imPRESS (by KISS) is built around a no-glue, self-adhesive application system designed for speed and simplicity, while Clarity Club uses both adhesive tabs and a glue-based soft acrylic/soft gel system designed for a closer salon finish and longer-term reuse. Both aim to make salon-style nails accessible at home, but they take different approaches to get there.
Application Method
imPRESS's main selling point is its self-adhesive backing — you peel and press, with no glue required. Recent versions use updated adhesive technology that holds better than earlier imPRESS releases. Clarity Club uses a brush-on glue applied to both the natural nail and the press-on, which takes slightly longer but creates a more secure, salon-like bond — see our application guide for the full process.
Finish and Material
imPRESS nails use a glossy plastic finish designed to look polished straight out of the box. Clarity Club's soft acrylic and soft gel sets are designed to replicate the layered look of a salon manicure — extended tip, base, colour, and top gel — for a finish that's closer to a professional set, particularly in the Salon Handmade Collection where each set is individually hand-painted.
Price and Value
- imPRESS — around $6–$13 USD per pack, commonly cited as getting around two wears per set
- Clarity Club — $29.95 NZD (Soft Acrylic) or $35–$49 NZD (Salon Handmade), designed for up to 3 weeks per wear and 2–3 reuses
For the full cost-per-wear comparison against salon visits, see are Clarity Club nails worth it?
Sizing and Fit
imPRESS sets typically include around 11 individual sizes, sometimes with duplicates of common sizes. Clarity Club's Soft Acrylic Collection includes 15 distinct sizes across its 30 pieces, which can matter most for smaller or less typical nail beds — see press-on nails for short nails for more on why this matters.
Which Suits You Better?
- Choose imPRESS if: you want the fastest possible application with no glue, are trying press-ons for the first time, or want a low-cost option for occasional wear
- Choose Clarity Club if: you want a finish closer to a salon manicure, plan to reuse sets multiple times, or want a wider size range for a more precise fit
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Clarity Club better than imPRESS?
It depends on what you value most. imPRESS prioritises speed and no-glue convenience. Clarity Club prioritises a salon-like finish, fit, and reuse across multiple wears, which can offer better value if you wear press-ons regularly.
Do imPRESS nails need glue?
No — imPRESS is designed around a self-adhesive backing. Clarity Club uses a brush-on glue for a more secure, longer-lasting bond.
Can imPRESS nails be reused?
Reviewers commonly report getting around two wears from an imPRESS set. Clarity Club's soft acrylic and soft gel sets are designed for 2–3 reuses with proper removal and storage.
Which brand has better designs, imPRESS or Clarity Club?
imPRESS offers a large catalogue of mass-produced designs. Clarity Club's Salon Handmade Collection offers individually hand-painted designs by nail technicians, which is closer to custom salon nail art.
What's Next
Want the bigger picture across multiple brands? See our Clarity Club vs Glamnetic vs Impress comparison, or compare against another budget option in Clarity Club vs KISS.
Ready to try a set? Shop the full Clarity Club collection.