The way we instantly feel like new people with a fresh set of nails should really be studied! With at least one new nail trend sweeping the socials every year — from balletcore and chrome to glazed and now chai latte nails — the allure of fail nails is simply irresistible. Although we’d love to try out every style under the sun every few years, there’s no way our bank accounts can keep up with it. If only there was a way to try these different looks without breaking the bank — that’s what fake nails at Target are for! After spending hundreds of dollars and hours on gel manis and dip powder nails, we’ve become proud press-on nail girlies. Not only can we remove and change them whenever we want, but they’re affordable and don’t have us spending too much money or wasting time at the nail studio. Here’s a guide to the best ‘faux’ nails from Target.
KISS Salon Acrylic Nude French False Nails
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Best nude nails. The KISS Salon Acrylic Nude French False Nails are the best nude fake nails we’ve seen. They boasted the strength and look of salon acrylics but would glue on within minutes. What’s more, they were super durable and didn’t chip during the two weeks that we wore them. The kit contained not just 28 beige squoval nails but also a manicure stick, a mini nail file, and even a pink gel nail glue. Not only did the nails dry in no time, but also they were smudge-proof and waterproof. Last but not least, the application and removal was a hassle-free process.
Pros
- The nail kit came not only with nails but also a manicure stick, a mini nail file, and nail gel glue.
- Applying and removing them was a very easy process.
- The nails dried quickly and were waterproof.
Cons
- Since they were light in color, they could get stained easily.
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Dashing Diva Gloss Gel Strip
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If you’re not a fan of acrylic nails, then you should try the Dashing Diva Gloss Gel Strip. Like an untamed wildflower, the glamour of this kit knew no limits and featured dusty rose and deep berry gel nail strips featuring dainty floral accents and champagne glitter. So, we could create a custom nail look in minutes with this amazing alternative for both nail polish and acrylic nails. Moreover, the gel nail strips were very easy to apply, delivering a high-shine, chip-resistant, and super-strong gel manicure that lasted us up to two weeks. If that wasn’t enough, we could mix and match solid hues -catching accent designs , for unique nail looks. This nail kit included 32 gel manicure strips (12 accents, 20 base colors), a nail file, a prep pad, and even an instruction sheet.
Pros
- The nail kit had everything we needed for easy application of fake nails.
- This doesn’t require any glue.
- The super-strong manicure was shiny and chip-resistant, lasting up to 14 days.
Cons
- Some said that sticking them to the nails took time.
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imPRESS Press-On Manicure Mini Kids’ Nail Artist Kit
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Whoever said that fake nails weren’t for the kiddos? Behold the imPRESS Press-On Manicure Mini Kids’ Nail Artist Kit, a cool first DIY mini-mani kit that the little ones loved, complete with easy-to-apply stickers and fake nails. The kit featured as many as 6 jeweled accent nails and 20 jelly color nails, which was all that they needed to create hundreds of original designs! What’s more, the kit came with everything they needed – nail stickers, 26 press on nails, and even breakaway tabs for precise application. The best bit was that there was no glue involved and the nails were super comfortable and non-toxic – totally mom approved!
Pros
- This didn’t cause damage to kids’ nails.
- It came with dozens of nail stickers and 26 press-on squoval fake nails.
- The application didn’t require any glue.
Cons
- Their durability is so-so.
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Olive & June Press On Nail Tabs
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Best squoval nails. Squoval is the new ‘it’ fake nail shape in the market, and we were waiting to try out the Olive & June Press On Nail Tabs. These easy-on, easy-off nails allowed us to enjoy a manicure whenever we wanted. These press-on nails with adhesive tabs lasted us more than the seven days that they promised, lasting us a whole two weeks. Moreover, these nails were available in 16 sizes, which is one of the most ever on this list. Plus, they boasted the most realistic-looking fit ever, with every package containing as many as 32 total nails. Finally, the kit had everything we needed for a perfect manicure at home, complete with glue, cuticle pusher, and non-damaging and non-toxic adhesive tabs.
Pros
- We loved the squoval shape.
- This kit included 32 press-on nails in 16 sizes.
- They lasted us nearly two weeks.
Cons
- Some people said that the application was hard.
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L.A. Girl Artificial Nail Tips
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The L.A. Girl Artificial Nail Tips are yet another set of excellent fake nails that we came across. There are a lot of things we loved about these nails, starting with the fact that they were oh so comfortable and oh so cute. Secondly, they were oh so convenient to apply, and we’d have them on in less than 15 minutes. What’s more, these super shiny nail tips were designed to be extra flexible so they would conform to our natural nails. At the same time, they also provided flex throughout the two weeks that we used them for comfortable wear. Finally, this classic short, square shape matched every occasion and style and always looked polished.
Pros
- These nails are cruelty free and very affordable.
- The nail tips are flexible.
- We loved the gel shine finish and the fact that it came with an entire kit.
Cons
- There were only two style options.
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Chillhouse Chill Tips Nail Art Press-Ons
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The Chillhouse Chill Tips Nail Art Press-Ons is one of the best patterned fake nails we’d ever seen. In fact, the top nail trends right now include tons of bright colors, shimmery textures, and geometric shapes, and that’s just what we needed right now. That’s what we found with the brand’s massive press-on nail assortment. The eye-catching squares were a playful and a modern take on a classic pattern. Designed from high-quality materials, the nails were easy and comfortable to use right from the start. We could customize them to our nails, thanks to the gentle, non-damaging glue. If that wasn’t enough, the kit included not only 24 nails, but also gentle glue, a cuticle stick, and even a dual-sided buffer and file. The best bit was that the nails were pretty durable and ended up lasting us more than two weeks.
Pros
- The designs are extremely cool.
- They came with an entire kit, including gentle, non-toxic nail glue.
- The nails are cruelty-free and vegan.
Cons
- Some said that the choices of sizes could be better.
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Ulta Beauty Glamnetic Press-On Women’s Manicure Fake Nails
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We’ve always been fans of Glamnetic’s press-on nails, and once you try them out yourself, you’ll totally understand why. Firstly, the brand boasts a range of unique, salon-worthy colors and designs at a fraction of the price we’d have spent at a salon. Secondly, as much as we love ourselves some long nails, sometimes medium and short nails have the perfect vibe and are the way to go. The Ulta Beauty Glamnetic Press-On Women’s Manicure Fake Nails is one of Glamnetic’s best shorter length versions. Firstly, they came in 12 inclusive sizes with 24 options for nails. Secondly, the kit came with all the necessary tools, including an alcohol pad, a cuticle stick, a double-sided nail file, and even nail glue. Furthermore, application was super-easy, with the nails lasting us even more than the two weeks that the brand promised. And the best of all? We could clean them up and reuse them too!
Pros
- The application process is super easy.
- They can last up to two weeks, maybe even longer.
- They came in many sizes and options.
Cons
- They could be a bit more natural looking.
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KISS Bare But Better Fake Nails
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Yes, we have chosen to include another Kiss product on this list, but we can’t help it, can we? Behold the KISS Bare But Better Fake Nails, the cult-favorite Kiss press-ons that we’d been hearing about everywhere. This affordable set of press-on nails cost us just USD 8 for a set of 28 nails, which we found to be very, very affordable. Since they were on the thinner side, it was very easy for us to mold them to the size and shape of our nail beds. Even though these nails looked simple, the fact that they were classy, elegant, and versatile. If that wasn’t enough, the nail kit included not just 28 fake nails, but also a manicure stick, mini nail file, and even a pink gel nail glue. The best bit? The nails were waterproof, smudge proof, and chip proof, and dried in no time at all.
Pros
- They were very affordable.
- Since they were thin, they were able to mold to the shape and size of our nail beds easily.
- This color was elegant, classic, and versatile.
Cons
- The nail glue could have been better.
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OPI Press-On Fake Nails
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Best French nails. The OPI Press-On Fake Nails are some of the most sturdiest fake nails we’ve ever tried on. Even then, we’ve had people ask us where we’ve gotten our nails done from because they look so natural. What’s more, they were available in many different styles, lengths, and shapes, and we specifically chose the French tips. We’ve got to give a shout-out to the included glue as all we had to do was use a few dots on our real and the fake nails, and the press-ons easily lasted a full seven days without snagging, chipping, or lifting at the corners. That’s a massive feat as we usually spend our days furiously typing away and prying open packages. The best bit is that these nails were very affordable, costing just USD 11 for 26 pieces, which was a steal deal.
Pros
- The nails feel and look natural.
- They come in a ton of styles, lengths, and shapes.
- They were very affordable and value-for-money.
Cons
- Some said that they are difficult to remove.
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imPRESS Press-On Manicure Fake Nails
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The imPRESS Press-On Manicure Fake Nails was one of the best pre-glued nail sets we’d ever seen. One of the things we liked the most about these nails is that they were numbered, making it easy for us to find the right fit. Secondly, they allowed for a super-quick application and we had them on in less than 10 minutes. Moreover, their glossy finish looked absolutely amazing, even if the look was a bit more plasticky. Nevertheless, they delivered a fantastic glow and shine that lasted for a few good days even with rough use.
Pros
- These nails were reusable.
- They were waterproof.
- They were affordable and very quick to put on.
Cons
- A wider range of thumb sizes would have made a big difference.
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Sally Hansen Salon Effects Perfect Manicure Press-On Nails Kit
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The Sally Hansen Salon Effects Perfect Manicure Press-On Nails Kit impressed us right from the first time we put them on. Firstly, we immediately noticed how wide the shape of the nails were, which was excellent for our wide nail beds. Secondly, we immediately found a set that would fit all our nails right out of the box; we didn’t have to finesse any of them. In fact, they fit us right up to the edges, where most fake nails don’t even reach. Since these press-ons were very thin, we personally enjoyed it because it allowed us to file them into our ideal almond shape. We also chose to use the adhesive tabs and a tiny dab of glue right on our natural nails, which did help increase their longevity greatly and gave me a full week of pristine nails when we were on vacation.
Pros
- The thin nails were easy to shape.
- Their rounded base helps fit even wide nail beds.
- They’re very affordable.
Cons
- They might be a bit too thin for some people, who might find them flimsy.
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Olive & June Minimalist Press-On Fake Nails
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Best minimalist. Some days you want colorful, vibrant nails; other days you want to go minimalist. We wanted to go minimalist without having to go for French tips, which is why we chose the Olive & June Minimalist Press-On Fake Nails. These were the realest-looking fake nails we’d ever seen and came in 21 sizes and a total of 42 nails. What’s more, they lasted as many as 14 days, thanks to non-damaging and non-toxic glue. We especially loved the minimalist milky white gradient manicure in the medium length and almond shape, which practically went with every outfit in our wardrobe. What more could we ask for?
“We don’t like patterned and vibrant nails all the time, which is why these minimalist ones were perfect. They stood out nicely and blended in when we didn’t want them to be obvious.”
Dizzzi
Pros
- They were a total of 42 press-on nails in 21 different sizes.
- These nails last up to 14 days.
- The kit had everything we needed.
Cons
- The white nails might get stained easily.
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Olive & June Press-On Oval Medium Fake Nails
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Sitting at the top of the list are Olive & June Press-On Oval Medium Fake Nails. With lots of designs and colors to choose from, these short-length nails are around the same length as most people’s natural nails, including ours. At the same time, they looked so much more sleek that we couldn’t believe that they weren’t our actual nails. What’s more, these nails are super beginner-friendly, featuring a whopping 42 nails in 21 different shapes. So, there’s a nail color, design, and shape for every finger under the sun. The sheer number of choices also helped us find a nail that perfectly fit our fingers in a more natural way. The best bit? The kit came with everything we needed to get started, including a little vial of nail glue, a cuticle pusher to groom and shape our nails, a buffer, a file, and even a prep pad to clean our nails.
Pros
- The nails come in an extra-short length.
- They look very natural.
- They had lots of color options.
Cons
- They might be a bit too curved for some people’s tastes.
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Our Verdict!
We love all fake nails on this list, obviously! However, the ones below are specifically our favorites:
- Best nude nails: KISS Salon Acrylic Nude French False Nails
- Best squoval nails: Olive & June Press On Nail Tabs
- Best French nails: OPI Press-On Fake Nails
- Best minimalist: Olive & June Minimalist Press-On Fake Nails
How To Choose The Best Fake Nails at Target?
Length
One of the first features we look at when choosing fake/press-on nails is the length. When we’re looking at the length of nails, we consider both our comfort level and lifestyle. Since options range from short to long and we’re not used to very long nails, we choose shorter ones as they felt more natural and comfortable to us. Even though we could always clip and file the nails as per our needs, the point is to do so cautiously as they could even damage the nails.
Design
One of the most fun parts of choosing fake nails is the design, pattern, and color! Make sure that you don’t stick to fads and trends and check out all the designs that the brand has to offer. Today, there are many options in the market, from classic solid hues and ombre designs to trendy styles with even 3D art and rhinestones. We always like to consider the color themes we’ll be wearing in the upcoming weeks.
Shape
Finally, choosing the right shape of the nail is key to having a comfortable experience overall. There are lots of options in terms of shape: rounded, almond, oval, stiletto, square, coffin, and even “squoval” — square + oval. For the best bit, check whether the c-curve of the tip of the nail matches your natural nail. If you have naturally curved nail plates, then a flat tip won’t sit well. On the other hand, curved tips won’t sit properly on flat nail plates.
Here are some of the best nail polishes for summer.
How are glue-on and adhesive tab press-on nails Different?
Adhesive tabs are easy and convenient to apply with a quicker application process, but they don’t usually last as long as glue-on nails, which can withstand more daily wear and tend to last longer.
Do press-on nails damage your natural nails?
No, as long as you’re careful to take them off the right way. Preventing damage starts right at the application stage, so if the preparation of natural nails is safe, then there shouldn’t be any damage.
Which fake nails look the most real?
Acrylic nails are better than gel nails for shapely, long, and more natural looks.