What did my nail tech do to my nails if they werent gel?

I always get acrylic nails, however this last time around my nail tech mentioned gel nails to me so i went ahead. He didnt use gel but powder and liquid like acrylics but pointed out the difference in powders, the "gel" kind was much much whiter than the one I usually get, he also puit my hands under the uv and that made my nails come out crystal clear and smooth & shiny. After doing research i realize he didnt give me gel nails. But what did he give me then considering the powder was sooo much whiter & after using the uv light my nails were soo crystal like and looked much different than usual? Thanks