What exactly are handmade soft gel press-on nails, and how do they differ from the press-ons you may already know? In this article we explain how we work at L'Adele, why we chose soft gel and what you'll notice for yourself.
What are soft gel press-on nails?
Soft gel is a light, flexible material that our nails are made from. It is thinner and more supple than hard plastic press-ons, so the nail bends a little with your own nail. After a few hours you hardly feel it at all. That makes soft gel comfortable for everyday wear, whether you are typing or cooking.
What does handmade mean?
Every set is made by hand in our own studio. Base, colour, effect and finish are applied layer by layer. That is why no two sets are exactly the same. On a machine you would call that a defect, but in handwork it simply comes with the territory. It makes production slower, but you can see it in the details: crisp edges, deep colours and effects such as the line of light in our cat eye designs. You will find an honest comparison of handwork and mass production in handmade press-on nails versus factory made.
What is in a set?
Every set contains 10 nails plus 5 spares in one size. In the box you will also find 150 adhesive tabs, a nail file, a cuticle pusher and alcohol wipes. Our shapes run from short to long: Round, Oval Short, Square Short and Oval Long, in sizes XS, S, M and L.
What you'll notice
- Details that are right: a neat finish and colours with depth.
- Reusable: if you remove them carefully and store them in the box, you can wear a set three to five times. Read more in sustainable and reusable press-on nails.
- Gentle on your own nails: no drill and no acetone. Applying takes about ten minutes, and you remove them with warm water.
How do you apply them?
Push your cuticles back with the cuticle pusher, wipe each nail clean with an alcohol wipe, smooth the adhesive tab onto your own nail and press the nail down firmly for fifteen to thirty seconds. For the first two to four hours, avoid long contact with water. The full step by step guide is in applying press-on nails in 5 steps. With adhesive tabs they stay on for one to two weeks, about ten days on average.
Who are they for?
For anyone who wants well kept nails without a salon appointment. A gel treatment at the salon is due every three weeks and takes an hour and a half to two hours, plus travel time. Press-on nails you can do at home. If you would like to try them without any fuss, we also have guidance for beginners in the ten beginner mistakes and in what to look for when buying press-on nails.
What we deliberately do not promise
Press-on nails remain press-on nails: they are not a replacement for a salon treatment in every respect, and they do not last forever. What we do promise is a neat finish, a set that fits well if you choose the right size, and honest advice about wear time and care.
Frequently asked questions
Are soft gel press-on nails strong enough for every day?
Yes, they are light and flexible and made for daily wear, including typing and cooking.
Do you also sell nail glue?
No, we recommend adhesive tabs. They come in every set.
What if my size does not fit?
You can exchange an unused set for the right size within 14 days through our returns portal. You pay the return postage and we send the new size free of charge.
How quickly will my order be delivered?
Delivery times depend on where you live. You will see the estimate for your country at checkout.
Try them for yourself
Take a look at our handmade collection. If you are unsure about your size, read the size guide or start with the Beginnerset Reflected, which has sizes S, M and L in one box.
