Skip to main content

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....

Gorgous Leaves Bundle Revisited

Yestday's Freebie Friday on a Monday projects were so fun and this set is SO BEAUTIFUL in it's simplicity!  It reminds me of a long-retired stamp set from Stampin Up!.  I was inspired to re-create the projects that I made with it once upon a time.  So here we go.... SIMPLE projects when you need a quick "hello" or an even quicker heartfelt sympathy card: I was DEFINITELY on a Bumblebee and Cajun Craze kick yesterday!  I can't stop/won't stop!  LOL!  To be fair... I had extra leaves die cut and didn't want anything to go to waste!  A quick speckle backdrop in Bumblebee then a quick "hello" greeting from the Biggest Wish in Cajun Craze with the Cajun Craze leaf popped up on a Basic White cardbase.  PERFECTION! Okay, as with yesterday's projects, the sentiment is from the recently retired SAB Delicate Dahlia's set, but you could use ANY sympathy sentiment you have in your stash.  Unlike in the past when I had to mask off the center rectangle...

New Year New Copic Class

Ok, so it's another year and we're looking forward to the year ahead, but if you're anything like me, you haven't even begun to sift through all of your 2010 stuff yet and it's time to start a new year. Welp, here's a little help... I created this tag to use as an embellishment for a 2010 Christmas scrapbook layout and now YOU can make one too as it is also the featured project at Paper Vineyard's Copic Palooza on January 23, 2011!!! Everthing you need to make this tag will be provided at the class, all you need to bring is a paper trimmer, scissors, adhesive and your Copic markers. This is a monochromatic class and the suggested copics to bring with you to class are ANY FOUR copics in the Cool, Neutral or Warm color families. I used C0, C2, C6, and C9. The best part is you get to take this ADORABLE Kraftin Kimmie Virginia stamp home with you for future creations (and maybe even a head start on your 2011 CHRISTMAS CARDS!!! hahahahahhahaha ! Now that's RE...

MY VERY FIRST CRICUT CARTRIDGE GIVE AWAY!

Ok ... so the time has come. I've got some BRAND NEW, NEVER BEEN USED, STILL IN THE PLASTIC Cricut Cartridges to give away over the next couple of months and it starts with one of my ALL-TIME FAVORITES...... Hannah Montana! YAY! I LOVE this cartridge! It's got the most beautiful guitar images along with musical notes and FIVE fonts! I used the regular font and the rock star font to create my Father's Day card this year (see above). I also used the Hannah Montana cart (see below) to create a beautiful butterfly (FREE Gypsy cut file HERE ), and am currently working on a project using the gorgeous solitaire diamond. There's a rose and lips and decorative hearts, even a Pegasus ! There's just so much on this cartridge.... I use it a lot! To call this a "font" cartridge is terribly misleading. It's been a long time favorite and now I'm THRILLED to be able to give it away to one of my awesome readers! So here's how to win: Become one of my follower...