I’ve been around the getting-my-nails-professionally-done block a few times.
One of my favorite pastimes was waltzing into a local nail salon and sitting in a chair for forty-five minutes while the lovely nail techs worked their magic. Having my nails done makes me feel more put-together than anything else does.
While I never actually ventured into the world of acrylics, I considered them. Weeks before the pandemic became official, I went back and forth between whether or not I should schedule a nail appointment to get my first set of acrylics.
The literal day my home state declared its stay-at-home mandate, I planned to call the nail salon near me to make an appointment. So, for understandable reasons, my plans to give acrylics a solid go were squashed.
Why Did I Want Acrylics So Badly?
Honestly… I was so fixated on fake nails because I’m in love with the uniformity of them! With the exception of chipped nails and polish that needs to be touched up, acrylics are so polished, no pun intended.
My natural nails all grow at their own unique rates, and to make matters worse, I’m someone who nervously nibbles on my nails. Keeping them painted was amazing and all, but I wanted something more than a simple gel mani.
But since I missed out on the chance to try acrylics, I had to think outside the box. Since professionally-done nails weren’t an option anymore, I thought about alternative options.
And you know what?
An idea popped into my head almost instantaneously.
You Can Get the Look of Acrylics Without Actually Getting Acrylics
I don’t know how I had forgotten this memory, but a few years ago, my mom and I attended an event at Nordstrom. While we were there, there was a segment hosted by a brand called Static Nails.
Static Nails is a company that sells reusable press-on nails. It’s been awhile since we were at the event, so I can’t remember exactly what was said. However, I suppose all that matters is that the brand rep left a lasting impression on me because I ended up purchasing from their online store a month or so later!
I ordered a few sets of nails and I absolutely loved wearing them. If you asked me why I stopped wearing them after placing two different orders, I couldn’t tell ya, honestly! Though, if I had to guess, I think it had something to do with a non-nail-polish-allowed rule at one of my jobs at the time.
Anyway…
I recently decided to order from Static Nails a couple of weeks ago. It turned out that they were hosting a sale on their website so I couldn’t resist even if I wanted to. Like, c’mon… A sale? Sign me up.
Here’s what arrived in my package, which shipped really quickly, might I add!
As wonderful as the nails from Static Nails are, my intention is not to push a certain brand in your face, so let’s pivot. We’re really here to discuss the one tip that changed my at-home manicure experience.
So…
What could it be?!
And Now for My #1 At-Home Manicure Tip
Before trying press-on manicures, I started out with plain press-on nails. You might be wondering how that’s any different, so allow me to explain! These nails require that you put polish on them yourself instead of coming pre-polished and ready to go.
They’re often a creamy white color, and they are simple to polish! Nail polish glides onto them quite easily. I liked the idea of these unpainted press-on nails because you can supposedly use nail polish remove to paint the nails different colors each time you wear them.
I say supposedly as I had no luck with removing the polish from the press-ons, but I digress!
After painting press-on nails myself, I came to find it rather tedious. And the major detriment, in my humble opinion, was that painting press-on nails didn’t bring me that uniformity I was after. Press-on nails that you paint yourself chip pretty easily, just like normal manicures do.
My #1 tip for at-home manicures is that you invest in already-polished press-on nails. They look elegant and professional, but you also get to decide which color press-ons you buy, so you still get to have fun with the polish.
My #1 tip for at-home manicures is that you invest in already-polished press-on nails. They look elegant and professional, but you also get to decide which color press-ons you buy, so you still get to have fun with the polish.
my #1 At-home manicure tip
I’ve never ever had run-ins with chipped polish or nails that break when I buy press-on nails that are already polished. I want to recognize the fact that there is less, if any, room for customization when you take this route…
But I will say it’s worth it due to the lack of chipping and breakage!
Do your nails easily, breezily, and beautifully at home by purchasing already-polished press-on nails!
Have you tried them yet? I’d love to hear what you think ♡