Women are swearing by a game-changing alternative to gel nail polish with some claiming it lasts for 'weeks and weeks'.
At a time when an ingredient in many gel nail polishes has been banned in Europe over health concerns, people are looking for safer and cheaper options.
And if reviews for OPI's latest range are anything to go by, you might never want to pay for a salon mani again.
What is the new OPI product people can't stop talking about?
The press-on nails are made from largely recycled materials, can be applied at home in minutes, and promise a 'gel-like salon finish' that lasts up to 14 days.
First launched in 2022, the brand has just rolled out a new range of colour options to choose from - whether you love a killer red nail or a more subtle neutral shade.
They come in different shapes too, from the classic rounded look to a coffin or almond shape, and in short and long styles.
The nails are also reusable, so you get value for money and can remove and replace them again and again, and who says you have to stick to just one pair? Mix and match your own sets for a multi-coloured look.
Each set includes nail glue, a cuticle stick, a dual nail file and buffer, an OPI prep pad, and 30 nails in different mani sizes to fit you perfectly.
We tried OPI's press-on nails and this is what we thought
I’ve been using gels for longer than I can remember, but the cost and the impact on my nails are taking their toll. A regular salon manicure and takeoff can cost as much as £70 a month if you do it every couple of weeks, while many salons’ use of drills can thin and weaken your nails. Add that to the potentially harmful side effects of UV lamps and trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO) and there’s a pretty long list of reasons to look for a gel alternative. That’s why I was so intrigued to try out OPI’s new press-on colour range. Each pack contains 30 nails, a tube of super-hold glue, a cuticle tool and a file for buffing and tidying. Application is as easy as finding the right press-on for each nail, applying glue, and pressing down for around 30 seconds. If you haven’t worn acrylics before it’s an odd sensation and I was definitely aware that the nails weren’t ‘my own’. But I was pleasantly surprised by how sleek they looked, not to mention durable. From washing the dishes to some light gardening, they held fast and looked flawless after each task - no chipping here! The only drawback for me was that they were tricky to take off, even after 10 minutes of soaking and applying acetone. But if you’re wanting something long-wear and durable, then that’s probably a massive advantage. WORDS: UNITY BLOTT
What are people saying about OPI’s new launch?
"I'm feeling like I might never go back to the salon" one happy shopper wrote about the nails.
"They were a perfect fit, zero filing done to these! I just used the glue it came with and it’s amazing."
"I’m rough on my nails so five days without any falling off is definitely a win," added another.
And highlighting the benefits of DIY fake nails, one wrote: "Press ons look good for a week longer and are so much cheaper!"
One person confessed they'd previous been cynical about press ons, but has now been converted: "I’ve never worn press-on nails before as always thought they would be poor quality and fall off. However these OPI nails are absolutely stunning! They look very real and I’ve already had so many compliments."
You don't have to worry about not being able to use your hands either, according to one fan: "Best glue on nails ever had. Been on five days have been out, showered, washed up, done gardening etc still looking good and none have fallen off. Would definitely recommend."
"Fantastic gel alternative" added another. "Bought as a last minute solution before Xmas work party. Lasted weeks and weeks, a couple fell off but easy to glue back on."
Jen Thomas