Scroll through any feed and you'll see flawless press-ons. Look closer, and the truth shows up. Here's how to tell quality from a convincing copy.
1. Check the edges
Real quality has smooth, sealed edges. Fakes often have rough sides, visible seams or uneven tips that catch on fabric and hair.
2. Look at the shine
Good nails have an even, glossy finish. Cheap ones look streaky, patchy or oddly plasticky, and glitter or chrome flakes off at the touch.
3. Compare the shape
Every nail in a genuine set should match its design. Fakes arrive with warped, crooked or mismatched shapes.
4. Test the fit
A proper set includes a range of sizes so you can find a snug fit for each finger. If every nail seems the same width, expect gaps and lifting.
5. Read the photos
Be wary of listings that use only heavily filtered images. Trustworthy brands show real hands, close-ups and unedited photos.
6. Inspect the packaging
Look for clear branding, sizing guides, prep tools and application instructions. A bag of loose nails with no information is a red flag.
7. Trust the price
Handmade, well-finished sets take time and skill. If a price seems too good to be true, the quality probably is too.
Our promise
At Beautifully Pressed, we share close-ups of our nails because we have nothing to hide. What you see is what you get, unfiltered.