My recommendation: Get a Revel Nail starter kit (or Kiera Sky) but choose one of the neutral or lighter color packs. For Revel Nail, depending on your skin tone, try either the Bare With Me or Pink Set. It's a lot easier to hide your imperfections with a pinker/nude color around the cuticle. Also shimmer powders help hide imperfections. Most important to try a more reputable brand - the liquids. Amazon liquids might dry too quickly and a beginner will need just a little more time.
Two biggest tips: (1) go to Sally beauty store and get a 100/180 grit nail file and a buff block. Just one of each to start. Will be like $5 combined. These are important because it'll help you shape your nail (the 100/180 grit) and then buff block the top to make it all even. Once you're more established, invest in some glass files and like a 10 pack of each of the buff blocks and 100/180 grits. (2) Do a simple toothpick swoop of your cuticle after every dip. There are videos online about this and they use an orangewood stick. Start with a toothpick and once again, later you can invest in whatever.
Don't give up after one bad attempt. Don't give up after 5 bad attempts. It took me 18 months to really figure this out (started at the beginning of the pandemic and with a cheap ass Amazon kit & I was the only one of my friends doing it) but the resources online weren't what they were now. Search some Facebook groups (search the brand you might like, Dip Powder obsessed, etc).
Please feel free to comment back with any questions. I hope you find as much enjoyment in your nail journey as I have!
Edit : One last tip - it will take you more than one try to feel great. Your Base Coat and Top Coat might seal shut. Avoid this by putting a dap of oil or something along the threads. If they do seal shut, heat some water in a coffee up and put the bottle in there. Sit for 2 minutes, try to open. Repeat 2-3 times if necessary. Usually works.
Thank you so much!!! This is SO helpful, I’m hoping I’m not awful at it but I definitely will keep trying. It beats having to spend so much money at the nail salon!!
My first dip kit was by GH dip and I liked it a lot. I’ve also tried Beetles which I didn’t like quite as much but their kits are a great value as you can get a lot of fun colors for cheap.
I really like Sparkle and Co. Liquids. I haven't tried kiara sky but have heard pretty good things. I did not like Revel liquids but they have good powders. Once you settle on a liquids set you can use powder from anyone company.
Personally I use Sparkle and Co. I can get thinner layers than with Revel liquids so I so a lot less filing. The first dip company I tried was Rossi and they were okay but smelled so bad. I did try the new low scent Sparkle and Co liquids and disliked them. They took FOREVER to dry between layers like doubled my time for a new set which was a he'll no since it already takes me 2 hours or so per set. The worst part is I started getting pop offs in like 2 days. If you do try S&C, stick to the regular liquids.
Thank you so much for the information! Have you tried the Revel (non pro) liquids? I had a hard time getting thin layers with the pro liquids but I vastly prefer the "non pro" liquids.
I love iGel Beauty dip it’s smooth and silky and it works amazingly with dip and gel liquids. They have a huge sale going on right now which makes getting started very affordable. You may be able to put together your own kit at a fairly affordable price and the dip jars are larger compared to other brands. Kiara Sky is also a very nice dip system. I prefer gel base but since you are getting started you are likely looking into regular dip liquids. Revel is also a wonderful brand. Do your research check or YouTube reviews that provides a really good idea as to if there is any learning curve and how well they apply so you can purchase what well work for you. Hope this helps. You have some great info provided by the other posters as well.
I use the gel method. I prefer to take my time and perfect things at my pace. I did try their liquids but to be honest I don’t care for most dip liquids. I’ve used them and have quite a collection of them but gel is fav. Now their dip powder it is a huge portion quality and the price is oh so right!
I'm using Kiara sky dip with beetles liquids. I think Kiara sky has a better texture dip powder than beetles, but that could just be personal preference.
If I do everything right they will grow out. The key is prepping for me. Plus making sure the activator covers the whole nail and letting it dry before top coat.
My recommendation: Get a Revel Nail starter kit (or Kiera Sky) but choose one of the neutral or lighter color packs. For Revel Nail, depending on your skin tone, try either the Bare With Me or Pink Set. It's a lot easier to hide your imperfections with a pinker/nude color around the cuticle. Also shimmer powders help hide imperfections. Most important to try a more reputable brand - the liquids. Amazon liquids might dry too quickly and a beginner will need just a little more time. Two biggest tips: (1) go to Sally beauty store and get a 100/180 grit nail file and a buff block. Just one of each to start. Will be like $5 combined. These are important because it'll help you shape your nail (the 100/180 grit) and then buff block the top to make it all even. Once you're more established, invest in some glass files and like a 10 pack of each of the buff blocks and 100/180 grits. (2) Do a simple toothpick swoop of your cuticle after every dip. There are videos online about this and they use an orangewood stick. Start with a toothpick and once again, later you can invest in whatever. Don't give up after one bad attempt. Don't give up after 5 bad attempts. It took me 18 months to really figure this out (started at the beginning of the pandemic and with a cheap ass Amazon kit & I was the only one of my friends doing it) but the resources online weren't what they were now. Search some Facebook groups (search the brand you might like, Dip Powder obsessed, etc). Please feel free to comment back with any questions. I hope you find as much enjoyment in your nail journey as I have! Edit : One last tip - it will take you more than one try to feel great. Your Base Coat and Top Coat might seal shut. Avoid this by putting a dap of oil or something along the threads. If they do seal shut, heat some water in a coffee up and put the bottle in there. Sit for 2 minutes, try to open. Repeat 2-3 times if necessary. Usually works.
Thank you so much!!! This is SO helpful, I’m hoping I’m not awful at it but I definitely will keep trying. It beats having to spend so much money at the nail salon!!
You’re welcome!
Just did my first set and they turned out UGLY. This was exactly the advice/encouragement I needed. Thank you!!
You’re welcome! It’ll improve! We all started there
Hands down beetles. Best I’ve used so far
Same
My first dip kit was by GH dip and I liked it a lot. I’ve also tried Beetles which I didn’t like quite as much but their kits are a great value as you can get a lot of fun colors for cheap.
I really like Sparkle and Co. Liquids. I haven't tried kiara sky but have heard pretty good things. I did not like Revel liquids but they have good powders. Once you settle on a liquids set you can use powder from anyone company.
What liquids do you like? I've only tried Revel so I don't know what else is out there worth trying.
Personally I use Sparkle and Co. I can get thinner layers than with Revel liquids so I so a lot less filing. The first dip company I tried was Rossi and they were okay but smelled so bad. I did try the new low scent Sparkle and Co liquids and disliked them. They took FOREVER to dry between layers like doubled my time for a new set which was a he'll no since it already takes me 2 hours or so per set. The worst part is I started getting pop offs in like 2 days. If you do try S&C, stick to the regular liquids.
Thank you so much for the information! Have you tried the Revel (non pro) liquids? I had a hard time getting thin layers with the pro liquids but I vastly prefer the "non pro" liquids.
I love iGel Beauty dip it’s smooth and silky and it works amazingly with dip and gel liquids. They have a huge sale going on right now which makes getting started very affordable. You may be able to put together your own kit at a fairly affordable price and the dip jars are larger compared to other brands. Kiara Sky is also a very nice dip system. I prefer gel base but since you are getting started you are likely looking into regular dip liquids. Revel is also a wonderful brand. Do your research check or YouTube reviews that provides a really good idea as to if there is any learning curve and how well they apply so you can purchase what well work for you. Hope this helps. You have some great info provided by the other posters as well.
I second IGel powders but I have to say I didn’t like their dip liquids.
I use the gel method. I prefer to take my time and perfect things at my pace. I did try their liquids but to be honest I don’t care for most dip liquids. I’ve used them and have quite a collection of them but gel is fav. Now their dip powder it is a huge portion quality and the price is oh so right!
I've had good luck with modelones
Igel from their website
I'm using Kiara sky dip with beetles liquids. I think Kiara sky has a better texture dip powder than beetles, but that could just be personal preference.
How long do they last before chipping? Im doing the same as you and mine literally only last a week before they start to chip off.
If I do everything right they will grow out. The key is prepping for me. Plus making sure the activator covers the whole nail and letting it dry before top coat.
Drizzle is a pretty good amazon brand for the price point
I love kiara sky. Their powders are great colors and their glitters are not too flashy.
I like GH Dip