I've just found the perfect low-maintenance Valentine's Day mani—and it will cost you less than £17
Elegant press-ons that last for two weeks? Yes please


As a habitual nail biter, having my manicure up to scratch is non-negotiable. However, keeping on top of monthly appointments is not only costly, but also takes up slightly more time than I would like. A foray into at-home gel application taught me that I shouldn't quit my day job to pursue a career as a nail artist any time soon, but I wasn't ready to give up on affordable mani alternatives altogether. So it was a relief to find a new type of mani that not is not only affordable and can be done from home, but can also actually rival salon standards—OPI's new press-ons.
With Valentine's Day quickly coming up, it's the ideal time to get your nails in check with a seasonal yet timeless polish. But after an expensive January, a salon appointment might not be at the top of your priority list. Whether you want to cut back on your spending, give your nails a break from acrylics, or you're after something mess and fuss-free you can do from home to get a professional look, press-ons are not to be overlooked.
I can admit they haven't always had the best reputation—the first brands to hit the market were pretty flimsy and would ping off with even a gentle nudge, not to mention a lot of the designs on offer tended to be on the more extravagant side. This year's nail trends are all about understated, chic shades, so colours that align with that are essential.
Not only do OPI's press-ons come in the iconic Bubble Bath and Big Apple Red shades that the brand is known for, but they also offer an impressive fourteen days of wear. Could it be too good to be true? Well, the five-star reviews from satisfied customers prove that they do actually last, and they're 50% cheaper than my monthly gel mani. Consider me converted.
Shop the OPI press-on collection
Each set of press-ons comes with nail glue, a cuticle stick, a dual nail file and buffer, an OPI prep pad, and 30 nails in different mani sizes to fit you perfectly. Built to last, they deliver a salon-like look in a matter of minutes. Plus, they can be used again and again. Consider your Valentine's Day manicure sorted.
Marie Claire Newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!

Amelia is currently Acting Junior Shopping Editor at Marie Claire UK. With a keen eye for lifestyle trends and a focus on quality over quantity, she is very clued up on the best products and brands on the market. She previously worked as a senior writer for woman&home, covering everything from product reviews and nail art trends to reporting on fashion weeks and the best-dressed celebrities at red carpet events.
-
Miley Cyrus just elevated the classic 'jeans and a nice top' outfit formula
Perfect for spring
By Sofia Piza
-
I was told I was too girly to be gay — When will society stop judging women on how we look?
Why femme invisibility is a feminist issue
By Roxy Bourdillon
-
I have no time to be faffing with brushes, but a make-up sponge is an essential in my routine—here are the 6 best
Essential for smooth, seamless skin
By Mica Ricketts
-
Feeling whimsical? Soft blue nails are the dreamiest manicure look this spring
According to pros
By Lucy Abbersteen
-
All the cool girls I know are wearing 'stained glass nails' for spring
Try something different at the salon
By Rebecca Fearn
-
A nail expert just confirmed that *everyone* will be wearing butter yellow nails this spring—and I’m obsessed
Here's how to choose the best shade for you
By Mica Ricketts
-
This expensive-looking nail shade is a favourite of Selena Gomez—I predict it’s the colour of the season
It screams spring
By Nessa Humayun
-
I was in a rut until I discovered micro nail art—it's elegant, dainty, and so personalisable
Plus, all the inspiration you need...
By Nessa Humayun
-
Every beauty editor I know is obsessed with the naked manicure—it's clean, precise and *expensive-looking*
Fresh and clean for spring
By Nessa Humayun
-
Hailey Bieber’s nail shape of choice is elongating, chic and practical—I'll never get mine done another way
Plus, it suits a variety of colours
By Rebecca Fearn
-
You heard it here first—this unconventional spring manicure colour is about to be everywhere
It's not what you'd expect...
By Nessa Humayun