As a busy mother of two toddlers, making it to the salon (even for a fast gel mani) isn’t within the playing cards. As an alternative, after I want my nails accomplished, I discover myself reaching for quick-dry nail polish or press-on nails. As somebody with brief nails, press-ons make me really feel much more polished, subtle and assured. They let me faucet into my interior glam magnificence editor and never my “sweats and no makeup” mother look. This yr, I’ve tried many alternative press-on nails for numerous events, however S/ALT Nails Press-Ons actually impressed me. Right here’s why.
Why I Love S/ALT Press-On Nails
Quick for “The Salon Alternative,” S/ALT gives a salon-grade, natural-looking press-on manicure that appears like the actual deal. Founder Krystina Banahansky (she comes from a style background) was impressed to create the model after being annoyed with the poor shapes and flashy designs of different manufacturers, which is one thing I’ve personally observed with many different manufacturers as nicely. “Too often the nails felt flimsy or looked artificial,” she says. As an alternative, she wished “a chic, elevated vibe,” with minimalistic, however considerate particulars.
Her assortment options greater than 20 designs in timeless shapes like oval, almond and squoval, and wearable lengths. The size is particularly vital to me, as somebody with little children (I additionally put on contact lenses) who can’t deal with press-ons which might be too lengthy. My favourite type (I’ve tried a number of) is the almond-shaped French Merlot ($20), and the size is ideal. “Each style is thoughtfully designed to look natural and is perfect for both everyday wear and special occasions,” says Banahansky. “We’ve sourced the highest-quality materials, including medical-grade glue, ensuring that our press-on manicures are durable, waterproof and non-damaging.”
I’m sporting the French Merlot design in an almond form.
BUY NOW – $19-$23
How one can Apply and Take away Them
Every set comes with 30 nails so yow will discover the sizes that suit your nails greatest. On the underside of every tip is a quantity that identifies the scale of the nail, which turns out to be useful in case you plan on shopping for one other set. I took an image of the nails the other way up earlier than I glued them on, in order that I might be capable to shortly choose my sizes subsequent time and make the appliance course of even quicker. The set additionally consists of medical-grade glue, a small file, an alcohol prep pad and a cuticle set, which is customary with almost all press-on nails.
After you’ve chosen your sizes, push your cuticles again with the little wood stick, like they might do on the salon. Then buff your nails with the file (to ensure the glue adheres higher) and wipe your nails with the alcohol pad. Banahansky says this step is essential to make sure the nails match tightly. Then, apply a skinny layer of glue throughout your pure nail and within the heart again of the press-on. (Don’t add an excessive amount of glue, or it is going to squeeze out from below the nail whenever you press.) Press the nail down as laborious as you possibly can and maintain it for 30 seconds, specializing in the perimeters.
While you comply with the instructions correctly and aren’t doing actions that require soaking your palms in water (like taking baths, and so forth.), Banahansky tells me the nails can last as long as three weeks. I’ve by no means wanted to maintain mine on that lengthy (finally, I’m a brief nail girlie), however I belief her phrase on this as a result of they do really feel tremendous stable.
To take away the nails, soak your palms in heat water for 10 to twenty minutes. I like so as to add a little bit olive oil to every nail mattress as nicely and therapeutic massage it a little bit mattress to loosen the glue. If you happen to don’t have an excessive amount of residual glue on the backs of the nails (or in case you can chip it off), you possibly can reuse them. I’ve accomplished that on multiple event they usually’ve seemed nice!
