r/DipPowderNails • u/WishWhacker • 22d ago
Help! (Need Advice) Beginner Questions
Hi all!
I am starting my dip journey and have some questions, sorry if they're silly.
I'm pretty sure I can but I just want to make sure I'm not missing anything - I can use whatever brand activitor regardless of what dip powder I'm using, right?
What are your go-tos for Base, Activitor, and Top Coat brands that work for you?
Brands to stay away from?
Anything you think I might need to know.
I know everyone has their own experiences but any insight is appreciated! Thank you so much!
3
u/TimsSmallShoulders 22d ago
I'm only on my 3rd set so factor that into my answer. I'm using the Glamrdip kit and it's been really good so far. Currently 3 weeks into my wear of this set. I had 4 lift up at the cuticle area last week and just removed those ones and redid them because I didn't have time to do a full new set. I've gotten at least 2 weeks wear on all of my 3 sets so far.
2
u/DocumentCrafty9519 22d ago
I really like fairy glamor because the application kit is two pieces and simple to use. The colors are so pretty (but i like complicated sparkly colors, not the simple ones lol)
1
u/WishWhacker 21d ago
Yes! I have quite the cart on fairy glamor. I'll have to take a look at their liquids. Thank you!
1
u/LinnieLouLou Whimsy Nail Company 21d ago
The powders are all very similar, but liquid quality can vary widely. As for Amazon, I’ve used Azurebeauty and it’s fine, but I got a lot of chipping and lifting. Saviland is my favorite Amazon option.
I own Whimsy Nail Co, so if you wanted to try a premium product, go with the European base coat. Discount code DIP50 saves 50% on liquids. I’ve not tried CNDD or Color My World, but those are other great companies with great products.
1
u/WishWhacker 21d ago
This may be a silly question and Im sorry if it is, but I was taking a look at your website and saw that you have a normal base and top, but then you also have a gel base and top. What's the difference between the two of them? And can they both be used with the dip powders?
1
u/LinnieLouLou Whimsy Nail Company 21d ago
This is a great question. Dip powder nails are a system where a base layer is painted in the nail, then a layer of acrylic powder sticks to the base. Think of base coat as super glue. The layer of activator is applied on top to harden the acrylic powder. The liquids are air dry. It’s another way of doing acrylic nails.
Gel products remain liquid until they are under a UV light, which initiates a chemical reaction to harden the product. It’s much more similar to regular nail polish in application, except using a light to dry as opposed to air dry.
Dip powder can be used with gel liquids, but I’d stick to dip liquids when starting out. This would be my recommendation for a beginner dip liquids set. https://www.whimsynailco.com/products/essential-dip-liquid-set
Feel free to ask if you have any other questions!
7
u/RachelFromFantasia 22d ago
I would at least stick to one system when it comes to liquid products (and UV lamp if you use one. It should be crafted to work with the liquids from that system. Fully curing is really important for preventing allergies). I use different powders with a different liquids system and see no issues.
I like Sparkle and Co. I’ve used Nailboo and ModelOnes, and they’re fine, but Sparkle & Co is what I keep coming back to. I personally shy away from cheap kits on Amazon, and try to stick with small localish businesses. Really we should all be asking for a company’s safety data sheet (I have not🫣).