How-to Guide

How To Apply & Remove

The full guide to putting LivUP press-on nails on, wearing them for weeks, and taking them off without damaging your natural nail.

Still not sure about your size?

Take a minute with the size guide before you apply anything. Sizing is the single thing that decides whether a set looks salon-made or lifts on day two. Measure all ten nails once and you never have to do it again.

Before you start — prep

1. Wash and dry your hands. Any oil left on the nail plate stops adhesive bonding.

2. Push your cuticles back gently with the wooden stick in the kit.

3. Buff the surface of each natural nail until it is matte, not shiny.

4. Wipe each nail with the alcohol pad and let it dry fully.

5. Lay out all ten press-ons in size order so you are not searching mid-application.

Method 1 — Sticky tabs (up to 7 days)

Best for a short wear, a single event, or when you want to swap designs often. No damage, no soak-off.

Applying

1. Choose the tab that covers most of your nail bed without touching the cuticle.

2. Peel the tab and press the sticky side onto the back of the press-on.

3. Remove the top film.

4. Line the press-on up at the cuticle first, tilt it down, then press for 30 seconds.

5. Avoid water for the first hour.

Removing

Soak your hands in warm soapy water for five minutes, then rock each nail gently from side to side until it releases. Never pull it straight off.

Method 2 — Nail glue (2–4 weeks)

Best for long wear and everyday use. This is what most customers use.

Applying

1. Apply a thin layer of glue to your natural nail, and a small dot inside the press-on.

2. Line up at the cuticle, tilt down, and hold firm pressure for 20–30 seconds.

3. Do one nail at a time. Glue sets fast.

4. Wait an hour before showering or washing up.

Removing

1. Soak your fingertips in warm water with a little oil or soap for 10–15 minutes.

2. Work a wooden stick under the free edge and lift slowly.

3. If it resists, soak longer. Forcing it takes a layer of your natural nail with it.

4. Buff off any glue residue and apply cuticle oil.

Frequently asked questions

Why did my nails fall off so quickly?
Almost always one of three things: the nail plate was still oily, the size was too small so the glue had less surface to hold, or water hit them within the first hour.

Can I reuse a set?
Yes. Remove them gently, clean the underside with an alcohol pad and a buffer, and store them in the case. Most sets survive several wears.

Can I shower, swim and wash dishes?
Yes, once fully cured. Gloves for long dish sessions extend the wear.

Between two sizes — which do I take?
Always the larger one. A slightly wide nail can be filed down; a small one will lift.

Can I file or shorten them?
Yes. File the free edge before applying, working in one direction.

Will they damage my natural nails?
Not when removed correctly. The damage people report comes from pulling nails off dry.

Need a hand?

If something is not going to plan, message us through the contact page with a photo and we will tell you exactly what to change.