Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I don’t usually write reviews, but I HAD to write one for this product! I originally bought it because I had been growing out my natural nails in preparation for a vacation & I wanted something to protect them from breaking while in the ocean/pool. I am fairly good at doing my own nails, & I’ve tried many different products over the years. I’d never tried dip, and honestly I was so skeptical about trying this. (Especially since some of the reviews said they didn’t get the full kit, they still needed a UV light, etc.) Just to clarify, I ordered the 20-color Dip Starter Kit (picture included of everything that was in the box). The directions that are included are simple and accurate. However, I do have a few tips based on my experience to help the dip last longer: to prep your nails, push your cuticles back & ALSO make sure to gently rough up the surface of your nail with a buffing block before starting the process. Get close to your cuticle and the edges of your nail, as this will help prevent the dip from lifting off of your nail. Then wipe with an alcohol pad before applying the base coat. My dip lasts on my nails 2+ weeks without lifting! I have long nail beds, & I use the Apex method of applying my dip in order to create a softer edge near my cuticles. I dip my nails a total of 3 times. (Make sure you dust off your nails well between base coats!) After that, I apply activator once, and then I examine my nails to make sure the dip isn’t lumpy. If it is, I gently file it with a fine grit nail file until it is evened out. Then, I apply another coat of activator. Once that’s dry, I apply the first thin top coat layer. It will look weird and splotchy after your first top coat, that’s normal! I let the first layer dry for about 2 minutes before applying the second layer of top coat. Make sure you give your nails ample time to dry after the second top coat, like at least 3 minutes. I’ve noticed that if I don’t, my nails sometimes get little dents in them. To remove the dip, file off the top coat until it’s not shiny. Fill a bowl with hot water, get a sandwich sized ziplock bag, fold up a paper towel & put it in the bag. Fill the bag with just enough acetone to soak the paper towel and have a little extra in the bag. Place one hand in the bag. Put that bagged hand into the bowl of hot water just past your fingertips and rub your nails on the paper towel. Your dip should come off in like 10 minutes! The whole process takes me around 1.5 hours including removal and reapplication, but it is SO worth it to me to have a manicure that’s this easy, durable, lasts this long, and that I didn’t pay salon prices for (all due respect to nail techs out there, y’all rock but it has not been in my budget lately!) Sorry for the long review, but I hope this helps someone who is on the fence about ordering like I was!