The Australian and New Zealand brands making the best press-on nails
IMAGE VIA SLOWER HANDS
WORDS BY JULIA KITTELTY
Works of art right at your fingertips.
Nothing makes me feel more put together than walking out of the nail salon with a shiny new set of acrylics. We all love that fresh set feeling but for those of us who are time-poor, looking to save some money or simply can’t commit to one colour or design for four weeks, press-on nails are a godsend.
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They’re easy to apply, better for your bank account balance than monthly trips to the salon, don’t wreak havoc on your nails and are usually reusable. Whether you’re after a design a little out there like leopard print, or something pared-back, you’ll find a set you love among these Australian and New Zealand brands.
Slower Hands
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This Naarm-based private studio creates custom reusable nail art using Japanese and Korean nail products that are almost too good to wear. You might see your nails as an extension of your personal style, but the folks at Slower Hands see them as works of art. Custom press-on sets are made to order and start at $120.
Nail Me
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This female-owned brand offers high-quality handmade press-ons at affordable price points. With a focus on soft, feminine designs, whether you’re a short, oval, almond or coffin gal, you can get that fresh set feeling at home with no UV light required. Did I mention they’re all reusable and customisable? Sets start at $34.95, and if you want to stock up, Nail Me offers free shipping when you spend over $80.
Mannequin Hands
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Handmade-to-order and beautifully constructed, Sydney brand Mannequin Hands, founded by nail artist Victoria Houllis, creates spellbinding designs. And with an array of impressive clients like Dua Lipa, M.I.A. and Shygirl, you’d expect nothing less.
Victoria’s press-on sets last up to three weeks with proper care and can be reused multiple times. Pre-made press-on sets start at $140, and a handmade-to-order custom set will set you back $350.
Glowie by Her
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From dreamy colours to pop culture moments, this Sydney-based brand creates salon-grade press-ons that last the distance. Starting at $41 for a set, you can embrace the clean girl aesthetic with the Hailey set or go for a classic like Almond Latte.
Flowerbed Nails
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Forget nail glue and acrylics, stick-on nail art is the low-effort and minimal-damage option you’ve been waiting for. Created by Sydney brand Flowerbed Nails, these stickers last up to two weeks – all you have to do is peel, stick and swipe with a coat of clear polish. The stickers are vegan, cruelty and gender-neutral, and the sheets (each containing more than 250 stickers) start at $23.
Instant Mani Co.
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This Gold Coast-based business provides the “salon effect without the price tag, small talk and nail damage”. Think affordable basics and classic neutrals. Starting at $29.99, a simple set contains everything you need, including a reusable case for your new press-ons.
Pressing Nails
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Offering both a softer gel finish and an acrylic finish, this New Zealand brand can help you have beautiful nails all year round. Its range is packed with patterns with options like checkerboard, flames, ombre, rainbow swirls and more. Grab yourself a set from $27.
Acrylique
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This Australian brand wants you to be transported when you wear its nails. Where, you might ask? To that giddy feeling you get when you’re “a few cocktails too deep”. Its Instacrylics sets start at $34.95 and are reusable up to five times, which we love.
For more press-on nail art inspiration, head here.
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