Acrylic Brands
As a nail tech, I make sure that I use an acrylic brand that is easy to work with but also has smooth and buttery applications. Acrylic is one of those things that can make or break your work, it’s the foundation of every great set. The right brand doesn’t just make your job easier, it makes your art come to life. That’s why I want to share about what’s working for me and other nail techs around me.
Whether you’re a new nail tech just starting out or a seasoned pro looking to try something new, these are my top five acrylic brands I swear by tested, trusted, and totally worth the hype.
Young Nails Pro Acrylic System
Let’s start strong with one of my absolute favorites, Young Nails. If you’ve been in the nail world for a while, you’ve definitely heard of them and for good reason. Their acrylic system is professional grade, meaning it’s designed with advanced particle blend technology so the powders set consistently and adhere beautifully.
The texture is buttery smooth and easy to work with, whether you’re doing natural overlays or long sculpted sets. What’s loved most is how reliable it is. You don’t have to fight the product, it moves with you. The setting time is just right. Not too fast for beginners, not too slow for experienced techs.
They can get a bit pricey depending on the sizes of acrylic you want to buy, but there’s sizes that are still very budget friendly and are all worth the price.
Kiara Sky Acrylic Nail System
Next up is Kiara Sky, which has quickly become one of the most popular brands in the industry. Their acrylic system is self leveling, meaning it naturally evens out as you work, giving you a smooth finish with minimal effort.
One thing I really like about Kiara Sky is their Cover Acrylic Collection. The colors are stunning. Soft nudes, pinks, and neutral shades that give your sets that clean, professional look. The powders are also formulated to prevent bubbles, which is a big win for beginners still learning the perfect liquid to powder ratio.
CND Liquid & Powder Sculpt and Design System
If you’ve ever been in a professional salon setting, you’ve likely seen CND (Creative Nail Design) products on the shelves. CND has been around for decades, and their reputation speaks for itself. Their acrylic liquid and powder system delivers unmatched clarity, durability, and color stability.
CND’s formula is a bit different, it’s not the fastest setting acrylic, but that’s what makes it perfect for sculpted sets and detailed design work. It takes time to get used to the formula and tends to be for more professional nail techs or nail techs that just have more experience.
Mia Secret Professional Acrylic System
Now let’s talk about a brand that saved many of us when we were just starting out. Mias Secret. This brand is a favorite among nail students and new techs because it’s affordable, accessible, and easy to work with.
When I first started, Mia Secret helped me learn the basics without feeling like I was wasting an expensive product. The powders have a slower set time, which gives beginners a little more control and less stress. Despite being budget friendly, the results are still impressive with clean application and a beautiful finish.
Not to mention they have gorgeous acrylic cover colors.
V Beauty Pure Acrylic System
Last but definitely not least, V Beauty Pure the hidden gem of acrylic systems. If you’ve seen those flawless, glass smooth acrylic sets all over Instagram, chances are some of them were done with this brand.
V Beauty Pure’s formula has superior adhesion and an ultra smooth consistency. It gives that perfect balance between control and flexibility, so you can sculpt effortlessly without worrying about lifting or uneven texture.
What I love most about this brand is how “premium” it feels. Yes this brand is more expensive but totally worth it. Perfect for nail techs who’ve outgrown beginner systems and are ready for something more advanced.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to acrylic systems, there’s no single “best” brand. It’s all about finding what works for you and your style.
Here’s a quick recap of the five I swear by:
- Young Nails – for reliability and professional results
- Kiara Sky – for smooth, self leveling perfection
- CND – for salon trusted durability and structure
- Mia Secret – for affordability and easy learning
- V Beauty Pure – for premium results with the premium feeling
No matter where you are in your nail journey, whether you’re still in school, freshly licensed, or years into your career, the right products make all the difference. Finding your go to acrylic brand takes time, but once you do, it completely changes how you work and how your sets turn out.
Because at the end of the day, great nails aren’t just about talent. They’re about using the right tools, staying consistent, and never stopping the learning process.