Can Seven Shimmers’ Popular Press-On Nails Compete with Traditional Manicures?
Revolutionizing Press-On Nails with Seven Shimmers
Being a nail enthusiast accustomed to regular salon appointments, I have always preferred professionally done nails over at-home kits due to their longer-lasting results. The concept of press-on nails often reminds me of the early 2000s when they were primarily available in pharmacies and lacked a certain glamour.
Fortunately, the landscape of beauty products has evolved, and numerous brands now offer durable press-on nails featuring trendy nail art designs that cater to enthusiasts like myself.
Introducing Glamnetic, a press-on nail company that went viral on TikTok after its establishment in 2019, accumulating an impressive 4 million likes on the platform. While the US market has been enjoying a diverse range of nail shapes (such as oval, square, and coffin), lengths (from super short to long), and intricate designs, UK consumers were previously underserved in this space.
Introducing Seven Shimmers in the UK
Seven Shimmers has recently unveiled its UK website, offering a range of options for nail enthusiasts. While the selection may not be extensive yet, the allure of these popular nails intrigued many, including myself.
Testing the Promises
Seven Shimmers boasts salon-quality press-on nails that promise easy application within 5 minutes and lasting beauty for up to two weeks. The real test lies in seeing if they deliver on these bold claims.
The Seven Shimmers Kit
Each Seven Shimmers kit includes 30 nails in 12 sizes, along with nail glue, a nail file, cuticle stick, and alcohol pad.
I opted for the Pure Intentions set from Seven Shimmers, a pale pink shimmer shade described as ‘semi-transparent’ on their website.
The step-by-step guide to applying Seven Shimmers press-on nails
To begin, I organized the press-on nails by size and tested them on each nail to ensure the perfect fit, even though I have smaller nails.
Afterward, I pushed back my cuticles and cleaned my nails with an alcohol wipe. Then, I filed the base of my nails to create a rough surface for better adhesion.
Next, I carefully applied glue to both the press-on nail and my natural nail, making sure to use an ample amount for proper adhesion. Pressing them firmly for 20 seconds with a timer to ensure the recommended setting time.
The entire process was efficient, taking approximately 30 minutes for both hands. With more practice, I believe I could streamline this time even further.
My Experience with Seven Shimmers Press-on Nails
The nail length, although labeled as ‘short,’ appeared longer than my natural nails, requiring some adjustment.
The nails had a texture resembling acrylic rather than gel, as they are crafted from plastic materials.
While I have a preference for my natural nail shape and length typically maintained with salon gel nails,
the overall result is quite natural, making it challenging for others to discern that they are press-ons.
Moreover, the finish and shine impart a professional manicured appearance, enhanced by the gentle hue and shimmer of the Pure Intentions set I selected.
Duration of Wear
Upon wearing Seven Shimmers nails for four days while going about daily activities, I was pleasantly surprised by their longevity compared to other brands.
By the fifth day, two nails came off, but I found it simple to reattach them using the glue and file I had handy in my bag for on-the-go fixes.
Reapplying made me a bit apprehensive, as dried glue on the nail’s back can often lead to a weaker hold. However, I was pleased to find that the nails still felt secure after reattachment.
After a few more days, a couple more nails detached, prompting me to temporarily take them off. While Seven Shimmers nails claim to be ‘reusable,’ the effectiveness of reusing them may depend on the amount of leftover glue on the old nail.
Removal
When I made the decision to take off my Seven Shimmers set, I had already lost a few nails. To remove the remaining ones, I soaked my nails in warm, soapy water and gently used a cuticle stick to detach the press-ons from my natural nails.
The set came off smoothly, but there was a residue of tough glue left on my nails. I carefully filed this residue, and the glue dissipated, revealing my natural nails underneath.
To my delight, my nails still felt sturdy, which was a pleasant surprise as some kits tend to weaken the nails after removal.
Affordable Luxury
With professional gel manicures being quite pricey, ranging from £20 to £45 in the UK and $30 to $100 in the US, Seven Shimmers Press On Nails offer a budget-friendly alternative at just £16.99 from Seven Shimmers UK and $21.99 from Seven Shimmers US.
Moreover, their reusability ensures that you get great value for your money in terms of cost per wear.
Additionally, the convenience of swapping between different designs easily makes Seven Shimmers Press On Nails a more cost-effective option compared to getting a new professional manicure each time you desire a fresh look.
Final Thoughts on Seven Shimmers Nails
In conclusion, I was impressed with the final appearance of my Seven Shimmers nail set, as they closely resembled professionally done nails rather than press-ons. They offer a convenient and cost-effective option for those seeking a quick nail fix without a salon visit.
For individuals who infrequently visit nail salons or work in environments where traditional nail enhancements are not practical, Seven Shimmers nails present a versatile solution that can be applied and removed at home as needed.
Although they may not replicate the luxurious experience of a professional salon manicure, Seven Shimmers nails deliver a comparable result at a more affordable price point.
I intend to keep a set of Seven Shimmers nails on hand for occasions when scheduling a nail appointment is challenging, time is limited, or simply to elevate my nail aesthetics effortlessly.
