Are you on the hunt for long lasting press on nails? I’ve tried them all, and BTArtbox X-Coat Tips are the absolute best long lasting press-on nails!
I remember wearing press-on nails as a teenager before my mom allowed me to get acrylics. I feel like they fell out of style for a while, but there has been a huge boom in the last few years. Press-on nails have improved in quality and in design options.
As an influencer and content creator who is constantly in front of the camera, I like my nails to look good. I feel more confident that way.
I don’t know about you, but I hate spending hours in the nail salon just to hate the way my nails turned out and feeling like I wasted $100. (Who remembers the days when a full set was $30? Gone are those days).
Long lasting press on nails are convenient, cost-effective, and allow you to have more creativity and flexibility in your nail art and designs.
I’ve tried them all, from Gel-X, Kiss, Chill Tips—you name it—and I have finally found the best long-lasting press-on nails, BTArtbox X-Coat Tips. In this post, I am spilling my absolute favorite long-lasting press-on nails that can last for at least 28 days.
Benefits of Press-On Nails
There are so many benefits to press-on nails. You save time by not having to sit in the nail salon; they are much cheaper now that nail services cost an arm and a leg, and you have flexibility in your nail art and designs.
Now that I have done my press-on nails many times and have the hang of it, I can complete a set in less than an hour in the comfort of my own home.
Press-on nails are much cheaper than going to the salon. You will need to make the initial investment in all the supplies and tools, but it will likely cost you the same or less than the price of a full set at the nail salon. You’ll end up saving so much money in the long run.
Finally, you’re more likely to love how your nails turn out when you can pick the nail color, art, and designs ahead of time.
Plastic Tips vs. Soft-Gel Tips
When choosing press-on nails, you want to consider certain factors because not all press-on nails are created equally. What makes BTArtbox X-Coat Tips the best long-lasting press-on nails is that they are not your traditional plastic nail tips; they are actually soft-gel tips.
While plastic and soft-gel nails look similar, plastic nail tips are typically applied using nail glue, while soft-gel tips can be applied using a gel adhesive that needs to be cured under a UV/LED light.
Fear not, the application is fairly easy. Trust me, if I can put them on, so can you! I know you’re probably wondering about the removal. With a few tricks, that is easy too!
BTArtbox offers both plastic and soft-gel systems. In my experience, the soft-gel or X-Coat system is the longest-lasting press-on nail. They are easy to apply and remove, last so long, and look extremely natural.
What You’ll Need for Long Lasting Press on Nails
Nail Prep
- Nail clipper
- The BEST Cuticle remover
- Lint-free pads
- Nails file
- Cuticle pusher
- Nail Buffer
- 99% isopropyl alcohol
Application
- BTArtbox X-Coat nails in your desired design
- E-file
- Efile bits
- pH bonder
- Acid-free gel primer
- Solid Gel Glue
- Individual UV Nail Lamp
- Professional UV/LED Nail Lamp
- Gel top coat
- Optional: nail polish/art
Removal
- Bowl
- Plastic bag
- 100% Pure Acetone
- Warm Water
Natural Nail Prep Before Press-On Application
Prepping your natural nails is crucial when it comes to having long lasting press on nails.
Listen, I am just a DIY girl, not a professional. These are steps and tips that work for me. I have learned a lot from YouTube and Paola Ponce. Her video on nail prep is great.
I like to start by cutting my nails really short. I prefer the extra short BTArtbox nails, so my nails have to be really short to not be longer than the press-on.
Then, I use cuticle remover and this tool to push back my cuticles and remove any excess cuticles. Since I am not a professional, I typically avoid any cutting or clipping unless I have obvious hangnails.
Next, buff the nails and clean them with 99% isopropyl alcohol to remove any oils, then apply the pH bonder and non-acidic gel primer. I use the Apres brand from a kit that I used to use (I told you I have tried them all). Amazon has some affordable alternatives like Beetles and Aimeli.
BTArtbox X-Coat Tips Prep
The next step is to prep the X-Coat tips. I like to pick out all the sizes that I need and lay them out in order.
This step is optional. I like to use the e-file to etch the inside of each of the press-on nails. This will roughen up the back area of the tip, in order for it not to pop off from the adhesion gel.
Now you are ready for application.
Application of BTArtbox X-Coat Tips
- Squeeze out a small amount of the Solid Gel Glue directly onto the tip. Start small because a little goes a long way.
- Adhere the press-on to your nail, starting at the base of the nail and slowly applying pressure toward the top of the nail. Try to avoid air bubbles and prevent the glue from coming out of the sides of the nail. If it does, that is okay—you can fix it later.
- Use one hand to hold the nail in place, and flash cure with the individual LED light. This is a game-changer for applying gel glue.
- After flash curing, do a proper cure under the professional UV/LED light for at least 30 seconds. Repeat this for all 10 fingers.
- Once all the nails are on, you can clean up any excess gel using a ceramic nail bit and also use a nail file on the top of the nails if there is leftover from the tab.
- At this point, you can add gel nail polish, nail art, or whatever your heart desires. I usually keep it simple and maybe add a nail design sticker. The whole point for me is to make this easy and quick.
- Finally, add a gel top coat and cure under the professional UV/LED light for a minimum of 1 minute. The top coat is especially important if you are wearing the French Tips. The white will start to chip if you don’t wear a top coat or don’t apply it thoroughly. I use the Apres brand, but BTArtBox also sells a top coat that I would assume works well with their brands of nails.
Maintaining and Extending the Lifespan of Press-On Nails
I am pretty rough on my hands and don’t do anything special to keep them up. It’s probably a good idea to keep your hands and cuticles moisturized and to wear gloves when washing dishes or cleaning with chemicals.
I wore these nails for exactly 28 days during my trip to Europe with absolutely no lost or loose nails. Incredible, right?
Non-Damaging Removal Tips
I used to dread removing my tips until I learned this game-changing tip from the nail salon. You will need a bowl, a plastic bag, warm water, and 100% pure acetone.
Fill the bowl with warm water from the sink, place the bag over the bowl, and then pour the acetone into the bag. The warm water helps prevent the acetone from evaporating, making the nail removal process faster.
Put one hand into the bag (I like to do one hand at a time). The nails should start to melt and soak off after a few minutes. You can use the e-file to remove what has come off after a few minutes and then put your nails back in the acetone until all the nails and adhesive are removed. Repeat with your second hand.
Voila! Your nails are off with no damage. It is truly the best!
Conclusion
The post is all about the BTArtbox X-Coat Tips, the best long lasting press on nails.
I will probably never get my nails done at the salon again since I found the BTArtbox X-Coat Tips. While there is a learning curve to application and removal, once you get the hang of it, you’ll never look back.
I really love the convenience, the cost-effectiveness, and the flawless look. BTArtbox X-Coat Tips are by far the best long-lasting press-on nails that I have tried.
Have you tried BTArtbox X-Coat tips? Let me know if you do!