In case you missed it, Primark [1] sells an entire range of £1 false nails [2], and if you're anything like me (beauty obsessed), you're about to save a whole lot of money. Ideal for anyone on a budget [3], the fake nails are part of Primark's PS... collection and come in a variety of shapes (pointed, almond, squareletto, stiletto, and square), colours (rogue, Miami pink, and baby blue, to name a few), and finishes (matte, pearl, gelly, and gloss).
The first time I tried them, I was heading to Pride and didn't have time to get to my local salon before the big event. These nails worked a treat and are now my go-to when I'm short on time or want to try out the latest nail trend [4]. The reason they work so well? Apart from only costing £1, there are many. Keep reading to see my breakdown of the glossy almond nail application, results, and wear time.
Primark PS... Almond Gloss Nails Application
Every pack of Primark's PS... £1 nails includes 24 nails and nail glue. Upon opening the box, you'll find there are no instructions regarding application (or how to get started) but it's pretty self-explanatory, starting with nail prep. I treated myself to a mini DIY manicure [5] to ensure my nails were trim, buffed, and clean — in other words, an ideal base for false nails. I selected the nails I wanted from the pack — aligning the sizes to my real nails — then cracked open the nail glue (hot tip: you'll need scissors to do this).
A little goes a long way when it comes to the glue, and the last thing you want is glue residue on your skin and nails, so be sure to attach the nails one by one, applying a dot of glue on to the fake nail and the real nail, before pressing it into the nail bed. When attaching, I focused on the base of each nail to ensure the widest part was the most secure. This process took about 10 minutes. If it's your first time, the process may take slightly longer, and you may benefit from having an extra set of hands.
Primark PS... Almond Gloss Nails Immediate Result
I was pleasantly surprised with the immediate results of the nails. Within seconds of pressing each nail into the nail bed, it was set and didn't budge (even when I tried to use force). While I did experience some glue residue — mainly around the cuticle area — the nail shape and size was almost perfect for my wide fingers and as a set, the nails looked relatively professional. As I had selected the almond-shape nails, I didn't feel the need to file or reshape them as they worked to lengthen my fingers. However, this is definitely something you can easily do to achieve your desired look.
Primark PS... Almond Gloss Nails Wear Time
I applied these nails late on a Friday afternoon, taking care to avoid harsh chemicals, such as liquid washing detergent, to ensure they lasted as long as possible. By Sunday morning, one of the thumb nails started to lift, and while I didn't lose any nails when I was out and about that day, as soon as I came home in the afternoon, several started to fall off. It wasn't until they had fallen off that I noticed a couple of the nails had scratches on them from everyday wear.
Primark PS... Almond Gloss Nails My Final Thoughts
Primark's false nails are a total steal. Yes, they may only last 24 hours or so before they start to loosen, but they're perfect for weekends when you want a nail refresh and can't afford it. They're quick and easy to apply, look professional enough and won't ruin your real nails. They'd also make a great travel companion. I mean, what's not to love? And did I mention they're only £1?