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DIY Acrylic Dip Nails

This is my product review for an acrylic dip nail kit that I bought at Sally's Beauty Supply. I wasn't necessarily looking to do my own acrylic nails, but while shopping for a new nail file, I came across this kit and it seemed too good to be true.
Here is what the kit looks like:
The directions were VERY easy to understand and the process was pretty simple as well, but I found that there were a couple of items that were not included in the kit that (thankfully) I had.... because they were needed! The items that I used that were not included are shown here to the left of the kit.

I used the yellow buffer block for two things. First, to remove the shine from my nail before I started and to buff the finished acrylic nail when I was done. The included nail file is just entirely too course to use on my real nail before gluing the french white tip on. I tried it and the included file really tore up my nail. And being that it is the only file that comes with the kit, it's also too rough to get a smooth finish on the acrylic when you're done applying. The orange buffer block is even finer than the yellow one and gave the acrylic a very nice shine. The final thing that I found that was missing from this kit was an orange stick, or something to clean around the edge of the nail. I had already completed one hand without this nifty tool. The hand the got its benefit, looks much nicer (that hand was used for my "finished" photo...hahahaha!). Here's what they look like:

Now, let me start by saying that I have NEVER done my own acrylic nails before. And while these are not the prettiest nails that I've ever had, I can honestly say that I HAVE paid people who made my nails look exactly like this (even cutting my middle finger filing! Ouch, it's still red and hurts.). So I'm convinced that if I were to continue using this product, my technique would get better and, therefore, my nails would look amazing! If you click on the pic above, the picture will be enlarged in a new screen showing the "bubbles" inside the acrylic. After I was done, I reread the instructions and realized that I hadn't waited the directed amount of time between dips.... I think that might be the cause of the bubbles. Beyond that I'm VERY impressed with this product. You literally glue on the french white tip, brush glue over entire nail, dip into acrylic and spritz on the activator (which hardens and cures the acrylic).... file, buff and you're done. The finished product this first time around also turned out a little flat, so if I ever do attempt this again, I think that I will do two "dips" and then apply the brush on glue only where the natural arch goes and then dip a third time. That will require more filing though, so I would probably pick up some extra files as well. Yah, this product gets a high five, I just wish that everything I needed was included.
Oh, and one last mention. This kit cost me about $13 and for that money included enough product for two full white french tip sets as well as enough acrylic, glue and curing solution to do another 4 or 5 sets without tips beyond that. So for the money... yah, this is a really good deal and really easy to do!

Comments

Mary Ann said…
they look very nice.
Mary Ann said…
they look very nice.

Past 7 Days....

BACK To Halloween.... WHEW!

Okay... BACK to Halloween gifting this week!  We're makin more goody boxes using The Cutest Halloween Bundle again this week, we are also featuring the tags and labels dies from the July - December 2021 Mini Catalog (lovingly dubbed "the holiday mini").  I've got to admit, this bundle really is the cutest and I'm having SOOOO much fun playing with it simply because of how easy it is to work with.  The fact that the punch ALSO punches out the images from the DSP makes this one a super-huge winner for me.  I mean.... three goody projects in under an hour!?!  That's right!  This week's Freebie Friday On A Monday was actually recorded in under 40 minutes!  SO DOABLE to get ready for Halloween gifting!  As always, the link to the free PDF with supplies used and measurements is below the last pic and if you place a $35 or more from my online store (click "Shop With Me" in the banner at the top of this blog) using this week's Host/Hostess code  GHRG

It's An Outrage.... ANOTHER Christmas Project Before Halloween??? You'll Thank Me!

 Okay you guys!  This is the last Words Of Cheer project for the week.  This one features the dies from the Bundle ( CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE ) and is CASED directly from the July-December 2021 Mini Catalog page 20: I just reimagined the card pictured in the catalog as a box... but not just ANY box..... A CRACKER BARREL PECAN LOG ROLL BOX!!!! Here is the list of colors/cardstock used (except for the vellum, it is ALL from scraps... YAY): 1 3/4" x 4 5/8" Vellum, Pool Party, Very Vanilla, Soft Suede and Brushed Metallic Cardstock.  I finished this off with a scrap piece of linen thread even!  THIS is why we keep those scraps!  Honestly... nothing went to waste with this one.  Below is the video on how to make the box.  Normally I wouldn't be posting Christmas projects before Halloween, but COME ON.... this one is SOOOO worth the preview.  Besides, now you can get a head start for Christmas gifting.... PECAN LOG ROLLS FOR EVERYONE!!!

Gorgeous Leaves Just In Time

  So this week's Freebie Friday On A Monday projects are just in time to kick off tomorrow's Seasonal Sale with Stampin Up!  WHOO HOO!!!   November 16-18th, you can stock up and save 10% on cardstock, 15% on ink pads, and 20% on dies. Build up your collection of crafting basics—and prepare for another year of top-tier projects—with a steal of a deal on papercrafting products!  SHOP THE SALE: CLICK HERE! This week's party/host/hostess code is:   K2JZGAZW .   Be sure to use this code before checking out this week to get each of these three project make-n-takes for FREE!!! I mean, you might as well earn some free goodies while you're stocking up, right?!?   Okay.... so this week's first project came HIGHLY requested!  It is just the perfect gift the perfect time of year.  I mean, imagine this as a Thanksgiving table setting "Thank you for attending" gift!!!  And this is really easy to make, you could make up 5 or even 20 (depending on how big your party is)