Written by Candy — a licensed nail technician. This is the exact routine I use so your set lasts.
Before you start
Beautiful press-ons are 90% preparation. Set aside 15 quiet minutes, work in good light, and make sure your hands are clean and completely dry — oil and moisture are the enemy of a long-lasting set. Everything you need is already in the box: 30 nails in 15 sizes, long-wear nail glue, reusable adhesive tabs, a mini file, a cuticle stick and a prep wipe.
Step 1 — Prep (please don't skip this)
- Gently push back your cuticles with the cuticle stick.
- Lightly buff the shine off the surface of your natural nail — just enough to take the gloss down, no need to go rough.
- Wipe each nail with the prep wipe and let them dry completely.
Tech tip: if your nails run oily, give them a second wipe right before you glue. This one habit is the difference between a set that lasts a day and one that lasts two weeks.
Step 2 — Find your fit
Lay a nail against each finger before you glue anything. The right size sits snugly across your whole nail bed without pressing into the skin at the sides. Between two sizes? Always size up, then file the sides down for a few seconds for a custom fit.
Step 3 — Apply (glue or tabs)
Choose glue for maximum wear, or tabs for a gentler, shorter wear you can change on a whim.
Glue method
- Dot a little glue onto both your natural nail and the back of the press-on, and spread it thin.
- Wait 15–20 seconds until it turns tacky.
- Press the nail on at a 45° angle, cuticle edge first, then roll it flat.
- Hold firm pressure for 15 seconds. Repeat on each nail.
Tab method
- Pick a tab that covers your whole nail and press it down with the flat cuticle stick.
- Peel off the film.
- Apply the press-on at a 45° angle and press firmly for a few seconds.
Step 4 — Finish
File any rough edges until smooth, and keep your hands away from water for at least 1 hour so the bond can fully set. That's it — salon nails in minutes.
Making them last
- Wear gloves for washing up, cleaning and gardening.
- Treat them like jewellery, not tools — no peeling labels or opening cans.
- A little cuticle oil daily keeps everything looking fresh (just avoid flooding the very edges).
Removing them safely
Never force a press-on off — your natural nails stay healthy when you take your time. Wait at least 7 days, ideally until they start lifting on their own, then:
- Ease a small gap around the edges with the cuticle stick.
- Add a little oil around the edges, wait 5 minutes, then soak your hands in warm soapy water for 10–15 minutes.
- As they loosen, gently rock them off with the cuticle stick — never pull.
- Buff away any leftover glue with the fine side of the file.
Reusable? Yes — with the tab method and careful removal, you can wear your favourites again.
Questions about your set? Email hello@candynailcouture.com — a real nail tech will answer.