Glamnetic's Press-On Nails Create a Chic, Long-Lasting DIY Mani (2024)

We put the Glamnetic Press-On Nails to the test after receiving a complimentary sample from the brand. Keep reading for our full product review.

If you've got commitment issues when it comes to deciding on a manicure, no one understands that more than we do. Not everyone wants to commit to the same set of nails or has the time to sit for an intricate design at a salon. Luckily, in this fresh era of nail art enthusiasm, your DIY options are wider than ever. Press-on nails, especially, have had quite the impressive makeover as brands have debuted more modern designs and long-wear adhesives, with some products promising up to two weeks of wear. Glamnetic, in particular, has stood out in the press-on nail category, catering to nail enthusiasts who love expressive designs as well as those who appreciate a timeless neutral manicure. Founded in 2019 by Ann McFerran, the brand has expanded from offering easy-to-apply faux lashes into fan-favorite press-ons that are nothing like the ones your grandma used to wear. Ahead, we put Glamnetic's press-on nails to the test: Keep scrolling for our full review to see if they're worth trying for your next at-home mani.

About My Nails: Short with frequent DIY manicures

I do my own nails at home, and I'm never without polish or a shaped silhouette. I keep my nails manicured, short, and I usually opt for neutral colors, reds, or deep crimson shades depending on the season. Due to my work, I usually never let them get too long. I'm meticulous about keeping my mani clean, in good shape, and free from visible chipping.

How to Apply: Practice makes perfect

It took me a few tries to get these nails right, but I was happy once I succeeded. The kit comes with a cuticle pusher, glue, a mini-file, an alcohol wipe, and several nails in different sizes. It's key to ensure you have zero residue on your nails before applying the press-ons, as well as to file your nail bed down to create a bit of grit for the glue to hold onto.

To prep, I gave myself a manicure as usual by cleaning up my cuticles, filing and shaping my natural nails to be on the shorter side, and buffing them down with the file, leaving the alcohol swab for last to remove any remnants of oil, dirt, or nail filings. I had to clean my nails twice with an alcohol swab, so you may need more on hand than what comes in the package.

Applying the glue takes some practice. There are two different adhesives that you can use for these nails; one comes in the package, and the other, a brush-on formula, is available for purchase separately. I had more luck with the brush-on glue than the one in the tube, so adding the brush-on formula to your cart at checkout can be worth it as it streamlines the process. I went through each nail shape, decided which suited my nail beds best, and laid them out in the order of how I'd apply them. Then, I applied a small amount of adhesive to the back of the press-on, plus a thin layer to my actual nail bed. Once applied, I firmly held down each nail for at least 30 seconds, avoiding getting any glue on or around my cuticles. Once the nail was securely on, I eased up on the pressure and let it fully dry, repeating the process on each nail.

The Results: A modern look with major staying power

Due to my usual tendency to keep my nails short, the almond style took some getting used to, but I felt more comfortable wearing them over time. The dark French design I tried (one of many options the brand has available) was the perfect mix of classic and modern, and it's even possible to file down the nails to slightly shorten them without ruining the press-on's shape or integrity.

The Glamnetic press-on nails felt secure, and I could go about my daily business and work without them getting too much in the way. For me, they didn't quite last two weeks, as three of them popped off within days of each other after six days. I managed to wear them for nine days before needing to change them, which is still longer than many other press-ons tend to last. I use my hands a lot, so keep this in mind when comparing your experience to someone else with different responsibilities.

McFerran emphasizes that Glamnetic considers anyone their target consumer. "Anyone who loves an at-home beauty DIY without sacrificing salon quality," she says. "At Glamnetic, we think beauty should be effortless, and we love finding ways to make your routine easier and quicker. We want you to look and feel your best, starting with our premium products."

The Value: Affordable with impressive quality

The results are pretty impressive regarding the design and price of these press-on nails. "We custom-mold our press-on nails to emulate the shape and thickness of a salon acrylic nail," McFerran explains. "We also focus on creating styles with a modern twist on classic styles and trends so that you feel you are the most on-trend in the room every single time. The finishes and designs we create typically take hours and $100+ to accomplish at a nail salon."

At $15 a set, you get salon-quality nails with designs and shapes that blend classic favorites with trending details, creating a long-lasting mani you'll want to show off while saving you the time and money of a salon visit.

Similar Products: You've got options

Since press-on nails are so popular, there are several other brands to choose from that also offer wearable designs, modern shapes, and a plethora of colors. Some notable brands offering affordable press-on nails are Olive and June, Kiss imPRESS Nails, and Lilac St. All of these options have similar price points, so try all your favorite designs and enjoy the ease and affordability of your DIY mani.

Final Verdict: A quality DIY manicure

If salon-quality press-on nails are what you're after, these from Glamnetic are more than worth a shot. Once you get the hang of the application process, you can shape them and enjoy them to your heart's content, and the strong adhesive means they will last you anywhere from several days to two weeks or more, depending on your lifestyle. Additionally, the accessible price point means you have the option of buying a few styles at a time without breaking the bank, increasing your potential for creativity.