Latest news with #gelmanicure
CNA
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CNA
Flawless nails on a budget: 9 studios in Singapore that offer reusable press-ons for every mood and aesthetic
With the average gel manicure in Singapore costing S$40 to S$90 and taking up to three hours per session, more are turning to press-on nails as a practical alternative that delivers both style and savings. Press-on nails offer a lower cost per wear – not only are they generally cheaper per set, they can also be reused multiple times. Each wear can last up to three weeks, and unlike traditional gel manicures that you'll have to grow out (or soak off), press-ons can be swapped out as often as you like. That means you're free to match your claws to your outfit, your mood, or even your weekend plans. Many nail artists in Singapore now offer press-ons that are fully customisable to your nail shape and size, with hundreds of ready-to-wear options also available. Some throw in thoughtful perks too, like free removal services, starter kits, bundle discounts, and even on-the-spot application. Here are nine brands to check out the next time your nails are due for a glow-up. 1. CHEWINGURNAILS If you love nail art with serious personality, this artist is the one to watch. Her press-ons are all hand-painted, and the store's signature style leans heavily into intricate linework, anime character portraits, Y2K chrome, and even gothic or tattoo-inspired sets. View this post on Instagram A post shared by press on nails | sg 🇸🇬 (@chewingurnails) While she doesn't offer ready-made designs, each bespoke set is a canvas in itself – with past creations ranging from Studio Ghibli tributes to trending characters like Miffy and Hirono of Pop Mart fame. Price range: S$28 to S$85 2. CLAWS BY IZUI For ultra-glam nails that turn up the drama, Claws by Izui delivers. Her sets feature translucent jelly finishes, layered pearls, chibi-style characters, and dreamy airbrush effects. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ᑎᗩIᒪᔕ ͙͘͡★ 𝒫𝑅𝐸𝒮𝒮 𝒪𝒩𝒮 | Singapore ₊˚⊹ (@clawsbyizui) Both custom and ready-made options are available, and if you love maximalist nails with a whimsical twist, this store's aesthetic will be right up your alley. If you're in the mood for a manicure instead, you can book a slot to swing by her Kovan studio. Price range: S$65 to S$190 3. This one is for the fine art girlies, as one quick scroll through this nail artist's page reveals aesthetically pleasing sets inspired by Monet and Van Gogh's famed artwork. View this post on Instagram A post shared by CONAILSG (@ Beyond the highly-detailed hand-painted press-ons – often featuring florals, sparkles, and oil painting-esque strokes – this Choa Chu Kang-based studio also provides manicures and pedicures, along with henna and jagua body art. 4. LUNE STUDIOS With dreamy packaging, a pastel-themed IG grid, and dainty designs, everything about Lune Studios is made for the girly girl. From ethereal colour palettes to shimmery gradients to soft sculptural 3D flowers, this brand's press-on nails are the epitome of fully embracing your feminine side. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lune Studios | Press-on Nails Singapore (@lunestudiosofficial) That's not to say there isn't any variety in aesthetics, as Lune Studios also offers designs in dark colour palettes and edgier themes like Halloween. Furthermore, you can choose from mystery sets, limited-edition monthly boxes, or opt for a fully custom order. The store also goes live weekly on TikTok, giving potential customers a closer look at the designs in action – often with exclusive in-stream discounts. Price range: S$30 to S$135. 5. SPEKLE STUDIO Each set showcased on Spekle Studio's page feels like a tiny masterpiece, what with their painterly brushwork, metallic finishes, abstract textures, and unique colour combinations. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Press on nails (@speklestudio) For something truly unique, there are exclusive designs released every month at special prices. If you like the element of surprise, you can also opt for a 'mystery design' – a one-of-a-kind creation based on mood boards or image references you send in. Price range: S$35 to S$90. 6. PRETTYFAIRSG Whether you lean towards soft Korean-inspired designs, Barbiecore pinks or trendy swirl nails, this Yishun-based studio offers plenty of cute and colourful options to suit every style. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 𝗟𝗔𝗦𝗛 • 𝗡𝗔𝗜𝗟𝗦 • 𝗕𝗥𝗢𝗪𝗦 @ 𝗬𝗜𝗦𝗛𝗨𝗡 𝗔𝗩𝗘 𝟰 (@prettyfairsg) View this post on Instagram A post shared by [𝐏𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐲 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐲] 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐮𝐦 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬 (@ Beginners need not fret either, as you'll receive step-by-step guidance to apply them. In addition to that, the in-store range includes designs you won't find online. If you can't make it to Bugis, its website still offers exclusive perks like bundle deals (buy two for 15 per cent off, three for 20 per cent, and four for 25 per cent), and you can receive your orders within five working days. 8. NAIL LOVER With over 1,000 designs available in both of its Jurong Point 2 and Raffles Place MRT outlets, Nail Lover offers one of the most extensive selections around. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nail Lover | Press-On Nails Singapore (@naillover_official) Apart from that, every purchase of a press-on set comes with a full suite of complimentary services: a manicure, UV gel application, aftercare touch-up for fallen nails, and removal. All you have to do is book a slot online and you can have fresh claws in under 30 minutes – perfect for refreshing your nails over your lunch break. 9. BLANCXNAILS This studio delivers high-quality, handmade press-ons using Apres Gel-X nail extensions and features a catalogue of edgy, elegant and playful designs – from chrome French tips and glittery cateye finishes to nature-themed illustrations and Y2K-style patterns. Both customisable and limited ready-made sets are available. View this post on Instagram A post shared by custom press-on nails, by blancxnails (@blancxnails)
South China Morning Post
27-06-2025
- Health
- South China Morning Post
Do these manicure trends offer a better alternative to gel nails? SNS and BIAB are popular techniques for creating a durable and glossy look – and may be safer too
The nail world is a wild one – one minute, it's all about intricate art and brash colours; the next, minimalist neutrals are in. But through every glitter craze and French tip revival, one hero has stood the test of time: the gel manicure. Gel has earned its reputation for that unbeatable, long-lasting shine and durability that laughs in the face of daily wear. But as the industry rolls out endless new formulas, one question is on everyone's mind: does gel still deserve to be on top, or is it finally time to let another contender wear the crown? The allure of gel manicures Gel polishes by brands such as Mylee currently dominate the market. Photo: Handout Advertisement Gel manicures have more than earned their place in the beauty hall of fame. Anna Parvatova, creative director at SNS Nails, emphasises that gel polish continues to dominate the market, largely thanks to its reputation for reliability. 'A few decades ago, gel emerged as an edgy alternative to traditional nail polish,' she notes. 'Beauty enthusiasts soon favoured it because it is more durable and less damaging to the nails than more traditional methods, among other advantages.' The promise of a chip-free finish that lasts up to three weeks, all while flaunting a high-gloss look, makes it clear why gel is still such a strong contender. The dark side of the shine Cally Gel UV & LED Soak-Off. Photo: Handout However, beneath all that shine lies a catch: the UV light-curing process. Though UV light might seem innocuous in small doses, frequent exposure can raise concerns about skin damage and a potential link to skin cancer. 'Some salons are turning to LED lights, which emit less UV radiation, but the risk, however reduced, still lingers,' professional manicurist and international nail educator Fran Méndez explains. Then there's the removal process. 'Letting nails soak in acetone isn't exactly a spa treatment; it's drying, and if removal isn't done right, natural nails can end up brittle and damaged,' she adds. What are the alternatives?
