imPRESS Nails Review: The Pros & Cons Of Press Ons

This is my candid imPRESS nails review. Ever since I started using these press on nails a few years ago, it changed my entire nail routine! 

Here’s everything you need to know about the pros and cons of this product. 

P.S. This review is solely about the imPRESS press on nails with adhesive backing (not the kind that you have to use with nail glue). Although I use those sometimes, I prefer the adhesive style since it’s so much more convenient. The best part is its also less nail damage without using glue.

First Off, What Are Press On Nails?

I first heard about an imPRESS manicure a few years ago from my dear friend Marina over dinner one night. Everyone at the table complimented on her Insta-worthy nails and she revealed that they’re press ons. 

Press ons? I was like, what are those?

Pretty much, they’re pieces of plastic nails with an adhesive backing that you literally press on in just a few minutes. Think of them like nail stickers that look like a real manicure. (More on the exact application steps in a sec.) 

imPRESS nails are part of KISS Products which are also known for their other beauty goods like lashes and hair accessories.

Each nail set comes with 30 individual nails of different sizes, a mini nail file, alcohol swab prep pad, and wooden stick cuticle pusher.

My Honest imPRESS Nails Review

Right after learning about the magic that is KISS imPRESS nails, I had to try them ASAP. This was a few years ago and I was surprised by how easy and fast the process is. 

Ever since that day, I’ve barely used actual nail polish on my fingers (I still use nail polish for at-home pedicures). Also, I rarely go to the nail salons since it takes so much time going back and forth. One of my pet peeves is removing gel polish so I try to avoid that as much as possible!

A major change I have to note from when I first started using imPRESS nails is that they have MUCH better adhesion than before. 

When I used this product years ago, I remember how one or two nails would almost always come off at the most inconvenient time. Like in the middle of an event. 

But even then, I would still use it. Although it was annoying, I always carried the box of extra nails to re-apply any nails if they fell off.

I’ve noticed that the new versions are extremely long-lasting. Thank goodness their improved technology completely leveled up the adhesion. 

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Now, in my recent experience, none of the nails would fall off even after 7 days of wear. They can probably last a couple more days after that, but I usually keep them on for a maximum of 7 days to give my nails a chance to breathe. 

I’m also obsessed with the range of nail designs that the KISS website has. From a flower design with rhinestones to chrome nail designs and more, there’s no shortage of options.

Also, there’s a wide range of nail lengths (short or medium), nail sizes (normal, petite, wide fit, and kids), and nail shapes (such as almond, coffin, and square). 

It’s so funny since now people comment on my nails all the time. And when I say they’re press ons, it’s the same reaction I had when I first discovered them. 

As a beauty editor, I’ve also tried the best press-on nails by other brands but keep coming back to imPRESS nails. In my opinion, they’re just the easiest to apply and are reliable. I know exactly what the results will be every time I get a new box. 

The Pros

• Quickest and easiest manicure 
• Not damaging to your own nails
• Save time from going to the nail salon
• Less expensive
• No nail polish chipping, smudging, or dry time
• Easy to remove without needing nail polish remover
• Come in many nail art styles, colors, sizes, and lengths
• Makes it easy to change to different designs 
• Gives you long-lasting nails (up to 7 days)
• Perfect for everyday or special occasion wear

The Cons

I think the pros outweigh the cons by far, but nothing is perfect. Here are all the details:

• Not as long-lasting as acrylic nails or gel nails
• Not as strong as dip polish
• You still have to file nails to smooth out the tips 
• Requires your real nails to be short (since they’ll peek out on one side if not cut)
• Not all stores have a lot of styles (but you can find a ton of options online)

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How Much Do imPRESS Nails Cost?

On the brand’s website, imPRESS nails range between around $8 to $13 per pack, depending on the style. They also have sales and you can get great deals on styles not in season, like holiday nails. You can save these and use them later! 

There’s also the option to buy the nail packs in bundles, like this Kate Spade New York set. There are 7 boxes in the bundle currently on sale for $78. 

Or the French Mani Bundle with 8 nail sets currently on sale for $65.

How Long Do imPRESS Nails Last?

In my experience with the new imPRESS nails, they last 7 to 10 days. Usually the nails are very long-lasting and don’t fall off within that time. But I usually take mine off on day 7 to give my nails a chance to breathe. Also, I love to switch up the styles!

What Is The Difference Between imPRESS and KISS Nails?

imPRESS nails are part of the KISS company — these have a self-adhesive sticker so you can simply press them on without nail glue. 

KISS nails usually include nail glue that you apply to the nail. They also have the Salon X-tend line that uses an LED Soft Gel System that lasts up to 14 days.

The styles between the two also vary. Although I use both, I personally like using imPRESS more since it’s faster to apply and easier to remove.

How To Apply

1. Clip Your Nails
Since long nails will peek out when you flip your hand, it helps to cut them short with a nail clipper. 

2. Clean And Prep
Making sure your nails are clean makes the press on nails last longer. Wash hands then use the enclosed prep pad to wipe each nail (this will help ensure your nails stay on for a long time!). You can also use the included cuticle stick to prep your nail beds.

​3. Choose Nail Sizes
Each has little clear nail tabs with a number to show the size. The higher the number is, the smaller the nail. Place different nails on each finger to figure out the right size for each finger. Then line them all up on the table.

4. Apply
Time to start applying! Work with one nail at a time, removing the clear adhesive tab and pressing the nail on your finger. Hold each down for 20 seconds.

5. File
Use the included small nail file to smooth out the tips of each nail. 

How To Remove

​To remove press on nails, I gently peel each off. The residue will come off by gently rubbing it off. 

In a previous story, nail expert Gina Edwards noted a tip: “Press on nails can be removed with warm water and a little olive oil.” She also mentions that steam is also great for removal. In addition, you can “use a manicure stick around the nail to help the nail lift from the nail bed.” 

Can imPRESS Nails Be Reused?

Since these nails are self-adhesive, they cannot be reused. 

But the box comes with 30 nails, so you can likely get two full manicures from each. The only thing is the sizes vary. My fingers can fit several size numbers (for example, my pinky finger can be either an 11 or 10) so it works. 

imPRESS x Kate Spade New York

Another fun element of imPRESS is that they often collaborate with brands to create unique designs. 

Recently, I attended a launch event for their partnership with Kate Spade New York at The Well. The fashion brand is all about spreading joy and optimism so that theme was shown throughout. We had a sound bath and got press on nail manicures at the wellness space. 

The designs in this collection include Kate Spade New York’s signature green hue, black and white polka dots and stripes, floral prints, and rhinestone embellishments.

“The partnership with kate spade new york felt like a natural and incredible way to bring beauty & fashion even closer together for such an important cause,” says Kristin Giarrusso, Global Marketing Director at KISS Products Inc, in a press release. “We believe that this collection, by combining the playful and joyful nature of kate spade new york’s patterns that inspired the nail designs and the ease of imPRESS, will bring joy to all who wear them.”

Where To Buy imPRESS Press On Nails

You can shop imPRESS nails on their website here. Also, it’s sold in many drugstores and at Ulta Beauty. 

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