Summer Nails: Press-Ons

We love a low-effort, high-impact mani, and press-ons are having a moment. From fruity designs to ocean vibes and bright French tips, these summer press-ons are basically tiny works of art for your fingertips. Whether you’re headed to the beach, a backyard BBQ, or just want your coffee-holding hand to look cute, this roundup has a vibe for every occasion.

Below are a few of our favorite summer sets! We’ve linked each photo so you can grab the ones that speak to your nails-and-sunscreen (gotta use that sunscreen) soul. This post contains affiliate links.

Nail Prep = The Secret to a Long-Lasting Manicure

Here’s the thing about press-ons: they only stick around if you prep properly. We’ve found that with a little effort up front, these nails can last a couple of weeks without popping off mid-text or mid-iced latte. Seriously, how irritating is that??

Here are our prep tips: Remove any existing nail polish and trim/file your nails. Apply cuticle remover and gently push back your cuticles, scraping off any dead skin. Then lightly buff your nails to “rough up” the surface. If your nails tend to be oily, applying a nail dehydrator can be helpful. The final step is to wipe your nails with alcohol. Helpful hint via Nina Pool: Before using your press-on nails, you can rough up the surface by brushing nail polish remover inside the area of the nail that makes contact with your nail bed. This can also help improve the longevity of your manicure.