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Home • Beauty

This $5 Drugstore Purchase Gave Me My Best Manicure

My DIY mani game just got an upgrade.
This $5 Drugstore Purchase Gave Me My Best Manicure
By Shalwah Evans · Updated December 6, 2020

It all started with a 90’s party in Philly. My friend threw a theme party based around our favorite decade, and challenged the guests to come in their best gear. Naturally, I was up for the challenge. I had my high ponytail extensions, pink metallic fanny pack, Reebok hi-tops, and 2-inch press on nails. My nails turned out to be the highlight of the ‘fit. Not only did I not lose a nail all day, when I got home, I couldn’t take them off. I was officially hooked, no pun intended.

Between how expensive a good manicure can cost, the time commitment of getting nails done (and touched up), and the state of my natural nails after all the product buildup, I just can’t commit to a salon regimen. I’m also always trying new nail accessories, polishes, and products, so I don’t want to be tied to any nail look for too long.

Article continues after video.

These Kiss Salon Acrylic nails look just as good as salon professional jobs that I’ve gotten. With different shapes and nail lengths, you can vary the look of your nails for the occasion. And if you don’t have tons of time, or a steady enough hand for DIY polish, you can get the pre-painted nails for a few dollars more.

This $5 Drugstore Purchase Gave Me My Best Manicure
This $5 Drugstore Purchase Gave Me My Best Manicure

The nails are thin the way I like them without being flimsy, which is the one thing I struggle with when I get acrylic or gel from a salon. I’m always conscious of how bulky the added layers make my nails look. My nails also don’t feel weak when I take off the press on nails because they don’t contain chemicals that strip them of natural oils. With the right glue, they’ll stay on for at least a week (mine stayed for two), and they’re easy to pop off once they’ve gotten enough wear. I’ve tried press on nails in the past and they went horribly wrong, so I’m so happy I stumbled on these. After just a couple of applications I’ve racked up a few tips on how to make them work:

  1. Have a kit on hand when you’re about to apply the nails. It should include a nail file, emery board, nail glue, and polish products if you’re going to paint them yourself.
  2. Get the glue right. Sometimes the glue that comes with the nails is truly for temporary use. If you want longer wear, try super strength glue.
  3. Fit the nails before you glue them on. Think about it like lashes, you always measure before you attach.
  4. Use the emery board to shape the base before you apply to your nail beds. Most of the time you can find nails in the pack that fit perfectly but if it’s not the case, shape them to fit, don’t just settle.
This $5 Drugstore Purchase Gave Me My Best Manicure

I consider this one of my best manicures because it only cost a few dollars, was easy for me to do one my own from the comfort of home, was quick (I did this before heading to work), and lasted for as long as I need it to. I wouldn’t say this is the very best my nails have ever looked, and clearly my polishing skills still need some work—which is what tools like The Poppy are for. But I’m well on my way to cutting salon manis down to once in a while for special occasions and that makes me and my wallet happy.

Shop Press On Nails Kits

01
Kiss Salon Acrylic Nails
I love that these already have the stiletto shape.
This $5 Drugstore Purchase Gave Me My Best Manicure
Kiss
available at Target $5 Shop Now
02
Kiss Maximum Speed Nail Glue
A quick drying super strength nail bond makes all the difference.
This $5 Drugstore Purchase Gave Me My Best Manicure
Kiss
available at Target $4 Shop Now
03
Pear Nova Nail Lacquer In My Candy Rain
I love this bright summery color.
This $5 Drugstore Purchase Gave Me My Best Manicure
Pear Nova
available at Pear Nova $12 Shop Now
04
Olive & June The Top Coat
A good top coat can smooth out any first polish imperfections while it locks in color.
This $5 Drugstore Purchase Gave Me My Best Manicure
Olive & June
available at Olive & June $8 Shop Now
05
Sunflower Shower Double-Sided Nail File Emery Board
Keep an emery board on hand in case you need to shape either end of the nail.
This $5 Drugstore Purchase Gave Me My Best Manicure
Graphics & More
available at Walmart $8 Shop Now
06
Kiss gel FANTASY Ready-To-Wear Gel Nails
Try pre-shaped and pre-painted options when you’re ready short on time and skill.
This $5 Drugstore Purchase Gave Me My Best Manicure
Kiss
available at Target $8 Shop Now
TOPICS:  cheap manicure DIY manicure press on nails