Know How To Properly Remove Them
If you go the glue nail route, you should understand that the removal process can damage your nails, similar to the acrylics, dip powder, and gel you get at the salon. “Always make sure to remove your press-on nails correctly improper removallike ripping them offcan lead to long-lasting, brittle nails,” says Kandalec. When it’s time to remove them, follow these steps to prevent as much damage as possible:
How Do You Apply Press
Applying press-on nails is a relatively simple task, however, there are a few key tips to ensure they look as real as possible. Kandalec breaks it down for us:
“Make sure to also fit the cuticle area to match your cuticle linenot filing this area is a tell-tale sign that they are fake,” she says.
What Fake Nails Stay On The Longest
The key to ensuring your fake nails stay on the longest is to make sure they fit correctly. “Using a nail that doesnt fit the arch, aka apex, of your nail will make it pop off too soonif it even lasts,” says Kandalec. She recommends sizing up the actual nail and tapering the sides down to fit.
As mentioned earlier, “always make sure you clean your nails with 91 percent alcohol before applying your press-ons and add a healthy amount of nail adhesive to your nails to make them last longer.” With good application and proper care, press-ons can last up to two weeks, explains Kandalec, adding that they normally last anywhere from five to ten days.
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Before Touching The Glue I Spent About 40 Minutes Using Clippers And A File To Shorten Each Design To My Natural Nails
I’ve never been one to have a hefty fingernail surface area, so I wasn’t surprised that the Chillhouse press-ons were a lot longer than my natural nails.
Using the kit’s miniature file and buffer, plus a pair of nail clippers I already had, I did my best to trim the nail pieces. The Chill Tips nails are bendable and easy to work with, so this wasn’t too difficult.
The trimming process turned out to be a bit of a perfectionist’s nightmare, but I decided that the time I spent sizing each design to my finger was equal to the time it takes for regular polish to dry.
I Was Surprised At How Well The Nails Stayed In Place But No Manicure Is Perfect And After About Two Days They Started To Peel
At the end of day two, I noticed some of the designs were gaping around the sides of my nail, which may have been because I didn’t use enough glue in some areas.
On my third day of wearing the Chill Tips, I woke up with a few of the nails in my bed.
While the Chill Tips kit recommends not forcibly peeling any of the press-ons, and instead suggests soaking nails in acetone to help remove the designs, I got impatient and took them off myself. This wasn’t especially painful, and as a bonus, the Chill Tips are reusable, so they can be saved for another DIY manicure.
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How To Make Press
Besides following the basic steps for applying press-ons, there are a couple things to avoid that can help your manicure last. Try not to submerge the nail tips in hot water for too long as itll loosen the adhesive over time, Kawajiri advises. Other products like lotions and oils can also weaken the glue, so the nail artist recommends avoiding the nail tip area when moisturizing your hands.
If one of your nails does pop off, thankfully most press-on nails are reusable, so you can simply start over, buff and prep the nail again and re-glue the rogue tip.
About My Nails: Short And Strong
My nails dont break easily. I’ve admired nail art from afar, but very rarely reach for a bottle of polish on my own. Painting my nails has never been my thing, and I’ve been keeping my nails short and neat for as long as I can remember. Over the past two years, Ive become more curious about press-ons, but most brands I was familiar with had lengths that I knew weren’t realistic for my lifestyle. The length of the Chillhouse Chill Tips seemed manageable, and I was excited to see what my nails would look like with the brand’s trendy designs.
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How To Apply: Follow Three Easy Steps
Chillhouse has very clear instructions for applying its press-ons, and to my surprise, the application process was hassle-freeeven as a novice press-on wearer. Heres a quick summary of the application process:
Returns For Online Orders With In
All items must be returned to Brightside within 21 days from the date they were placed.
All items must be brand new, unworn, unwashed, and in the original condition with all tags still attached. All items must be free from any scent , makeup, and fake tan.
Returns are processed within 48 hours of receiving them.
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The Downside Of Press
I had a great full day with my pink manicure before I started to find the fallen pieces sprinkled around my apartment, from my kitchen counter to my bed.
In another instance, I watched one of the press-on nails somehow fall directly into a storm drain while I was carrying bags of groceries from Trader Joe’s.
Returns For Shipped International Online Orders
Online orders are eligible for returns to the original form of payment.
All items must be returned to Brightside within 21 days from the date they were shipped. If the return is shipped, it must be post-marked before the 21 day return window has ended.
All items must be brand new, unworn, unwashed, and in the original condition with all tags still attached. All items must be free from any scent , makeup, and fake tan.
Returns are processed within 72 hours of receiving them. Shipping fees are non-refundable.
If a non-returnable item or item outside of the return window is returned to us, it will be automatically mailed back to the customer upon receipt. Customer will be responsible for shipping.
Please note, all international packages may be subject to duties and taxes. the limits for duty-free packages are established by your local customs authorities. Please check your local customs website for more information. Customers are responsible for all duties and taxes.
Returns for international orders are subject to a $15 return shipping fee, subtracted from your total refund through our return portal.
Return shipping in cad = approximately $19 CAD
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For Less Than $20 Press
In my opinion, nothing will stack up to the carefree experience of going to a salon for a manicure and leaving with expertly cared-for nails.
But I think there’s also something to be said about achieving streak- and chip-free nails at home for a lot less money and without having to actually paint anything.
It remains to be seen if the hype around press-on manicures will outlast other quarantine-centric beauty trends, but one thing’s for sure: If you see me around with a perfect set of nails for the next few months, you know my secret.
- Read more:
How To Apply Press
Prepping your nails for press-ons is similar to a traditional manicure. Pushing back cuticles and making sure the nail is free of oil, lint and dust is important, Gerstein shares. Most press-on kits will come with a small cuticle pusher and nail file to help you prep the nails. Having a nail clipper, nipper and cuticle remover on hand is also a good idea if youre planning on trimming your cuticles and shaping your nails. For the best results, a prepped nail bed should be clean and short, according to Kawajiri.
In addition to making sure your nail bed is prepared, youll also want to prep the press-ons. The fit of your nail tip is very important for long-lasting wear, Kawajiri says. Each nail tip size should match your nail beds closely in order for the tips to look realistic and to prevent them from falling off. When youre fitting the tips prior to application, make sure that they dont overlap with the side grooves of your nails. Laying out the tips in the order youre planning on applying them will also help you stay organized during the process.
Once your nails are trimmed and your press-ons are selected, lightly buff the nail with a nail buffer for a stronger bond. After buffing the nail, make sure to wipe away any dust or dirt. Using an alcohol wipe is the easiest way to make sure you have a clean canvas for your nail tips, Kawajiri says. Let the nails dry before applying any adhesive.
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Once The Designs Were Sized To My Fingers I Glued Them On And Voila I Had An At
I used the Chillhouse-branded tube of glue and followed the kit’s instructions, applying a light layer of adhesive on both the design and my actual nail, then pressing the two together.
Despite being extra careful seeing a “Warning!” note on the instruction packet, which advised against getting glue on the skin I still wound up with some bits of adhesive stuck to my fingertips and the skin surrounding my nails. The dried nail glue felt similar to super glue, and while it left an uncomfortable sensation, it dissolved the next day.
Aside from the glue mishaps, the application process was foolproof, and I couldn’t stop glancing at my newly “manicured” hands.
Best Overall: Static Nails
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Includes glue, file, and buffer
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Can be removed, reapplied, re-shaped, and re-painted
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Some styles are not long-lasting
Who else recommends it? Allure, Insider, and Best Products all picked Static Nails.
Take your pick from over 60 different packs, available in a wide array of lengths, effects, colors, and coverage. Want a long, almond-shaped chrome mani? They have that. Prefer round, matte, and nude? Theyve got that, too. You get the picture. Each set comes with 24 nails in 10 different sizes, plus a non-damaging glue, file, and buffer. Also nice: These can be removed, then reapplied, and even re-shaped and re-painted.
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The Next Week I Attempted Another Manicure With A Set Of Light
For my next foray into faux nails, I tried a set in a more neutral color that’s closer to something I would typically get at a salon.
The , which are around $12 at the time of writing, came with 28 pieces and a tube of glue.
Using my own clippers and file, I shaped and trimmed each nail piece and felt like a press-on pro.
How To Remove Press
While press-on kits will have instructions for removing the nails as well, Gerstein and Kawajiri have some pro-tips that will make it even easier. Both artists recommend clipping off the tips to the length of your real nail. Then, if youre not planning on reusing the nails, you can soak the nails in acetone for 10 to 15 minutes. Kawajiris preferred method is to apply cotton soaked in acetone to each nail and then wrap each finger in foil until the tips soften. You never want to force or pull the nails off. Instead, wait for them to soak until you can gently push the tips off with a wooden stick or cuticle pusher.
Alternatively, Gerstein says Kiss Glue Off, a product specifically made for press-on removal, is a wonderful alternative to soaking the nails.
If there is adhesive residue left on your nails, Kawajiri says you can carefully file it off, but do not file the nail bed too much. You dont want to start filing off your nails natural layers.
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I Dove Into The World Of Press
The Chill Tips nail kit is $16 and comes from the salon Chillhouse, which is known for offering manicures in unique and intricate designs.
In August, when the salon released its version of press-ons, I knew it would be the perfect opportunity to sport some of its signature nail illustrations, which I’ve long admired from afar and on .
The Chill Tips instructions were straightforward: file the faux-nail piece to size, buff the actual nail surface, and apply a layer of the kit’s non-toxic glue to the back of the product, as well as on the nail itself.
But I Found Some Tricks That Enhanced My Experience Like Using Cuticle Oil Before And After Wearing The Press
Last year, I spoke with professional manicurist Mabelyn Martin, who told me that using a natural oil argan oil, sweet almond oil, or jojoba oil on the cuticles and fingernails regularly can make a significant difference in their health and moisture.
I found this tip to be especially useful with the press-on nails.
With the press-ons, I wasn’t damaging my nails with acetone or what can be sometimes-harsh salon removal gel polish methods, but the pieces did leave some glue on the surface of my nail and left my surrounding skin feeling pretty dry.
Thankfully, a trusty bottle of argan oil from Trader Joe’s did the trick and brought my nails back to life after I removed the press-ons.
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Similar Products: You Have Options
Fingernails Are Pretty Press-Ons: A bit more of an investment and Canada-based, the Fingernails Are Pretty Pressies are some of the most beautiful press-ons out there. Hand painted and intricately designed, there are several nail art options to choose from and eight different nail shape and length options.
Olive and June Press-On Nails: A bit more affordable and with just as many options, the Olive and June Press-On Nails will make your hands look polished and manicured in just a few minutes. Made from upcycled materials and non-toxic glue, these nails can last just as long as the Chillhouse Chill Tips.
You get everything you want from press-on nails with the Chillhouse Chill Tips. They are easy to apply, have beautiful designs, and can last several days with no issues.
Say Hello To My Fingernails Which Live At The Corner Of Chipped And Need Attention
Like many others, it’s been a while since I’ve had a salon manicure.
While many states across America have lifted COVID-19-related restrictions on nail salons, I have yet to make an appointment and have been overall content with my at-home spa sessions.
That is, until a few days after my DIY manicure when my nails start looking like this, which makes me want to completely remove the polish and start again. The cycle continues, and I’m left with the same chipped nails every week.
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The Value: Worth Every Penny
I dont think you can go wrong with a pair of Chillhouse Chill Tips, especially when you consider the price. For $16, you get a set of artfully designed press-ons that can be reused several times. Additionally, you a nail file, cuticle stick, and high quality, non-toxic glue that wont damage your nails. When you factor in the other tools that come with the press-ons, I think the cost of the Chill Tips is appropriate.
Chillhouse Chill Tips Gave Me An Artistic Manicure In Minutes
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We independently research, test, review, and recommend the bestproductslearn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
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Nail glue is non-damaging when removed properly
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Press-ons are easy to apply and reusable
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Nothing
Chillhouse’s Chill Tips are one of the simplest and most affordable ways to switch up your manicures as often as youd like. With the brands easy-to-follow instructions and trendy nail art, your nails can always look polished and freshly done.
We put Chillhouse’s Chill Tips to the test after receiving a complimentary sample from the brand. Keep reading for our full product review.
Watching videos of artists creating beautiful designs on long, manicured nails leaves me inspired, but I know I’m not capable of painting the art on myself. Additionally, I personally prefer to keep my nails short. After checking out the designs and length of the nails from Chillhouse Chill Tips , I decided to give press-on nails a go. If you’re like me and have an affinity for nail art, but not the DIY aspect of creating it, read on to learn more if Chill Tips are right for you.
Best for: A quick, salon-like manicure
Price: $16
What’s Included: Press-ons, a nail file, a cuticle tool, and non-toxic glue
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