KISS (including its imPRESS line) is a budget-friendly, widely available press-on brand best known for affordability and convenience, while Clarity Club focuses on a smaller range of premium soft acrylic and soft gel sets designed to replicate a salon finish. The right choice depends on whether you're prioritising price and availability, or fit, finish, and reusability.
Price
- KISS / imPRESS — typically $6–$13 USD per pack, widely available in drugstores and supermarkets
- Clarity Club — $29.95 NZD for the Soft Acrylic Collection, $35–$49 NZD for the Salon Handmade Collection
KISS is cheaper upfront, but the comparison shifts when you factor in reuses — see the durability section below.
Material and Finish
KISS and imPRESS nails are generally made from a harder plastic material designed for quick, beginner-friendly application — some imPRESS styles are self-adhesive with no glue required. Clarity Club's sets use soft acrylic and soft gel, which is designed to more closely replicate the layered look and feel of a salon manicure, with a glossier, less plastic-looking finish.
Sizing
Reviewers of KISS imPRESS sets note around 11 individual sizes in a typical box, sometimes with duplicates. Clarity Club's 30-Piece Soft Acrylic Collection offers 15 distinct sizes, which can make a difference for anyone with smaller or less standard nail beds — see our guide on press-on nails for short nails for more on why sizing range matters.
Durability and Reuse
Reviews of KISS/imPRESS commonly report getting around two wears per set, with wear time often shorter than advertised. Clarity Club's soft acrylic and soft gel sets are designed for 1–2 weeks per wear and 2–3 total reuses with proper removal. Over multiple reuses, the cost-per-wear gap between the two brands narrows considerably — see are Clarity Club nails worth it? for the full breakdown.
Availability
KISS and imPRESS are sold in drugstores, supermarkets, and major retailers across the US and increasingly in NZ/Australia via international retailers. Clarity Club is a New Zealand-based brand shipping directly NZ-wide and to Australia, with sets designed and tested specifically around the brand's salon-replication approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Clarity Club nails better than KISS?
It depends on priorities. KISS/imPRESS is more affordable and widely available, making it a good entry point. Clarity Club focuses on a soft acrylic/soft gel finish closer to a salon manicure, with a wider size range and reuse designed into the product, which can offer better value over multiple wears.
Is KISS or Clarity Club better for beginners?
KISS/imPRESS's self-adhesive options can be quicker for a first-time press-on user. Clarity Club requires glue application but includes a full kit and detailed guidance — see our application guide for a step-by-step walkthrough.
Which lasts longer, KISS or Clarity Club?
Clarity Club's soft acrylic and soft gel sets are designed for 1–2 weeks of wear and 2–3 total reuses. KISS/imPRESS sets are commonly reported to last around 2 wears, sometimes shorter than the advertised wear time.
Can I buy KISS nails in New Zealand?
KISS and imPRESS products are available through some international retailers shipping to NZ, though they're more commonly found in US drugstores. Clarity Club ships directly within New Zealand.
What's Next
Want a broader comparison across multiple brands? See our Clarity Club vs Glamnetic vs Impress comparison, or read about what Clarity Club Beauty is all about.
Ready to try a set? Shop the full Clarity Club collection.