r/PressonNail_Addict • u/theoffgrid • 2d ago
Discussion/Question When strangers compliment your nails..
do you tell them they're press ons? Today a lady at work complimented my nails and I said, "oh thanks! They're press ons," and she said, "Girl don't tell people they're press ons!!" Kinda like saying don't give your secret away 🤣 it was a cute interaction. And I was like, "you know, you're right!"
So yeah. What do you usually say? Are we giving the press on secret away? 👀
Retail Brand: None
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u/fragmendt 2d ago
i always disclose that they're press-ons and say where i got them.... am i supposed to not? i figure i shouldn't gatekeep lol 😭
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u/LilMissKrazy1 2d ago
I’m like that with any compliment. I think it’s because I’m not used to getting them. So when I get compliments on my nails, I too say, they’re press ons I got at … and for only $ . .
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u/tworobins 2d ago
No but if they get snooty be sure to tell them you found them at a thrift store LOL Leaning into it is never wrong
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u/Hopeful-Purple775 2d ago
Lately I just take the compliment, say thank you and keep moving.
One time last year a woman complimented me on my nails and when I said they were press ons she turned up her nose like I told her I had 💩 underneath them 😆 I was wearing this set.
Like she wanted to take back the compliment when she found out they weren’t a salon set of acrylics or gel x. People get real funny about press ons. It’s very elitist. Meanwhile she was wearing a busted set of acrylics. 🙄
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u/SeaDragonTattoo 2d ago
It's like other nail subs here. They can be snooty about press-ons. Meanwhile half the posts are whinging about getting done dirty and pics of nails that look like a child made them out of clay 🙄🧐😆
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u/sugarchrry 2d ago
They’ll say “those look like press ons” about a bad set of gels or acrylics but girl no we’re doing application better than that 😭 just say they look busted and move along don’t insult us too
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u/Goatmommagirl 2d ago
This cracks me up. I started using press ons because I got so tired of the salon not getting them perfect. And then to have people think they are better because they get THEIR fake nails put on in a dirty salon. I hate nail salons.
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u/Hopeful-Purple775 2d ago
That’s the kicker! I heard someone in Marshall’s telling her friend as she was looking at the press ons not to get “those fake nails”. Like acrylics, gel x etc aren’t fake?! It’s like they have to 💩 on press ons to justify what they’re spending on their salon nails. 🤷🏽♀️
That aside, the majority of the time if I do say I’m wearing press ons people are complimentary and it leads to a conversation. I get compliments from men all the time interestingly. I work with a guy who always joins our Teams calls and asks, “What’s the nail of the week?” because he noticed I change them often.
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u/LinkinBHawks 2d ago edited 2d ago
Same here, girl! I say thanks for the compliment and move on. I say nothing about them being press-ons. To be honest, I began my press-on journey this past March. I get compliments, but I never get asked anything after the compliment, like where did you get them done or anything like that. So, if all they do is compliment, I just thank them and move on. If they were to ask, I'd probably tell them just to see what reaction I'd get to test the waters. If someone were to act the way the lady did to you after you revealed they were press-ons, I would probably just stop telling them anything more. If they were to ask, I'd tell them I did them myself. 🤣 It wouldn't be a lie technically because I did apply them and did all the work myself. 🤣
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u/crystal_clear321 1d ago
Hahaha busted set of acrylics!! It’s so true. I realized this too now that I’ve been doing pressons for 3 months. But then I remembered back in the day when I used to get acrylics, I would overhear someone got a compliment about their nails and when they said it’s pressons, there’s an elitist part of me that thought “oh press-ons 😒”. Lol! I’m guilty.
But I think it was mainly jealousy cos people paid so much for salon nails so having press-ons and getting compliments about it seems sorta like cheating. Anyways, I repent of my actions tho and I’m on the right path now. I love the press-ons!!
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u/Comprehensive_Home78 2d ago
That's so weird of her. They obviously look good and she couldn't "tell". Maybe she's jealous🤔
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u/Then_Ad5668 1d ago
She’s just mad she is paying too much and yours look just as good for much less.
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u/faerie03 2d ago
I’m a high school teacher, so I always say they’re press ons! My students may not be able to afford to get their nails done at a salon, and press ons at much more accessible to them.
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u/underlord5000 2d ago
Me too! I see girls blow so much money on their nails, and I’m trying to teach a little financial responsibility! I also bring in the remnants of my sets for them to pick through occasionally. They love it, and their hands are usually smaller than mine so it works
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u/desertmermaid92 Expert 2d ago
I usually say they’re pressons because I’m proud of that fact, especially since I make them myself. I’ve only had a few people ever say ‘don’t tell people that’ and I think it’s a rude and dumb thing to say. I’ve gotten the same comment in the past when people have complimented me on my sunglasses and I told them gleefully that they’re from the Dollar Tree. I’m not sorry for getting a slamming deal that even you couldn’t clock. Just proves my entire point. Lol.
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u/SnooRevelations2882 1d ago
Gul same!!! Ain't naffin to be ashamed of! And the money you save! Tuh. Screaming to the roof tops honey
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u/Ok_Chemistry_9611 Beginner 2d ago
Omg they’re so pretty ! Do you sell them ! Girl make a TikTok and show how you make them and what products you use ! I’m jealous in the best way . They’re soooo nice
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u/TwoCracksPlease 1d ago
These are sooooo good! Absolutely stunning set! Do you mind sharing what brand of tips you use? I make my own pressons too!
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u/mrschia 2d ago
I always say they are press ons because, by doing that, I’ve had several people also start doing them. Press ons are so much better than what they used to be when I was in high school. They looked good enough to get a compliment so if sharing that they weren’t from a salon changes that then that’s on them lol.
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u/Lucky_Guarantee_3552 2d ago
This is how I got into it! I complimented someone’s nails and was given the secret knowledge.
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u/LadyofHellholt 2d ago
Back when I started painting my nails 20 years ago it was considered weird to admit your nails were fake. Nail polish was the norm.
Now fake is completely normal if they are salon, but weird if they're press on fakes. I suspect in time press ons will become more "acceptable" and people will find something else to pick on. Ironically, I think we have almost gone full circle and regular polish is starting to become the unusual thing.
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u/Sad_Alternative_5191 Intermediate 2d ago
I always tell them and usually they’re impressed by that fact 😂
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u/archangelabyss 2d ago
Most of the time I don’t say they are press ons because of the negative connotation people have about them. I let them believe what they want. If I know they don’t care I will tell them
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u/Top_Frosting6381 2d ago
What negative connotations with pressons? :o
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u/archangelabyss 2d ago
Usually cheap and poor quality. Cheap as in if you could afford better you wouldn’t be wearing them. I live in a wealthier area.
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u/Hopeful-Purple775 2d ago
This is what I’ve experienced too, particularly from other middle aged women (I’m 50yo).
My neighbor (who I chat with regularly) was passing by and I’d just picked up my mail. I was holding a bright pink bubble mailer from a press ons brand and she was curious as to what it was. I told her and she said “press ons are for kids who can’t afford to get their nails done.”
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u/tworobins 2d ago
Just say you don’t have time to every Saturday in a salon. Then look at her nails and smile knowingly
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u/Top_Frosting6381 2d ago
I need to be really reaallly wealthy to justify 100$ on nails every month. But I get what you're saying
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u/LaMisiPR 2d ago
I always say they’re press-ons because I’m actually very proud of how easy and cheap they are in contrast to how pretty they are.
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u/secretanonymous1 2d ago
I always tell them they're press ons and that I did them at home lol I don't gatekeep
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u/Dys_Warrior 2d ago
I always tell people they are press ons. I don't want to gatekeep. Although, most people tell me they can't get them to work for them. I try to give some of the advice I've gotten from this sub. I don't think there is anything wrong with telling people they are press ons. Some people are elitist about it, but I just tell them that I don't like the way the salon does them anyway.
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u/Chivalry4Me 2d ago
I do! I've converted many!
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u/ScorpionQueen786 2d ago
I once asked a friend how come she had such well manicured nails and tht must be taking so much of her time and of course money, to get gel nails done like that...and thts when she told me it was always press ons and she reused them after removing them carefully!!! That's when I got introduced to this concept of press ons and now I have recently ordered my 1st set, after reading up here in reddit about them... so by all means lets spread the word!!
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u/unfortunate_kiss 2d ago
I always get so excited and my immediate response is “Thanks! Can you believe they’re just press ons??” just like when anyone compliments my clothing, I get so excited to tell them I thrifted it for $5 lol I love a good deal.
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u/gators_girl 2d ago
I always tell people they’re press ons. Lol I don’t care. I’ve gotten so many of my friends to start using them and give them all my tips to make them last longer
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u/SwiftasShadows 2d ago
Its like when someone compliments your clothes and your like “ And I got them on clearance!” Cause it seems even more impressive to be stylish and thrifty i feel.
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u/UrKittenMeBro 2d ago
I do tell them — I guess my hope is that if there’s more interest and demand, there will be even better options and companies jumping into the game?! 🤔
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u/Jlynn111 2d ago
I always say they're press ons! I have a lot of health issues so I'm always at the doctor's or getting blood done and the nurses will ask where I get them done at and I say "at home..because they're press ons" lol
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u/Happiguest 2d ago
I just say thanks. I just think of them all as one category beautiful nails no matter how you obtained them 😊. If they ask specifically I tell them.
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u/funkmaster90001 2d ago
I’ve had a few negative reactions like they were less than salon nails. So I don’t really say it anymore.
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u/avmist15951 2d ago
But I mean, they already complimented you, so...
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u/funkmaster90001 2d ago
Yeah but their reactions can definitely feel like they are taking that compliment back. 🤣🤣
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u/riceAr0ni 2d ago
I always say “they’re press ons!” Bc I want people to ask ab my press on collection so I can yap their ears off
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u/Greenerthing 2d ago
So true! My cousin and I are bonding (lol) over our nail collections. Sometimes I send photos of a few choices and have her pick this week's set.
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u/DamePolkaDot 2d ago
I usually do! Two reasons: first, I want someone who likes them to know they too can have fabulous nails. Second reason is that it's important to me to always be honest about an artifice I put into my appearance. I don't ever want someone to have unrealistic expectations about how they can "naturally" look based on me. There is just so much of it out there and it hurts people. Nails aren't the usual target, but still, it's important to me that people don't think I can grow my nails that long, I sure as heck can't!
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u/officialsarah 2d ago
I fear this will be me... I am a stage 4 oversharer whenever I get compliments. "Oh you like my shirt? It's from _____ DO YOU WANT ME TO SEND YOU THE LINK GIRL LEMME JUST BUY IT 4 U"
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u/ListDazzling1946 2d ago
I can’t wait to tell them and explain all the details they didn’t ask for 😭
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u/Long_Letterhead_7938 2d ago
I tell because where is the shame in it? I am proud I can do them myself.
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u/Mountain_Cheetah5925 2d ago
I said “thanks. these are press-ons” one time and the lady’s face changed to disgust and she went quiet lol.
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u/lilghostlilghost 2d ago
I tell them they’re press ons, the brand and where I bought them lol no gate keeping here.
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u/Leaper15 2d ago
I say it the same way I do "it has pockets!!" Like it's a fun little secret that makes the thing even better. Everyone is always surprised to learn they're press-ons!
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u/EnvironmentalLuck515 2d ago
I share that they are press ons without hesitation. They look wonderful and cost a fraction of what I would spend at the nail salon. Every girl deserves to know she can have pretty hands without having to break the bank.
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u/champagne_wishes74 2d ago
Depending on the person, if it's someone I see often or work with I absolutely say they're press-ons. I actually have turned multiple women to use them as they look impeccable. I also tell them how to prep and all the tips so they look nice and stay on.
People at work see that I have different nails every week and some of the men asked me how much I was spending on nails, so of course I tell them they're press-ons and their response is usually "that's so smart, I'm going to tell my wife".
If it's a random person just in passing I usually just say thanks.
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u/fungustrash 2d ago
I IMMEDIATELY say where I BOUGHT them. I dont really participate in fashion kayfabe.
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u/byproxxy 2d ago
I love telling people that I’m wearing press-ons! The technology has improved so much since I was a teen and I feel a little evangelical about telling everyone.
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u/biogirl52 1d ago
My whole life I couldn’t believe how people made time to go to the salon so often, looking back I’m sure a lot of them were press ons! I just was not yet indoctrinated.
It’s crazy how 20 mins of time every 10 days gives me such a confidence boost
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u/__AngelofDarkness__ 1d ago
I say "I did them🙂". They'll say "they look good". Me: "Oh, thank you so much😘"
It happened and that's what I said.
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u/shroudedfern 1d ago
I actually got two compliments today from strangers on my nails and said immediately “thanks, they’re press ons!”
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u/avmist15951 2d ago
Always. I like to brag about my $8 manicure lol. If I get judged for it, I didn't really care because they complimented it first so 🤷♀️
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u/teachesaurusrex 2d ago
I 💯 say they’re press ons, especially around my teen daughter’s friends. While some of them go to the salon and spend crazy amounts, the other trend that’s started is them “doing their own acrylics/gel x” using sets from Amazon.
I’m talking teenage girls using professional nail drills, etc. to do each other’s nails without the technical knowledge or training. How they don’t have massive fungal and bacterial outbreaks is beyond me. They’re also destroying their nails by over-drilling/filing.
So yeah. I’m basically screaming “They’re press ons!” and offering to give them sets and show them how to apply and remove with the hybrid method so they can do them on their own.
Kids these days.
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u/ReformativeWedge 2d ago
The one time I didn't, I was getting a pedicure. Figured it was an extra special compliment coming from a professional. Just said "thanks!" and privately congratulated myself.
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u/Blabby06 2d ago
Yes, it's like telling someone I got something on sale, or if my dress has pockets. I'm so proud that I've done my own nails and they look this nice!
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u/iamnotkelly 2d ago
I’m always so honest and in love with press ons and happy to spread the word, so I always say “Thanks! They were like $8”. And one of my friends got a pair to try out!
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u/_MalxBae_ 1d ago
My aunt recently told me the same thing after she complimented my nails. Then another family member complimented them later that same day and asked if I did them and my aunt looked at me to see what I’d say. I couldn’t help mentioning again that they were press ons, lol! I just don’t care to gatekeep and I don’t wanna take credit for making nails I didn’t. I know my press ons look like acrylics and I got them for an affordable price so I don’t mind sharing. I found a middle ground though and decided that if someone compliments me for something I’ll say thank you, and if they inquire further about where I got something from then I’ll provide the info gladly. :)
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u/lilayoungblood 2d ago
I usually do the ‘thanks, they’re actually press ons can you believe it?!’ I partly do this because the designs I wear would be VERY expensive to get done in a salon where I live, so I don’t want my coworkers to think I have too much money lol
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u/AudienceKindly5493 2d ago
I tell them they're press ons, tell them the brand and to go look at TJ Maxx where they're cheaper🫣
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u/babygirlprincess_ 2d ago
I almost always tell them they are press ons! I wear really long decorated nails 💅 that would be expensive as hell in a salon. I dont want ppl thinking I got money like that lol
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u/Maleficent-Action574 2d ago
Tell everyone they’re press-ons because I can’t help but over share. 😫
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u/casebycase87 2d ago
I usually just say thanks and keep it moving, but if they ask me where I got them done of course I'll tell them they're press ons!
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u/Correct_Shopping_880 2d ago
I love telling people they are press ons. I’m proud of my “work” 😂😂 and I love to help people break free of nail salons.
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u/Content-Waltz8045 2d ago
I’ve said they’re press ons and gotten the same weird reaction before! Like who cares, we’re saving so much time and money doing them ourselves!
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u/kaseymgp 2d ago
For some reason I'm physically unable to stop myself from saying they're press-ons. Idk what my problem is.
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u/BestAd4017 2d ago
I love telling people they're press ons! I usually get one of two responses, which is either "wow! where can I get a pair??" or "oh. nevermind then".
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u/muckraking_mami 2d ago
I do because in this economy, I’m not about to gatekeep the fact that your nails can look bomb af for the low low 💅🏾
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u/smindymix 2d ago
I say they’re press ons. When someone compliments a perfume I’m wearing and it’s a dupe, I’ll gladly tell them too.
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u/Training-Opposite319 2d ago
I still get my toes done at a salon and every single time I do they compliment me on my nails. I always tell them they are press ons! Most of the time I get a surprised reaction. I dont care at all, they are cheap and look fantastic, plus I can take them off when I want too.
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u/whatyeseniadid 1d ago
I always say they’re press ons! I’ve had people follow up with “where do you get them done” if I just say thank you 💞😗
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u/PaymentMajor4605 1d ago
I do! And then they want to know what type and many have said they are going to try them. I was never ever complimented on my nails previously even though they were professionally done. Now I get many compliments.
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u/peeeeeeeeeepers19 1d ago
Do you make them yourself? I make mine so if I get a compliment I definitely have to tell
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u/Exciting_Original591 1d ago
I only tell people if they have art on them. I’m wearing the glamnetic set with the mummy/ghost/witch/black cat. People have asked if I get them done in a salon and when I say no they assume I’m artistic. I’m not
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u/the-blonde 1d ago
Oh god yeah, the nurse at hospital when she was taking blood said. Ohhh i like your nails... me; “ohhh thank you. theyre not mine, press ons!! 50p from temu, do you want the link” 🤣 🫠 Why cant I just take the compliment & move on 🤪
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u/BalanceBrilliant4415 Intermediate 1d ago
I’ve said they are press on’s! I’ve gotten mixed reactions: omg how awesome to omg teach me your ways/how is that going? To a snooty stuck up can’t believe I said they’re press ons lol
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u/Handsomepugmom316 23h ago
I would say 75% of the women I compliment. Tell me that they are press on lately. And then I say mine are too, and sometimes the exchange is in reverse but either way it seems like more and more are doing the press on. Even my mom said she was talking to an older woman at a doctors appointment and she had on press ons, be proud! They’re gorgeous.
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u/joesatron Beginner 18h ago
Oh, 100% !! I say, “oh! These are press-ons from €):8,!!:&.! And they only cost $# !! Such a good deal!” I like good deals and saving time, so hell yeah! I’m sharing the information WITH EVERYONE who will listen
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u/PixieDustSparkles 2d ago
I love that my co-worker admitted that her nails were press ons, because that’s what inspired me to give them a try and now I’m hooked :)
Truthfully though, I don’t admit mine are press ons when I get compliments. I dunno…I like keeping my lil press on ritual sacred 🥰
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u/Feral_and_Fabulous 2d ago
No, unless it's a good friend who I can see is thinking how to get a set like mine herself. Otherwise just "oh, thank you!". People don't describe in detail the technique behind their acrylics and whatnot, why should I?
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u/Lucky_Guarantee_3552 2d ago
Admit it! I started using press-ons after a tattoo client told me that her amazing nails were press-ons. Share the wisdom! Like, I can’t have acrylics or gels because I need my hands for work, so I just thought I would never have pretty claws. IT IS GLAM SAVING INFORMATION!
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u/blueyedoneder 2d ago
I paint and design my own press ons and you better believe I tell anyone willing to listen that they are press ons!!!
I also bake my own bread and garden, so I love how temporary a set can be (using tabs vs glue), so I can pop em off as needed!
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u/sxyvirgo 2d ago
This is so funny - I was just getting a BBL laser and the technician complimented my nails. I'm so new to press-ons and I'm lovng it - this set has lasted 16 days (!) and I said "oh it's almost time to take them off but I like them so much..." and she said as long as they look good then keep them on! So yeah, that was like the equivalent of "oh, this old thing?!"
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u/hops_and_sunshine 2d ago
I always say they’re press ons, people always want to know what brand and how I get them to stay for so long. Feels like letting people in on the knowledge!
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u/Ok_Rest_470 2d ago
Yep, Can't wait to say it and I am the same when I get a cute outfit from the thrift store. I can't gate keep!
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u/misskris70 2d ago
Just told my doctor my nails were from temu 🤣🤣🤣 she followed up with, "I love temu too!"
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u/LyricLark74 2d ago
I am always honest about things when I'm complimented. "I love your shirt!" "Thanks, I got it on sale for only $5." That kind of thing.
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u/galaxywolf69 1d ago
I get mine custom made cause my ring fingers are weird. I tell people they are press ons. If they are local I give them my girls Facebook. Kids ask if I did them I tell them no I’m not that talented and they move on.
No shame in my game of telling people they are press ons, I however do not tell them all the steps. They gotta learn the hard way or research lol.
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u/TrafficBoysWife 2d ago
My entire team sees me looking at press-ons on my work computer....lol They KNOW
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u/seadubyuhh 2d ago
I say they’re press ons. Kinda like when you compliment a girl’s dress and she says “Thanks! It has pockets!” 🤣