how to apply your press-on nails

first time wearing press-ons? no worries — we’ve got you.

proper prep is the secret to a long-lasting wear. follow these steps for the best results.

step 1: prep your natural nails

start with clean, dry nails — no lotion, oil, or polish residue
lightly buff the surface of each nail with the buffer included in your kit to remove shine (this helps the glue bond better)
push back your cuticles gently
trim or buff away any dead or loose skin around the nail — do not use cuticle remover on the day of application
wipe each nail and the underside of your press-on with an alcohol wipe (70% or higher) or the prep cloth included in your kit

step 2: choose your adhesive method

your kit includes both glue tabs and liquid nail glue — here’s when to use each:

glue tabs — great for short-term wear (a few days). simply press the tab onto your natural nail and apply the press-on.
liquid nail glue — best for longer wear (10–12 days). follow the prep steps above for maximum hold. apply a small amount of glue to your natural nail, keeping it away from the cuticle. hold the press-on at a 45° angle at the cuticle line, then slowly press down until the full nail is flat and secure.

step 3: let them set

avoid water, lotion, and moisture for at least 1 hour after application
for best results, apply at night so your nails can fully set overnight
pro tip: apply on a day you’ve already showered to avoid early exposure to water