BEAUTY,  UNDER $100

The $6 Manicure // Impress Nails

April 16, 2020 /

Shop My Look:

Press on Nails: imPress kit (on sale for 30% off right now) // Bag: Bespoke lucite clutch (you can personalize it with your name or your monogram)!

Dear friends, during this time of quarantine I know that many of us have started getting very creative with our beauty routines! The stores are selling out of hair dye and google searches for at-home beauty treatments have shot through the roof! Well, I have a great option for an affordable, easy and beautiful manicure that you can do on your own right in your own living room (kitchen, bathroom, etc…)! The entire process only takes about 15 minutes and anyone can do it, even if you have two left hands! I’ve been using this brand of press-on nails for years and love them. They last at least two weeks for me, and I am, by no means, easy on my nails considering all the baking, hand-washing, dish-washing and gardening that I do!

Scroll down for step by step instructions on how to apply these nails (and for other “buy from home” options from the same company):

Here are the contents of the kit: Nails, emery board, orange stick and alcohol pad.
Lay out the individual nails that you’ll be using for each finger. There are numbers on the underside of each nail.
Gently file the edges and surfaces of your nails with the file. This will help the nails adhere better.

Wipe the surface of each nail with the alcohol wipe. This helps to dry out your nail bed.
Remove the sticky tab on each press-on nail right before you apply it.
Apply the nail at a slight angle and make sure it is straight before pressing down.

Apply firm pressure to the entire nail for about 1 minute per nail.
Apply both of the thumb nails last. This makes things much easier!

Voila! Here is the finished look! Try not to get your hands/nails wet for a few hours.

Some important tips:

(1) Try not to wash your hands for a few hours before and after applying the nails. This allows the nails to stay moisture free, which in turn allows the nails to adhere better and last longer. I try to apply mine before going to bed.

(2) Make sure to pick the correct size nail. It’s better to pick one that’s slightly narrower (rather than wider) than your own nail. Make sure that the nail is sitting entirely on your own nail bed.

(3) After you have applied the nails, try to press down on them from time to time during the subsequent hour or so.

(4) Keep a small bottle of nail glue and extra nails in your purse, just in case one pops off! I’ve rarely had this happen, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. You can add a small drop of nail glue to your nail bed and then put the existing nail back on. Press and allow to set. I also keep glue on hand in case the nails loosen up at the base near the cuticle. I add a small drop under that area of the nail and press down.

(5) Removal. When it is time to remove your nails, you can soak your fingers in warm water for a few minutes. Then use the orange stick or the edge of an extra press-on nail to pry the nails off gently by using a sawing motion on the side edges of the nails. They should come off quite easily. Do not apply excessive pressure. If the nails are not quite ready to yield, soak them for a bit longer.

Here are some other options for press on nail kits from “ImPress.” (Click on the images to shop):