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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.

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