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Do you love to sport new and beautiful nail looks regularly? With so many different colors and styles to choose from, it can quickly get very expensive to constantly have your nails done by a professional. The good news is there have been several developments in various nail products to make doing your own nails much easier and more affordable. One of these new technologies is acrylic powder to quickly beautify your nails.
You might think this sounds impossible. How could powder rival classic gel nail polish? Well, acrylic nail powder is a polymerized monomer mixed into common nail polish materials to harden and increase flexibility. It has become a standard in many salons because of its versatility in creating gorgeous and long-lasting designs. Even though it might seem strange, acrylic nail powders are fully safe and come in a wide range of colors. To help you narrow down the available options, we researched and reviewed the top acrylic powders in 2024 to help you choose the perfect one.
Comparing the Top Acrylic Powders of 2024
Mia Secret — Best Overall
Our first and top pick is the Mia Secret Clear Acrylic Powder, which gives nails the ideal shiny appearance and coverage. The primer and powder of this monomer will produce amazing effects because of their silky texture and ease of usage. This acrylic powder is long-lasting and has excellent adhesive properties. Besides, it has a self-leveling and non-yellowing formula that requires only a minimal amount of filing. The setting process is super fast but may take a little longer if it’s humid. This option is the best overall because of its high quality and great value.
Pros
- Great for quick-drying glossy nails
- Perfect for mixing with glitter
- Ideal for beginners
Cons
- Not ideal for professionals
Modelones — Most Colors
The Modelones Acrylic Powder comes in a set of 12 vibrant colors to perfectly pair with any outfit. Endless nail designs are customizable, thanks to the range of options and the possibility of mixing and matching different hues. This acrylic powder set creates an impenetrable protective barrier on nails using a liquid-to-powder ratio that keeps the color vibrant and non-yellowing for 2-3 weeks — no nail lamp needed. In fact, all you need besides this kit is a nail brush and a few simple supplies to start your manicure, whether you’re working on nail extensions or doing French tip nails, 3D nail art designs, or a special seasonal look. Plus, this product comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee in case you’re not satisfied.
Pros
- A sealed cap prevents leakage
- Colors are easy to layer and blend
- Excellent gift
Cons
- It takes time to dry
Karlash Professional — Best Coating
The Karlash Professional Acrylic Powder has an extraordinary level of clarity due to bubble-free polymers in its expert-formulated composition. The pulverized fine particles promote improved absorption when mixed with monomers. It has good retention and provides a smooth finish. The acrylic powder offers exceptional value for the price and ensures an easy manicure experience for those new to acrylic powders. All acrylic liquid systems can be used with this product. It can also be used in extreme heat or cold.
Pros
- Works with any acrylic liquid
- Suitable for all seasons
- Smooth, flawless coating
Cons
- Has a strong smell
Saviland — Most Durable
The final pick is the Saviland Acrylic Powder Set, which comes in 10 colors, allowing you to adorn your nails with a range of beautiful colors. Acrylic liquid monomer is combined with nail acrylic powder via nail brush to achieve a simple yet perfect at-home manicure for up to 28 days per application. Since they dry quickly and are incredibly long-lasting, you don't need a UV/LED nail lamp to cure them. They efficiently attach to the nails and are also fade-resistant.
Pros
- Healthy and non-toxic
- Can last for a month
- Comes with a low odor
Cons
- Some may find it small
Young Nails — Best Consistency
This next option is the Young Nails Acrylic Powder, a salon-quality product. Your nails will look and feel like they were professionally painted — but at a fraction of the cost. It also has expert nail care tools which are essential in applying acrylic powder. When used with the liquid, it creates a precise consistency with excellent adherence for a perfect coating. Self-leveling, quick setting, and medium viscosity can all be achieved with the right mixture of ingredients. Plus, it’s available in 19 different styles and four different sizes to satisfy your needs for professional nail enhancement.
Pros
- Quick nail enhancement powder
- Offers superior Adhesion
- Has flawless consistency
Cons
- Not the best color
- May not be filled to the brim
Finding Your Next Acrylic Powder: A Buyer's Guide
Acrylic powder is used to achieve a quick but flawless manicure and has been a standard product at most nail salons for a while now. Some people even have professionally prepared acrylic powders to create the manicure of their dreams. If you have been wanting to do your nails at home with acrylic powder, you should consider these factors before making a purchase.
What to Consider When Buying Acrylic Powder
Comfort
Nobody likes to be bothered by discomfort or limitations when doing what they enjoy. When deciding whether to use acrylic powder, comfort is an important factor. The acrylic powder comes in various forms that provide stability and control while also delivering a smooth, comfortable manicure experience.
Durability
The design and manufacturing process of an acrylic powder is important in determining how long it will last on your nails. It’s recommended that you select and use an acrylic powder that will tolerate wear, pressure, or damage. Whether you're a busy mom or work outdoors, you'll appreciate how long-lasting this product is.
Weather
If you're going to do your nails with acrylic powder in the cold, be sure the powder is resistant to low temperatures and cold weather. This will avoid an imperfect application that may leave your nice manicure chipped and easily damaged.
Cost
When selecting acrylic powder, cost and effectiveness, which often go hand in hand, are crucial considerations. As more companies enter the acrylic powder market, the possibilities for high-quality and high-performance products grow. Just because an acrylic powder product is the most expensive does not mean it is the best option.
Tips for Applying Acrylic Powder
- Before starting your manicure, make sure you have all the necessary instruments. You will need acrylic nail powder in your desired color and nail cutters, a nail brush, a nail file, and a cuticle pusher.
- First, wipe your nails with acetone to remove any previous nail polish residue.
- After cleaning your nails, buff them to create an optimal surface to aid in the product's adhesion. You can also use acetone to eliminate nail dust after buffing.
- Now is the time to apply acrylic nail powder from the nail’s base to its tip. Apply nail glue on the nail, and then dip the nail tip down into the powder for a few seconds (about 10) until it sticks, then remove. You may also use a nail brush by dipping it in the liquid monomer, then in the acrylic powder, and painting it on your nails like you would apply polish.
- Allow at least two minutes for your acrylic nails to dry. When tapped, dry nails should emit a click rather than a hollow sound.
- After drying, file the nail, buff the top if needed, and then apply a topcoat.
