, memoir, essays, and poetry. Cost is $108.
Sunday Workshop: Niki Herd
Presented by the St. Louis Poetry Center, St. Louisans are invited to submit their own pieces of poetry by February 12 to be workshopped by poet Niki Herd, two-time Pushcart Prize Nominee. This free workshop will take place on February 19 at 1:30 p.m. Class space is limited to 12 poems/participants, so it’s important that you sign up fast and follow the guidelines for submission.
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DRAWING
Intermediate Drawing
Take your drawing technique to the next level with this course taught by artist Michael Faris. The six-week intensive welcomes participants of all ability levels, features a collaboration-oriented environment, and caps off with an open-ended final project. March 7–April 11. $140 for members, $170 for non-members.
Drawing 1 and Drawing 2
In Drawing 1, participants will “become acquainted with the use of a variety of drawing tools and surfaces.” Then, Craft Alliance invites students to build on their new skills with Drawing 2, where they’ll branch out into new materials and develop their visual accuracy. Drawing 1: April 17–May 22, $213 for members and $250 for non-members. Drawing 2: February 27–April 3, $213 for members and $250 for non-members.
Introduction to Drawing and Intro to Realistic Drawing
The instructors at Missouri Artists on Main will be teaching two drawing courses this spring. For those who are just getting started, Introduction to Drawing with Adam Long is a four-week course open to students of all experience levels. Intro to Realistic Drawing Colored Pencil B. J. Kamler will provide detailed guidance for turning a reference photo into a lifelike colored pencil piece. Introduction to Drawing: February 7–28, $75 for returning students and $100 for others. Intro to Realistic Drawing: February 1–March 8, $150.
FIBER ARTS
Quilting for All Levels
Founded in 2016, City Sewing Room came together as a place for people to gather and share in the love of stitching. Now a nonprofit organization, City Sewing Room teaches 20 youths and over 20 adults every week. For $40 every Tuesday and Thursday, City Sewing Room welcomes beginners and advanced quilters to attend their adult class Quilting for All Levels. Participants will be able work on their individual projects with provided fabric and supplies.
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Intro to Garment Sewing Course
Sew Hope Community Sewing Room, a community for sewers, quilters, and crafters, has been offering classes, workshops, and workstations for creatives of all ages in the St. Louis area. Their Intro to Garment Sewing Course, starting March 11, is open to people ages 14 and up. With a beginner friendly attitude, Sew Hope emphasizes learning sewing fundamentals, garment sewing, and commercial sewing patterns in this class. Four-week course for $299
Fiber Art
The St. Louis Artists’ Guild, a nationally known arts center in the Midwest, has been in operation since 1886 and inspires art experiences through their exhibits, classes, and outreach to the St. Louis community. As a center where artists can learn and share ideas with each other, Fiber Art is an introductory class for ages 10-12 that will dive into the basics of embroidery, hand sewing, needle felting, and tie-dying. On Wednesday from 4:30–6 p.m. starting February 1, your child will be a master in fiber arts. Six-week course starting at $110 (for members) and $150 (for nonmembers)
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FLORALS/GARDENING
Jump Starting the Growing Season
With its mission to empower and educate, Seed St. Louis, a nonprofit organization since 1984, is offering a free Zoom class to get your garden ready for the season. Led by Dean Gunderson, Director of Education at Seed St. Louis, Jump Starting the Growing Season will teach you how to get crops started earlier than usual and which crops you can plant early.
Irish Eyes Are Smiling
Planning ahead the floral arrangements at your wedding or wanting to spruce up the house, look no further than Stems Florist & St. Louis Flower Delivery’s Irish Eyes Are Smiling course. On March 4th at the Stems Florist Design Studio, the company invites you to explore floral design while learning the basics. In the end, guests will come out with a beautiful centerpiece full of hydrangeas, succulents, and spring bright blooms. Costs $75 per person; class space limited to 10 people.
Thyme for a Break–It’s Spring
The St. Louis Herb Society and the Missouri Botanical Garden are collaborating to offer a class about herbs. On March 7 from 10–11:30 a.m. at the Kemper Center for Home Gardening classroom, adults can learn delicious spring recipes, tips on planting herbs, and other crafting experiences at Thyme for a Break–It’s Spring.
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MUSIC
Rock Band Classes
Always dreamt of joining a rock band, but never got around to it? STL Rock School offers rock band classes that will have your kid performing live in concert at a local venue like Blueberry Hill, the Old Rock House, and more. Bands are put together by the staff to help each of the students reach their potential with an expert band director at the helm. Prices and schedules vary.
Piano Lessons
At Patterson Performing Arts, they ensure that your kids are given the tools and confidence to showcase their musical talents to the world. With their Accelerated Piano Lab, students will have one-on-one lessons for an hour each week, working at the student’s pace and skill level. In order to sign up, students have to schedule a discovery call, choose a time slot and register, and finally, take lessons. They also offer voice lessons with the same procedure. Costs $169 per month, including all materials.
Voice Lessons
Gabrielle Studio of Music, a premier private instruction from certified music instructors, offers a unique voice lesson experience for students of all ages and abilities. These private lessons are combined with multiple live performances throughout the year, backed by a professional 5-piece band. To begin the process, Gabrielle Studio of Music asks potential students to send an inquiry through their website. Prices vary.
Various Lessons
This music school offers a variety of lessons, including piano, guitar, violin, mandolin, banjo, and ukulele, with premier instructors. With lessons held weekly and opportunities for students to perform in their recitals, all ages are invited to sign up. To contact them for teacher availability or to schedule a lesson to give it a try, they ask you to call their number, 314-282-5126. Tuition varies according to the length of the lesson.
