A DIVAZ press-on nail kit contains four items, confirmed on each product page: 24-30 reusable nails in 12-15 sizes, a 2 g tube of nail glue, a file and an alcohol wipe. A cuticle stick and double-sided adhesive tabs do not appear on any of these sets’ contents lists, and in this article we also explain why their absence is not an oversight, but a choice based on how this type of kit is designed. If you’re only now considering your first set, the step-by-step beginner’s guide shows the entire application, from filing to the finished nail; this article focuses on explaining each item in the box and what it’s used for.
- 24-30 reusable nails in 12-15 sizes — enough to find a good fit for every finger, with spare options if the first size you try isn’t quite right.
- 2 g of glue — the amount calculated for one full application of the set, not for repeated touch-ups a few days apart.
- A file — for fine-tuning a nail’s size before gluing, not for changing the shape of the tip.
- An alcohol wipe — to degrease the natural nail right before application so the glue bonds well.
Exactly what’s in the box
The four items listed above are the same regardless of the design or shape, from an almond set to one with French tips. Geometric White, for example, comes with 24-30 reusable nails, 2 g of glue, a file and an alcohol wipe, just like the Stellar Blue and Classic French options. This shows that this is the standard contents list for the press-on range, not an exception for a single design.
A cuticle stick isn’t included in any of these boxes because cuticle preparation is an optional step that depends on the condition of your own hands, not on the set you buy. Likewise, double-sided adhesive tabs aren’t included because this type of kit relies on liquid glue for longer wear; below, we explain exactly what that means in practice. If you’re wondering why there are so many spare nails and how the range of 12-15 sizes works, the article about how many nails come in a set goes into the details we’re leaving aside here.
How to choose your nail sizes before using the glue
Before opening the glue tube, it makes sense to try each nail on its corresponding finger without glue, just to see how close it is to a good fit. The reason is simple: the included file can slightly reduce the width of a nail that’s a little too large, but it can’t make a nail that’s too small for that finger any bigger. If you size the nails after you’ve already glued one on, the only way to fix a size mismatch is to remove the nail and waste some of the glue you’ve already used.
In practice, first sort the nails by finger, make a note of—or remember—which size fits where, and only then move on to the next step. This sequence—fit, then degrease, then apply glue—is what makes the difference between an application that can last up to three weeks and one that peels off after two days.
The alcohol wipe: a small step with a big effect on adhesion
The alcohol wipe included in the set has one purpose: to remove natural oils and residue from the nail surface before gluing. Isopropyl alcohol removes most of these traces, but not always all of the residue; some oily compounds can remain in exactly the microscopic spaces the glue needs to bond well (source: NailKnowledge). In practice, this means the wipe works best when used right before gluing, not a few hours earlier, so the nail is as clean as possible when the glue is applied—especially if you’ve used hand cream in the meantime.
How to apply nail glue correctly and safely
The cyanoacrylate glue in the 2 g tubes hardens quickly on contact with traces of moisture, making it effective for a strong bond but also able to stick skin or eyelids together just as quickly as it bonds a false nail. If glue accidentally gets into your eye, a specialist poison control center recommends flushing the eye with water for 15 minutes without forcing the eyelid open, then seeking medical attention immediately (source: Poison Control).
For application, a thin layer on the natural nail, followed by firmly pressing the false nail down for a few seconds, is enough for most sets of this type; a thick layer doesn’t hold better, it just squeezes out more at the sides and makes cleanup harder. After application, most manufacturers recommend avoiding hot water and prolonged hand soaking for a few hours, so the glue can reach its full strength before being put to the test by a hot shower or washing dishes.
Glue or adhesive tabs: why this set comes with glue
Double-sided adhesive tabs and liquid glue solve the same problem—attaching a false nail to a natural nail—in different ways. A tab can be applied and removed quickly, making it suitable for an occasion lasting a few hours, but it holds up less well to washing dishes or spending a whole day with your hands in water. Liquid glue forms a stronger bond, which is why a set designed to last up to three weeks, like this one, comes with a tube of glue rather than tabs.
If you still prefer tabs for an evening out or for a quick test before buying a full set, this type of adhesive tab is also available to buy separately; the box in front of you doesn’t include it precisely because this set is designed to last longer than tabs can. If you’d also like to see how press-on nails compare with gel or acrylic nails, beyond the glue-versus-tabs discussion, the guide to types of false nails makes exactly that comparison.
Do you also need a cuticle stick?
A cuticle stick helps gently push back the skin at the base of the nail so the false nail can lie flat, without a raised cuticle underneath the edge. It isn’t a required step for every hand, especially if your cuticles have already been cared for during a recent manicure. Dermatology guidelines recommend not cutting or forcefully pushing back cuticles; the safe approach is a gentle push after washing or bathing, when the skin is softer (source: American Academy of Dermatology).
This set doesn’t come with its own cuticle stick. If you already have one from another manicure kit, you can reuse it before applying the nails; if you don’t have one and your cuticles don’t need adjusting, you can skip this step and go straight to degreasing with the alcohol wipe.
How to wear and remove the set without irritation
Any press-on nail, regardless of brand or shape, can trap moisture next to the nail plate, and that damp environment can encourage the growth of fungi or bacteria, especially with prolonged, uninterrupted wear. A dermatologist quoted by Cleveland Clinic recommends wearing press-ons occasionally and choosing shorter lengths, rather than wearing successive sets continuously, one after another (source: Cleveland Clinic). This doesn’t contradict the fact that the nails in this set are reusable and can be worn for up to three weeks; it simply means it’s worth taking a break between sets, especially if you wear longer styles or notice redness or itching at the base of the nail.
Now that you know exactly what’s in the box and what’s optional, you can browse the full range of press-on nail sets knowing what you’ll get, whatever the design. And if you’d like help choosing the right shape and finish for you, the guide with five questions to help you choose press-on nails will help you narrow down the options. The rest of the series about press-on nails for beginners is available on the DIVAZ blog.