Nail dips are all the rage now. l see advertisements everywhere for them and there are so many to choose from. I personally have 2 sets that I use frequently and it is so easy to do. The best home nail dip kits only take about 10 minutes, so it’s not very time-consuming, except for the removal part. Now that’s the tricky part. The putting on is easy and you can use your natural nails or put fake nails or tips on first. They usually last me about 2 weeks, which is an upgrade on polish. Polish always chips for me on the second or third day no matter what I wear on top of the polish to prevent chipping. I have made it to 3 weeks before by adding more top coat. It all depends on the brand you get. Some dip kits are better than others.
I try not to mix and match because the powders are made for certain formulas. I get more cracking and breaking when I use a powder with another dip kit, but who knows, I might be putting them on wrong! Let’s take a look at some of the best rated dip kits and the accessories you will need to do your best nails! Well, let me clarify this…let’s look at the best and most affordable kits!
**There are SO many dips to choose from!! Just FYI, I choose the ones on sale usually, but I like the ones with 3 different applications the best. The ones with only 2 applications usually crack for me no matter what I do. Also, since I am on a budget, I did not pick any high dollar kits. Nailboo is the best, but you have to buy the jars on Amazon separate and that gets really pricey. I think it’s important to know that you can use these on your own nails OR you can glue on clear tips or clear nails first. Here are some that I have and use.
**The sparkle ones are my favorite! Hit me up for a special link if you find another one you like better!
**Also, better pick up some nail polish remover with ACETONE. These kits are a booger to get off, but well worth it.
Aikker 20 Galaxy Color Dip Powder Nail Kit Starter
I REALLY like the Aikker kit because I love the sparkle glitter nails. It has the most sparkle jars that I have found. Most sets include solid colors and a couple of sparkles. This one has SEVERAL sparkle colors and that’s why I picked it first. Watch out for this one! Right now, there is an extra coupon (as of June 2022) you can clip if you buy 2 different sets. Keep one and gift one! Best deal ever! HINT: The reviews say it doesn’t come with the liquids, but the description says it does come with the PROFESSIONAL PACKAGE. If you get any other package, it comes separate.
AZUREBEAUTY 8 Color Nail Dip Kit
I personally have a couple of these Azure kits with different colors and use them frequently. They do not come with a dip tray like the first one above, but the basic 8 colors can be mixed to create different colors. It is easy to put them on and it’s fun to do. Word of advice: Be careful to not get the liquid on your skin. Where ever the liquid goes, the powder goes. It’s an easy fix, though. You can use a file or drill to get it off the skin. There are several color choices to choose from. Check back through these links often, because they sometimes go on sale.
Lavender Violets
Ditto to the above content. Just another type here. Lavender Violets has a lot of colors to choose from and some sparkles, too!
Nail Stamper
Think French Tips. Yes, there is a stamp for that. Just put a little polish on the little silicone stamper and press your nail into it. Easy-peasy. Perfect tips every time. My daughter LOVES hers. She does her nails each week, sometimes several times a week and uses her stamp for french tips in all colors. Remember to put a clear coat from the nail kit over the top to seal it all up. You can also use these over any polish. Check out these stampers.
Dornail Clear Nail Art Stamper– So easy to use. My daughter has this one. Just use the nail color brush that comes with the polish to put a thin layer on the silicone stamp and press your nail tip to it. It washes with soap and water.
Lurrose Silicone Nail Art Stamper – This one is a little bigger so you can get a better grip. Has the same instructions as the one above.
Electric Drill
A drill is totally optional. You don’t need one, but it’s best to get one! I bought years ago and still use it. The electric drill files your hard nails faster and makes takes off any excess product you actually got stuck to your fingers. If you get close to the cuticle or accidentally glue the edges of your finger to the nail, the drill is your best bet and let me tell you…you WILL get glue under or around your fingers and it’s a PAIN to remove with a file! The drill makes quick work of it. Also, it saves time! You can use it to rough up the nail, which is what you will have to do before applying the glue and powder. It also is great for shaping the nail. Face it ladies, it’s faster and better than your average file. Totally optional, though.
YWQ – This is the one I have at home. It is battery operated. I just remove the batteries when I am done and keep everything in the little baggie. Have had mine for YEARS. Works great for grinding down artificial nails or filing to make a pretty nail using the dip powders.
GOGOING Electric Nail Drill {Cordless} – This one is a step up from the YWQ. It is also battery operated, but has several speeds and an LED light. It also has more little drill heads and some extra sandpaper tips. Bet you could use those sandpaper tips for those crusty heels… just sayin’
COSITTE Electric Nail Drill – This one is just a step up with a chord. It also has adjustable speeds and sanding belts for those crusty heels or stubborn toe nails. It says you can plug it in to your car or your laptop! Ha ha. Cause we all do our nails in the car or next to our laptop, right?
Dip tray
Ya’ll!! This has been a game changer for me. The little jars of powder are great for dipping, but I always, ALWAYS spill the powder. When I found this dip tray, I immediately bought it and I use it each time I do my nails. It saves the powder and allows you to dip and pour the powders over the top of your nails. When you are done, pull one of the little trays out and pour it back into the little jar. Voila. Less mess for sure and mine has a hole in the top which allows me to make a little french tip.
Now, you don’t necessarily NEED a dip tray, but you will be glad you got one!
Hint ** Use a paper plate under the dip tray and under your little materials to keep anything from spilling. The spills will be cleaned up quicker and you won’t leave behind any powdery mess from your trays or your little brushes you use.
Unibouti dip powder tray – This tray is awesome! There are several colors to choose from and 2 trays are included in case you are using multiple colors for your nails. It comes with a little brush to clean the trays with and to use on your fingers. Can’t live without mine.
Mengzili dip powder tray system – This kit is the bomb! It not only has the trays, but it comes with cuticle tools and hand soak bowls. The soak bowls are for soaking your nails in acetone polish remover when you want to remove the nails/dip to reapply. This one is going to be my next purchase. I need those soaking trays. I tried the little finger clips where you put polish remover and clamp them over the nails, but they suck! I can’t wait to try these.
Blulu Tray and Buffer Set – This set comes with one tray. It’s useful if you don’t generally mix colors. I mainly chose this because it comes with both a tray and a buffer set. I use a buffer set with my nails to help buff the powder before and after application and it’s nice that it comes with both. You don’t have to have an electric drill. This set will do fine, especially for starters.
Conclusion
Nail dip kits are so easy and fun to use. If you have weak nails like me, it helps to have a hard nail and it’s just pretty! Also, it’s sounds cool to click your nails on the table. LOL…
Seriously though, it saves hundreds of dollars a year by doing your own nails at home and it lasts about 2 to 3 weeks if you put enough top coat on. (Give or take unless you play in the dirt or soak your hands in water a lot.) It takes a few tries to get the handle of things, but the kits last forever and they work for girls of all ages!
Shoot me a message if you use any of these kits or if you want to share one you like.