r/Nails • u/denkan_fuck • Feb 06 '25

Nail Art I’ve never held my breath for this long lol

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The blue smudged a bit, didn’t notice until after curing them :-))) well, practice makes perfect as they say 😛

5.6k Upvotes

99% Upvoted

145 comments sorted by

273

u/[deleted] Feb 06 '25

Uhhhh holy shit.

Honestly I’ve never even considered press ons, until right now

65

u/denkan_fuck Feb 06 '25

I wanna start doing more of it too!! I’ve only done one set of press ons for myself, but it’s nice and feels a bit easier doing designs when you’re new

28

u/[deleted] Feb 06 '25

Yeah, you in particular, should absolutely do more of this. These are beautiful.

5

u/sirvote Feb 06 '25

If you like inspiration next time Google delftsblauw

28

u/ErrantWhimsy Feb 06 '25

I just started wearing press ons in December and I'm obsessed. First of all, you paint them on stands like this so there's no messing about with your non dominant hand, no using acetone to clean up your cuticles. Second, you can let them dry for a full day before wearing them so there's no risk of any top coat mistakes etc. Techniques like stamping require no extra cleanup or no liquid latex.

The biggest thing for me has been absolutely zero nail damage. I had consistent peeling issues for 2+ years and that has now fully grown out in 6 weeks.

Plus my body chemistry meant chipping within like 2-3 days for me normally. These are rock solid with no chipping issues. I'm never going back.

The feeling took some getting used to, because my natural nails are so short, so I will give you a heads up on that. But they make extra short ones that are pretty close to a reasonable natural length.

22

u/mayasft Feb 06 '25

I want to give my testimony as well hahaha I unfortunately developed a very mild allergic reaction to gel and decided to switch to press ons to still use my stuff. I FELL IN LOVE. I think it looks so beautiful on the nail because it’s glued on so there’s no mistakes on the edge, it’s just this perfect line, and to use the dominant hand for everything, to be able to take breaks, and it’s like 2 min to glue the nails on, and I have it for a week and a half now and so far no sign of lifting nor removal, it’s really though there.

I wish I did press ons right away, I would never have developed an allergy that way, but I’m happy I worked around it. To anyone thinking on press ons (specially the handmades!!!) it’s definitely worth a shot!! ❤️

OP, that work you did is AMAZING!!! Such a piece of art 😍

5

u/Electronic-Top7532 Feb 06 '25

I’ve been considering press ons so I can paint them with my dominant hand but I haven’t figure out the best way to attach them. What brand of blank nails do you use? Do you just attach them with nail glue? If so, can you link to the exact one? How long do they typically stay on?

6

u/mayasft Feb 06 '25

I am experimenting with glues right now (so far I used KDS and NYK1, both with similar results, I do like NYK1 more for its consistency). I bought the Beauty Secrets one but haven’t tried yet! I think what everyone says is true: the prep is the key for sure! I prep it exactly as I would to do my gel nails: push cuticles, itch the nail bed, acetone + alcohol, do the exact same to the inside of the tip, glue on both nail and tip, hold for at least 30 seconds, do it at night so you don’t get water in the hands for a while. So far so good! I did have some nails pop off eventually but honestly, you can glue it back in a minute and you’re good to go! I usually get the 2 weeks of wear I want hehe let’s see how Beauty Secrets glue plays with it.

I use the Aprés tips and I am an extra short almond girly, so maybe because I do short nails only I get more use time before they pop off (?) but like I said, you can just glue them on again and wear forever if you want 😂

When I did gel I would always push for 4 weeks of wear because it took me HOURS to do the nails, but since it’s a little easier to do press ons I do like to switch every couple of weeks since I can do really cool designs 🥰

2

u/marigoldmilk Feb 07 '25

I didn’t realize they could last so long until I wore them through a car crash and they did not budge!

1

u/anita999_ Feb 08 '25

Do you find you can tolerate nail glue? I too developed a gel allergy and tried press ons with glue but ended up with a reaction from the glue.

11

u/[deleted] Feb 06 '25

You know what.

I’m gonna try them. You’ve convinced me.

I play a few instruments and work with my hands on the regular, and absolutely thrashed my nails just the other day while quickly taking off some gelx tips before a rehearsal that ended up being cancelled anyways. I’m starting to realize that I need to be able to take them off and put them back on at specific times for all my hobbies and responsibilities. This might actually be a perfect solution.

3

u/ErrantWhimsy Feb 06 '25

Plus you could trim some shorter if need be for your instruments. My thumb and pointer on my right hand are always shorter so I can take out my contact lenses easily.

8

u/[deleted] Feb 06 '25

Oh yes. Right now I am a walking game of ‘left handed gay, or just an accordion player?’ which is fun. 🤣

2

u/ErrantWhimsy Feb 06 '25

Hahahaha I love it.

11

u/aLonerDottieArebel Feb 06 '25

Press ons are where it’s at!!

2

u/Wrong_Yam4016 Feb 07 '25

Me 2 I’m seriously considering strtn 2 wear press ons

23

u/420avo Feb 06 '25

Stunning!!

3

u/denkan_fuck Feb 06 '25

Thank you! ❤️

17

u/WiscoMama3 Feb 06 '25

Love them! Question- what technique do you use to make the tear drop shaped petals? I can never seem to get it right.

22

u/denkan_fuck Feb 06 '25

Thank you!! I’ve tried to do them with a dotting tool, but I’ve found it easier to use a long thin brush, dipping the very end in the polish and just drag it

9

u/zillionaire_ Feb 06 '25

I’d love to see how many bristles you have on the brush you’re using! I remember cutting my paintbrush down to 3 hairs for an art project back in the day, and I still couldn’t paint lines as fine as the X at the base of the nail in pic 3. You have very steady hands!

3

u/denkan_fuck Feb 06 '25

I’ve cut a brush of mine too. There’s a few more hairs on mine, and the brush itself is quite long. I couldn’t do fine lines before, but as you go you’ll figure out the best method to use!

1

u/420avo Feb 06 '25

Have you tried with a dotting tool?

2

u/WiscoMama3 Feb 06 '25

I’ve tried but I think I’m afraid to get too much paint on so it just never looks flawless

10

u/kmillieee Feb 06 '25

I’m considering starting to do press-ons like this, but i have no clue where to start and what it entails! Could you share what products/equipment you used? Also these are GORGEOUS. UGH.

7

u/ErrantWhimsy Feb 06 '25 edited Feb 06 '25

Not the OP but I just started making my own too!

Blank press on nail tips: I've been using BTArtbox extra short almond

Adhesive: I like adhesive nail stickers instead of glue. I've also been using BTArtbox for that. It doesn't last as long but it's super easy to apply, and I want to change my set out weekly anyway.

Nail stand: these are super cheap on Amazon. I recommend getting 2 full sets, because I've been enjoying painting two manicures worth at once when I've got all my supplies out anyway.

That's really all you need to get started, if you've already got a nail polish collection. I use the same lacquer I used on my regular nails, because I'm very allergic to gel. Zero chipping issues. You just need to let them dry a full day on the stands before applying them.

4

u/denkan_fuck Feb 06 '25

First of all, thank you!! ❤️ I use a Scandinavian brand for my materials, I don’t know where you’re based but the store is called Normal!

I bought the stand off SHEIN (before I quit buying from there). But Amazon has as well! I buff the nail before applying anything, a layer of builder gel, I don’t do it as thick as I would’ve if I used tips on my nails. Pretty much it! Then I just paint away 🎨

You should definitely start!! You have nothing to lose (except maybe your sanity when practicing 🥹 lol).

1

u/zillionaire_ Feb 06 '25

Following this comment bc I’d like to know too

5

u/Intelligent-Tutor426 Feb 06 '25

they are beautiful! great work!

2

u/denkan_fuck Feb 06 '25

Thank you so much 🥰

4

u/selkieisbadatgaming Feb 06 '25

Omg these are gorgeous!

2

u/denkan_fuck Feb 06 '25

Thank you 🥰🥰

5

u/sparklestarshine Feb 06 '25

Now I want nails based on my grandmother’s china…. These are gorgeous!

Oh and you did those pink ones the other day! I took a screenshot of those because I liked them so much!

1

u/denkan_fuck Feb 06 '25

Do it!! I love nails like that, they’re also really pretty in red.

Thank you!!! I’m honored and appreciate it ❤️

3

u/Katie_kat_bar Feb 06 '25

They're seriously so good!!!!

1

u/denkan_fuck Feb 06 '25

Thank you ❤️❤️❤️

3

u/Pyrateslifeforme Feb 06 '25

Those are stunning!

1

u/denkan_fuck Feb 06 '25

Thank you! ❤️

3

u/kotakins989 Feb 06 '25

I’m getting a head tattoo of poisonous flowers in the antique china pattern! Totally using this for inspo when I get my nails done to match ❤️

2

u/denkan_fuck Feb 06 '25

Good luck with the tattoo!! It’ll surely look stunning 😍 love the concept!

Thank you for your kindness ❤️❤️❤️

3

u/shoobidoobis Feb 06 '25

literal dream set omg

1

u/denkan_fuck Feb 06 '25

❤️❤️❤️

3

u/AGroke Feb 06 '25

Absolutely beautiful!! Was it freehand ?

3

u/denkan_fuck Feb 06 '25

Thank you! ❤️ yes, it was! I mixed the blue color with a lot of white to use it when sketching the design first, helped a lot!

1

u/AGroke Feb 23 '25

That's so smart! You freehand is so precise and steady

3

u/miz_moon Feb 06 '25

An absolute work of art, these are stunning!!

2

u/Pink_Goat12 Feb 06 '25

😍😍😍

2

u/ASleepyCephalopod Feb 06 '25

Those are amazing!!!

2

u/emptyinthesunrise Feb 06 '25

Wowwwww😻😻😻😻😻❤️❤️❤️

2

u/willowrayne68 Feb 06 '25

Gorgeous!

2

u/denkan_fuck Feb 06 '25

❤️❤️

2

u/Aprilskies10 Feb 06 '25

Those designs are really pretty!

2

u/No_Book_4403 Feb 06 '25

I looove this!! Absolutely stunning babes🥰🤯

2

u/Cookie_Doughnut Feb 06 '25

Never really wanted to wear plastic on my fingers until now. These are really good! 🖤

1

u/denkan_fuck Feb 07 '25

💙 thank you so much!!

2

u/Cookie_Doughnut Feb 08 '25

Of course! 🖤 thanks for sharing! 🫶

2

u/vanetti Feb 06 '25

This is glorious, you should be so proud, these nails slay

1

u/denkan_fuck Feb 07 '25

Thank you so much! ❤️❤️

2

u/weebfunks Feb 07 '25

quite literally breathtaking 🤭

1

u/denkan_fuck Feb 07 '25

Haha thank you!! 😂❤️

2

u/BlkHolesSolidGround Feb 07 '25

Stunning! Amazing job!

2

u/ashblake33 Feb 07 '25

Hey that's my fancy China! Give it back

2

u/denkan_fuck Feb 07 '25

Finders keeper 🤪😝

2

u/BijouPyramidette Feb 07 '25

The blue smudging only makes it look more like porcelain. The cobalt that gives the blue glaze its beautiful color tends to vaporize during firing and redeposits as that bleeding haze around the design. The nails are looking extremely realistic. I'd roll with it.

1

u/denkan_fuck Feb 07 '25

Didn’t know that! Makes me feel a bit better about the imperfections. Thank you so much!

2

u/queenfaev Feb 07 '25

Holy shit that’s incredible!

2

u/saint_karen Feb 07 '25

Pleasseeeee these are so gorgeous 😭 I want them!

1

u/denkan_fuck Feb 07 '25

Thank you!! ❤️❤️

2

u/Sudden_Mix_8422 Feb 07 '25

Okay, hear me out... Corningware.

1

u/denkan_fuck Feb 07 '25

I just googled it, you absolutely have my attention

2

u/Skybrst Feb 07 '25

Worth it

2

u/nothingbutapartygirl Feb 07 '25

These are really impressive!!

2

u/sexpsychologist Feb 07 '25

These look just like Talavera (painted pottery) from Puebla, Mexico

1

u/JustWoodpecker6342 Feb 06 '25

Wow!!! This is amazing!!!!

1

u/denkan_fuck Feb 06 '25

Thank you ❤️❤️

1

u/[deleted] Feb 06 '25

[deleted]

2

u/denkan_fuck Feb 06 '25

I appreciate your comment! Thank you so much ❤️

1

u/Any_Lifeguard_1146 Feb 06 '25

Practice really does make perfect, you're doing great.

1

u/denkan_fuck Feb 06 '25

Thank you!! Appreciate it

1

u/[deleted] Feb 06 '25

Breathe OP! Breathe!

Very nice 🙂

1

u/denkan_fuck Feb 06 '25

I’ll try! 😂 Thank you ❤️

1

u/Serialsnackernyc Feb 06 '25

Sooo beautiful!! I just went to Portugal last fall and the tile work was so gorgeous.

1

u/denkan_fuck Feb 06 '25

Thank you!! Must’ve been beautiful 😍

1

u/kartieb Feb 06 '25

I actually shed a tear, these are beautiful! 😻

1

u/denkan_fuck Feb 07 '25

Thank you 😭❤️

1

u/ErrantWhimsy Feb 06 '25

I can't believe you hand painted these, they're some of the prettiest nails I've ever seen!

2

u/denkan_fuck Feb 06 '25

Honestly, me neither 🥹 I showed my boyfriend and was like, can you believe I just did that??? HOW???!! Truly shocked 😂

Thank you so, so much ❤️

2

u/ErrantWhimsy Feb 06 '25

You should seriously give zoom classes on nail painting or something. These are just so remarkable!

Haha I live for the double take from my husband when I make something cool like that.

2

u/denkan_fuck Feb 07 '25

One of the nicest compliments I’ve gotten 😭

Haha, same!! Mine is very supportive of my nail journey 🥺❤️

1

u/SuspiciousFox2213 Feb 06 '25

They look like the fancy bottle of dolce & Gabbana light blue 🩵

2

u/denkan_fuck Feb 06 '25

OH!! Didn’t even think of that, I have that perfume myself, I should use it as inspiration next time 😍😍

1

u/ShareNo6703 Feb 06 '25

Dang you hand painted this?? Impressive! Looks like fine china.

1

u/denkan_fuck Feb 06 '25

I did!! Thank you! That was the goal, glad it came through 🥰🥰❤️❤️

1

u/Psylocke16 Feb 06 '25

They are GORGEOUS!!

1

u/denkan_fuck Feb 06 '25

Thank you! ❤️❤️❤️

1

u/No_Breadfruits6969 Feb 06 '25

Gorgeous!! Also got me craving tequila 😜

1

u/tomcatgal Feb 06 '25

Oh my GOD these are gorgeous!!!! 😍

1

u/sulsulgamergirl Feb 06 '25

Is this a random pattern or is it inspired by blue willow glassware??? My mom is obsessed with blue willow and always has been, she would absolutely love blue willow nails

2

u/denkan_fuck Feb 07 '25

It’s inspired by those kinds of patterns! Your mama has good taste, beautiful patterns

1

u/Christajna Feb 06 '25

Reminds me of our Danish porcelain from Royal Copenhagen.. Look it up, and we absolutely love the design 😍

2

u/denkan_fuck Feb 07 '25

Älskar Royal Copenhagen!! Det är inspirerat från denna typ av porslin 😍😍 Tack ❤️❤️

1

u/stupidand-dumb Feb 07 '25

these are so gorgeous i actually want to cry tears

1

u/Ok_Hippo_5437 Feb 07 '25

Omg do you have a shop

1

u/denkan_fuck Feb 07 '25

I don’t! 🥺 been wanting to start selling press ons, but I feel like I don’t want or need that responsibility yet 😂

1

u/Ok_Hippo_5437 Feb 08 '25

😭😭😭😭😭 crying rn I've been looking for a set literally exactly like thiiiisssss

1

u/denkan_fuck Feb 08 '25

😭😭 I’d love to do one for you, but the shipping cost outside Europe would probably be more than the nails 🥹

1

u/JumboSimpp Feb 07 '25

WOW!!! You have a gift

1

u/Careful_Selection560 Feb 07 '25

So beautiful 🤩❤️

1

u/AcanthisittaNo9122 Feb 07 '25

Omg that looks amazing! And it’s match my current gel 😂 I asked my nail tech for a Sicilian lemon tile theme and the vibe matches your art perfectly!

1

u/katastrofee17 Feb 07 '25

So elegant ✨️

1

u/thandi81 Feb 07 '25

These are absolutely beautiful

1

u/denkan_fuck Feb 08 '25

Thank you ❤️

1

u/lovereading04 Feb 07 '25

i love the second one! lilies are my favourite flower

1

u/denkan_fuck Feb 08 '25

Thank you!! I agree, they’re absolutely beautiful

1

u/Safe-Bee-3739 Feb 08 '25

This reminds me of the tile work in my country, Portugal

1

u/boredash555 Feb 09 '25

you sell press ons?? they look amazing

1

u/denkan_fuck Feb 09 '25

I do not at the moment! I want to start doing it, but I’m not ready for the commitment and responsibility yet ❤️😂