5 best fake nails to try at home in 2021: from statement stiletto nails to natural French manicures
A LITTLE self-care goes a long way, a wise person once said: we’d like to think they were talking about pretty nails.
There’s no doubt that a beautifully groomed set of fresh nails is the perfect way to boost your mood and feel instantly polished (literally). But when that monthly manicure is off the cards for a while and your nail-biting habit has reached its peak, there’s only one thing for it: fake nails.
Press-ons may fill you with memories of being 14 again and your nails dropping into your school dinner (er maybe that’s just us) but fear not: these days, the best fake nails last the distance, fit seamlessly and look more realistic than ever.
They’re also much cheaper of course than their salon equivalents, won’t chip like a gel manicure and are super-easy to remove yourself—without having to call in the experts.
Yep, artificial nails are finally having the moment they deserve, with a whole host of beauty brands offering more choice than ever, alongside designs from some of the most creative nail artists popping up on Insta feeds.
From paint-your-own to statement coffin falsies, stiletto talons and more, we’ve rounded up the best fake nails below that will transform stubby fingertips into works of art.
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1. Best matte-effect: Justotry’s 24Pcs Matte Coffin Fake Nails
- (AD) Matte Coffin Fake nails, £12.99 from Amazon – buy here
Long and tapered, ‘coffin’ or ‘ballerina’ nails are Kylie Jenner’s signature nail shape for those in the know—and yes, they are ALL over Instagram.
Dramatic while still being safe enough not to poke your eye out thanks to the squared-off tip, these are nails for making a statement: especially when presented in an on-trend matte finish like these beauties.
Justotry has ‘nailed’ the look here, with eight packs of nails in khaki, purple, black, pink, coffee, dark red, green, and cyan-green.
Each pack is made up of 24 pieces in different sizes to ensure you find the perfect fit, and they also come with nail glue stickers and a nail file for easy application.
Reviewers are impressed too, with one enthusing: “Incredible purchase. The matte nails are simply stunning!! Gorgeous colours and easy to file and shape if you don’t like the long length.”
2. Best for styling yourself: KISS’ Active Square Nails Pack of 100
- (AD) KISS Active Square Nails – Pack of 100, £6.99 from Amazon – buy here
If it’s nail length and durability that you’re after rather than design specifically, then KISS’ full cover nails are the ones for you.
With 100 nails including 10 sizes for up to five manicures, these can be trimmed and filed to any shape and painted with your own polish or nail art for a look that’s completely unique to you.
They come highly reviewed too, with plenty of customer images to give you a little design inspo.
Time to get creative!
3. Best Insta-ready nails: Shrine’s Pink Flames False Nails
- Pink flames false nails, £6 from Shrine – buy here
Legends on the festival circuit, Shrine first made waves with their now-iconic body jewels (hello, glitter boobs) but they’ve since branched out into everything from hair dye to false nails—much to the excitement of fans.
Shrine teamed up with nail artist Alice Mc to create the pink and red flame nails you see above, which were just made for the ‘gram.
With 20 individual fake nails and a pack of nail glue, it couldn’t be easier to try this statement look. They also coordinate with Shrine’s Symbol Transfer Tattoos if you’re looking to go all out.
4. Best short fake nails: Boots Artificial Nails French Pink Short
- Boots Artificial Nails French Pink Short, £3 from Boots – buy here
The French mani is an absolute classic that never fails to make hands look ultra groomed and chic—and these short nails in pink by Boots are ideal if you want to go for something natural and easy-wearing.
Not only do they look beautiful in the packet but they come with the seal of approval from reviewers, who have been raving about their longevity and ability to rival any salon.
“Applied nails 6 days ago, they are still all attached and looking as good as day one” says one, with another commenting: “I have stocked up and am now thinking about never needing a salon again!”
Tempted? You should be.
5. Best statement fake nails: Perfectly Nailed’s Champagne Nails
- Champagne Nails, £42.99 from Perfectly Nailed – buy here
Founded in 2016 under the helm of nail artist, Tabitha, Perfectly Nailed is the nail destination to visit if you’re looking to make a BIG statement with your fake nails: let’s just say plain and subtle isn’t their thing.
As well as fun celebrity nail decals, the brand’s fake nails are a sight to behold, with some of the most elaborately embellished talons you could hope to adorn your hands with.
We’re in love with the champagne nails, which come in all manner of shapes (choose between stiletto as pictured, coffin, square and more) and feature a matte nude base with gold foil and crystal clear tips.
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And check out our dedicated Sun Selects beauty section for more tips, trends and products.