Any reality check can fail.

The finger/hand check and the nose-pinch are suggested RCs that are designed to give people a start at reality checks. They are by no means a rule that works for everyone.

You may have to come up with your own RC. Paying attention to your dream signs can help.

For example, I seem to have a tendency to place a lot of blue objects in my dreams, no idea why. I can recognize this as a dream sign and sometimes the act of touching the object helps my lucidity. I seem to notice this color a lot in my waking surroundings so the touch-connection works for me.

Try developing your own reality check.