AZUREBEAUTY Dip Powder Nail Kit Starter, Clear Pale Pink Glitter, 4 Colors Pink Tones Dipping Powder Set, French Nail Art Base Top Coat Activator Liquid All Seasons Manicure DIY Salon 12 PCS

Alright, let me tell you—I was a salon loyalist for eight years. Every 4-6 weeks, without fail. But after getting laid off in August, I couldn’t justify the splurge. So I took the plunge into the world of DIY nails.I started with gel polish, but it chipped faster than my patience. So, I decided to try dip. I was going to keep it simple with just pink, but these old eyes saw a big difference between pink and white. Next time, translucent for the win! My nails were short and paper-thin (thanks, leftover dip) but not anymore!I did just two dips, carefully avoided my cuticles with the primer, and voilà—strong, shiny nails. A little buff, two top coats, and they'd be ready to wear solo, but I’m all about nail art! So, yes, that’s gel on top, and yes, that’s my first attempt at nail art. And YESSSS, I AM IN LOVE. I’ve already texted my friends—we’re having a nail day. I need more practice canvases!If you’re on the fence, hop off! This kit is fantastic and ridiculously easy to use. Just did these yesterday, so I’ll update if they don’t hold up for 20 days—but so far, total winner.

The instructions say you can use the glossy or matte top coat but it doesnt include a matte. I suppose you could not put a top coat on at all but then they are rough.It was easier to use thank I expected. I just need to figure out how many dips make certain colors or combinations.I used to do gel at home but developed an allergy. I was nervous about thia since it's 'soak off' but it's been great.The color stayed on for a full week before I got a few small chips...then I started picking it off but I suspect it would have stayed much longer if I would have left them alone.

I absolutely love the powder itself. I’ve done them twice. The first glitter ones were my first try at dip powder on my own. As you can see they are pretty thick but they lasted me 3 full weeks. Afterwards I did the solid orange color & you can see the growth in my nails!! Also I made sure to file down enough so they didn’t look thick like before. I did 3 dips each finger. My only negative (which is why it has 4 stars) is when applying, the base coat scent is SO STRONG it literally makes my eyes water when I get to close to the nail because I want to be precise. It is such a strong smell it stings! But other than that, I do love it. The top coat I feel does not have enough of a shine. Therefore, the second time around I used my gel uv top coat. And I am on week 2 now with no chips! *knock on wood*

Nail salon prices are up and I had to learn to do this on my own to save. This kit was super easy to use and I went to tik tok and watched some DIY videos and got it right! Of course not perfect but I’m going to wear them confidently ☺️

For context, I have been getting my nails done using dip for years, I'm not new to it and I've even dabbled with doing it myself at home during the pandemic. Needless to say, I'm not new to the dip system. When I first started using this kit, I did 4 layers and it seemed to work fine. Colors are good, and it was easy enough to put on. The only drawback at first was that it didn't last as long as the salon. When I went to take it off, it came off literally like glue. It takes FOREVER to take this stuff off your nail.When I put it on the next time, I did 3 layers... boy oh boy was that a mistake. nails chipped over and over again. One day I would get 3 chipped nails, I would fix the nails one night, and the next day I would get three more chipped nails and have to fix them again! It was very frustrating and NOT the reason I wanted to stop going to the salon! I ended up getting a Kiara Sky kit and am now adjusting to that consistency.tldr; I would ONLY order this kit if you are new to dipping and want to see if it's for you, or want to learn techniques before jumping to a better more expensive brand!

So the first picture is three days after application and the second is 1 week and 1/2 after application. I have had no chips, breaks, or lifting. I love this dip kit. For the price the quality is amazing!! I put tips on, buffed out the whole nail to get rid of the shininess and provide a good bonding base for the application. Then I applied 4 coats of dip (just bc I knew I’d have to file it to smooth) and activator. Finally I filed smooth and added top coat. It took me maybe 30 mins to do this set and this is actually the first dip set I’ve ever done and I loved how it turned out. 5 out of 5 recommend azure dip kit any day!!

I've had my nails on for 2 weeks and only one popped off due to me not being careful. As with any acrylic or gel nail enhancement, make sure that you prep your nails thoroughly before application. I recommend a nail dehydrator & good quality nail prep solution. You also need to make sure to thoroughly remove cuticles from the nail bed. I used to have mine professionally done and even then, I would have separation of the nails right along the cuticle, but I haven't had much separation with this product that I can see. I went with this kit because it was my first time ever doing my own dip nails, so I didn't want to spend too much & have it not work out. I'm m very impressed with the quality for the price.

After 3 trys, here are my takeaways...This photo is 2 coats.Pros: after 3 tries, it's not THAT bad.You will need to do one finger, one hand at a time. File the top to smooth after activator application so the "top" coat can be more shiny. That being said it has yet to hit that gloss shine of a new manicure.Initially, I put some of the powder into the finger application holder and just used the container with the powder to apply to my nails. FYII still had to use a tool to push the cuticles so it's wouldn't clump up.All and all, for less than 10$ this was a good beginner kit for me to practice how to use the at home power kit