How to Make Press On Nails Look Real: 8 Fixes

Press on nails look fake for three reasons: the wrong size, the wrong length, or a shade that fights your skin tone. Fix those and nobody will ask whether you've been to a salon.

1. Get the width right (this is the big one)

A nail that's too wide overlaps your skin at the sides, and that's the most obvious giveaway. Measure each nail across its widest point. If you're between sizes, choose the larger one and file the sides down to fit. Our size guide has a mm chart, and our fit fixes post covers what to do if a nail is slightly off.

2. Match your nail bed shape

Flat nails need flatter press ons, and curved nails need a curve. If yours are wide or short, read press on nails for short or wide nail beds.

3. Go shorter than you think

Very long nails on someone who usually keeps them short look borrowed. Short and extra-short shapes read as "my own nails, just better". See the short nails guide.

4. Push back your cuticles first

The press on should start right at your cuticle line, not a few millimetres above it. A visible gap of bare nail at the base is another common giveaway.

5. Choose a shade close to your natural nail

Sheer pinks and nudes blend in when your natural nail grows out underneath. Try Ballet, Blush or Peony. For matching shades to your skin tone, see our nude and neutral nails guide.

6. File the free edge lightly

A few gentle strokes on the tip softens a perfectly uniform edge so it looks like a natural nail.

7. Press from the cuticle down, not the tip up

This pushes out air bubbles, which show as cloudy patches under glossy nails. Full technique: how to apply press on nails.

8. Start with a handmade set

Every Aurelle set is shaped and finished by hand, not stamped out in a factory. Here's how to tell the difference.

Shop natural-looking sets

• Ballet Short Almond – $14.99
• Peony Extra Short – $14.99
• Dusty Pink Short Almond – $14.99
• Browse all short press on nails