Being a nail enthusiast who has frequented professional nail appointments for years to avoid the hassle of at-home kits, the concept of press-on nails often brings to mind the early 2000s when they were primarily available at pharmacies and lacked a certain glamour.
Fortunately, the landscape has since changed, with numerous brands now offering durable and trendy press-on nail products, including a variety of nail art designs.
Introducing Glamnetic, the press-on nail company that went viral on TikTok after its founding in 2019, amassing an impressive 4 million likes on TikTok.
While the US market has long enjoyed a wide selection of nail shapes (such as oval, square, and coffin), various nail lengths (from super short to long), and diverse nail designs, UK consumers had been overlooked—until now.
Glamnetic Launches UK Site
Glamnetic has recently introduced a UK site, offering a selection of their popular cult nails. While the options may not be as extensive yet, the allure of these salon-quality press-ons intrigued me as a solution to my constant need for professional-looking manicures.
Glamnetic boasts that their press-ons can be applied in just 5 minutes and can stay intact for up to two weeks. It’s time to put these claims to the test.
The Glamnetic Kit
Each Glamnetic kit includes 30 nails available in 12 different sizes, along with nail glue, a nail file, cuticle stick, and alcohol pad.
I opted for the Pure Intentions set from Glamnetic, featuring a soft pink shimmer shade described as ‘semi-transparent’ on their official website.
The Application Process
To begin, I organized the Glamnetic nails by size and tested different ones on each nail until I found the perfect fit, despite having small nails.
Afterward, I pushed back my cuticles and cleaned my nails with an alcohol wipe. I then filed the base of my nails to create a rough surface, aiding in the adhesion of the press-on nails.
Next, I applied glue to both the back of the press-on nail and my natural nail. It’s recommended not to skimp on the amount of glue for a secure bond. Pressing firmly for 20 seconds, I ensured proper adhesion using a timer for the recommended set time.
The application was efficient, taking approximately 30 minutes for both hands. With practice, I believe this time could be further reduced.
My Experience with Glamnetic Nails
Although the Glamnetic nails were labeled as ‘short’, I found them to be longer than my natural nails, which took some getting used to.
The texture of the nails resembled acrylic rather than gel, which is understandable considering they are plastic.
While I do have a preference for my natural nail shape and length, which is maintained with salon gel nails, I was quite impressed overall.
The natural look of the Glamnetic nails is convincing enough that someone unaware would not be able to tell they were press-ons. The professional finish and shine gave the appearance of a professional manicure, and I particularly enjoyed the subtle shade and shimmer of the Pure Intentions set I selected.
Durability Test Results with Glamnetic Nails
Upon wearing Glamnetic nails for four days while engaging in various daily activities, the results were impressive. These nails outlasted many other brands in terms of longevity.
By day 5, two nails came off, but reattaching them was effortless with the glue and file I carried in my bag for such situations.
Although hesitant about reapplying nails due to potential issues with dried glue, I was pleasantly surprised by their secure fit after reattachment.
After a few more days, a couple more nails detached, prompting me to temporarily remove them. While Glamnetic claims the nails are ‘reusable,’ this may depend on the residual glue left on the nails from previous applications.
Elimination
When I made the decision to eliminate my Glamnetic set, a few nails had already fallen off. To remove the remaining nails, I soaked them in warm, soapy water and gently used a cuticle stick to detach the press-ons from my natural nails.
The process of removal was simple, although I did notice a layer of stubborn glue left on my nails. I carefully filed this residue away, and the glue dissolved, revealing my untouched natural nails beneath.
Surprisingly, my natural nails remained strong after the removal, contrary to my past experiences with kits that often left my nails weak and fragile.
Quality and Affordability
Professional gel manicures can be quite pricey, ranging from £20 to £45 in the UK and $30 to $100 in the US. In comparison, Glamnetic Press On Nails are a budget-friendly option, priced at £16.99 in the UK and $21.99 in the US.
Moreover, the longevity of Glamnetic Press On Nails makes them a cost-effective choice as they are reusable, providing value for money with each wear.
Additionally, the convenience of easily swapping between different nail designs further enhances the cost efficiency of Glamnetic Press On Nails compared to getting a new professional manicure every time you desire a fresh look.
Final Thoughts on Glamnetic Nails
After trying out Glamnetic press-on nails, I must say I was impressed with the final appearance. The set looked so natural that it was hard to believe they weren’t done at a salon. These nails offer a convenient and cost-effective alternative to salon visits, perfect for those looking for a quick fix.
If you don’t frequently get professional nail treatments or have a job that restricts nail enhancements, Glamnetic nails are a fantastic option. You can easily apply and remove them at home, making it convenient for temporary wear.
While they may not completely match the luxury of a salon manicure, Glamnetic nails deliver a similar look at a much more affordable price. They are a great way to achieve a polished nail appearance without breaking the bank.
I will definitely be keeping a set of Glamnetic nails on hand for those moments when I can’t make it to the salon, need a quick nail fix, or simply want to elevate my nail game!
