Usually, sometime in May, I treat myself to a deluxe pedicure to get my feet and nails ready for sandal season. Now, as summer comes to an end, most folks’ feet could probably use a bit of TLC.
But who has time for a nail appointment, what with back-to-school and autumn activities coming in quick and hot? And of course, there’s the cost.
However, I recently was introduced to press-on toenails, which are less expensive, fun, customizable, and a low-commitment way of keeping your nails in check, as (even with autumn approaching) weather-wise, open-toed shoe season is still in full swing.
A press-on pedi is surprisingly durable; with proper application, it can last up to a week or more and can still be worn comfortably with close-toe shoes.
Here’s a rundown of everything you need to know about press-on toenails.
Like fingernail press-ons, press-on toenails are artificial nails designed to fit the shape and size of your toenail. They come in a wide range of styles and finishes to suit your personal aesthetic, and it’s a great alternative if you don’t have time or the budget for a salon visit. When applied properly, press-ons should not damage your natural toenails, especially kits that use adhesive rather than glue for application.
To prep your nails for a press-on pedicure, start by pushing back your cuticles, filing, trimming, and buffing your nails, like you would with a regular pedi. Then clean off with an alcohol wipe. Once your nails are set, put a small dot of adhesive on the fake nail and another on your real nail. Line up the fake nail just above your cuticle, making sure it’s straight, then press down firmly for 10 seconds. If a bit of adhesive or glue, if that’s what you’re using, spills out, just wipe it off. You can then, if you’re feeling fancy, apply nail stickers or other nail art if you’re at that skill level.
Most kits for press-on toenails include an adhesive or glue, nail file, cuticle stick, and sometimes alcohol pads. However, you may find you’re in a need of a few more tools for the perfect press-on pedi.
Whether painted or pressed-on, a good pedicure starts with separating those piggies. Tocoles’ Toe Separators, available at Walmart, spread out your toes for a clean pedicure and also help stretch your feet and offer some foot pain relief. And while you’re at Walmart, why not pick up MaxKare’s Foot Spa Bath for a truly at-home salon experience? This will massage, heat, and help you luxuriate and exfoliate your feet before proceeding with press-on prep.
Whether or not you go with the foot bath, after you spread out your toes to keep them from shifting during the pedi process, next apply a cuticle oil like Cuccio’s Revitalizing Milk & Honey Cuticle Oil. This lightweight oil quickly absorbs to help protect and nourish dry, brittle nails and can be used on feet and hands. Once the oil has set, push back those cuticles, trim, file, and buff.
If your press-on kit does not come with an adhesive, you may want to have some extra glue like Glamnetic’s Brush-on Nail Glue. The brush applicator makes it a bit neater than dabbing on glue and proports to hold on for up to two weeks. Again, this product can be used for both pedicures and manicures if you’re going with a full press-on set.
If glue gives you pause, fearing it will dry out your nails, then check the same brand’s Adhesive Nail Tabs. Working like double-sided tape, you unpeel the cover and stick it on your nail, then peel off the second cover and press the artificial nail on top. Tabs don’t have the same durability as glue, but are great if you want to change up your nails more often.
As for the nails themselves, you can find a ton of options at drug stores, Target, Walmart, Sephora, Ulta, and online. Kiss’s imPRESS Roundabout Press-On Pedicure Toenails in pink have “sizer” nails to find the best fit for each of your toes, and they are ready-to-wear in that you just peel, press (for 30 seconds), and are good to go. The same brand also has Acrylic French Walk Away Toenails, but these come with glue, not the adhesive already set. Glamentic’s brush-on glue and adhesive tabs above offer Cherry Glaze Toenails kits of 32 nails, including 16 sizes, making them great to pair with one of their manicure sets for a coordinated nail look. For a walk on the wilder side, check out BTARTBOXNAILS set of leopard squares, pink croc squares, or crimson ombre squares made from soft gel material more malleable than your standard acrylic.
Granted, press-on nails can sometimes get a bad rap. There’s the idea that press-on toenails are uncomfortable or difficult to wear with shoes, and yes, there are versions out there that lean toward tacky-town. But for a quick, cost-effective pedicure pick-me-up as summer winds down, consider a press-on pedi. Once you’re ready to take them off, all you need is warm water and some oil to rub in and then gently remove with the manicure stick included in the kit. Again, takes way less time than removing polish. I’m thinking it may be also be a press-on fall.
