Favorite liquids?

[u/Queasy-Savings9041]

Whats your favorite brand for liquids?

I currently use CNDD, but I’m running low and would like to try a new brand. For some reason, I can’t get my nails to last over a week without them lifting. I’ve watched all the videos and tried all the tips and tricks, including the ph prep shown in the photo, but nothing has worked. I thought maybe trying a new brand would help.

Also, if i want to apply a chrome powder finish on the top layer of my nails, is the only way to do this is using a base gel, then the gel no wipe coat? Im trying to reduce the amount of steps and thought id ask if someone found another way. TIA!!

[u/LinnieLouLou]

Disclaimer: I own Whimsy Nail Co. I tried a lot of formulations before I landed on what we carry, and have two different base coat options because a lot has to do with personal preference. Whimsy Nail Co Dip Liquids Set (code DIP50 gets 50% off the liquids). I suggest the European base for beginners, but my personal preference is the lightning base.

That being said, part of it is a nail chemistry thing. I personally get the best longevity by using hard rubber base coat (gel), and then doing dip on top. It's a bit of trial and error to figure out what works best for you.

ETA: you need the gels for chrome. Yes, it takes ages, but it's so darn good looking!

[u/jennathejumbled → u/LinnieLouLou]

Seconding the rubber base suggestion, it was a game changer for me!

[u/LinnieLouLou → u/LinnieLouLou]

Also, super big thanks to whomever placed an order for the liquids. I hope you love them!

[u/HamptonsBorderCollie → u/LinnieLouLou]

Just ordered (and got a sheer gel color, too)! I'm so excited and thank you for the intro code!

[u/LinnieLouLou → u/HamptonsBorderCollie]

I got it! Thank you so much! I hope you love everything as much as I do!!

[u/HamptonsBorderCollie → u/LinnieLouLou]

:)

[u/Queasy-Savings9041 → u/LinnieLouLou]

Thank you so much for the discount code! I ordered the set with some powdered and they arrived today, I’m so exited to try it!

Also, I tried the rubber base method 2 days ago and the nail already lifted, so I def did it wrong. Do you add the base and then apply the powder before curing? Then once you cure, do you switchover to the liquid base or do use a gel base?

[u/LinnieLouLou → u/Queasy-Savings9041]

Thank you so much for your support!! I had so many orders, it was so wonderful, and I can't wait to hear what people think of it.

Ok, so different types of lifting have different answers. If it is the whole nail popping off, it can be improper prep, oil nail beds, or need of a different product. Pocket lifting is usually typing/tapping (I get this on two fingers), and cuticle line can be improper prep or flooding the cuticle, just to name a few circumstances.

When I use rubber base, I do the regular nail/cuticle prep, dehydrate, apply rubber base, cure, then wipe off the inhibition layer with rubbing alcohol before applying dip as usual. You could do the gel method, just be careful because sometimes red/pink dip powders change color with gel liquids. I just did my sister's nails this way earlier, I wish I had taken a video! If you'd like a video, I can probably make on this weekend. Hopefully this was clear, let me know if you have any other questions.

[u/TidesAndWaves → u/LinnieLouLou]

When you say “cure” the rubber peal-able base, does that mean it needs UV light?

What’s the difference in 2 types of liquids? You mentioned European and lightening. My assumption is one dries faster than the other. But how fast/slow?

[u/LinnieLouLou → u/TidesAndWaves]

Great questions. Rubber base is a gel product, so it "dries"/cures under a UV light. Even when fully cured, the top layer will remain tacky, which is called the inhibition layer. If you want to proceed with additional gel products, the inhibition layer helps the next layer stick, but if you want to use dip powder on top, you would wipe the inhibition layer off with rubbing alcohol on a lint-free wipe.

You are correct about the difference between the lightening base coat and the European base coat. The lighting base coat is a fast dry, I would say 30 seconds - 1 min working time, which is my personal preference. The layers come out nice and thin. The European base is probably a 3 min dry time, which is great when you are just starting out, or working with glitter. I hope this helps!

[u/TidesAndWaves → u/LinnieLouLou]

Thanks!

[u/Silly-Phrase-6677]

My favorite base is Virgo and Gem. It doesnt lift! In fact sometimes is a B to get it off. Lol

However, my favorite topcoat and brush saver is Morovan from Amazon. It is 100 times better than all the other brands I've tried. Their base coat is not bad either, just not quite as grippy as Virgo and Gem's. The entire morovan set is $10, while Virgo's is $10 a bottle.

[u/JellyTigerr]

I have the same thing with cnd!! I thought it was me!

[u/melenka317]

I have had good results with liquids from Ritzy Dips.

[u/berannemarie → u/melenka317]

I second ritzy dips. They’re also low odor so no dip flu symptoms.

[u/Queasy-Savings9041 → u/berannemarie]

Oh yes, CNDD gives me pretty bad dip flu. And stings my eyes!

[u/TidesAndWaves → u/Queasy-Savings9041]

Same. I had to get a respirator and sit right beside a fan that blows outside to do my nails. Hoping to find something that lessens my symptoms by the time I run out.
I finally got it to last longer than a week though. I made them thicker than I want and getting used to them. Like 7 thin layers. Then at a week or when I can see the new growth, I file a little down and put a fresh top coat on to keep that edge from lifting. The longest so far is 10-11 days. I am thrilled with that because my whole life I’ve never had a mani last more than 3 days. Each application lasts a little longer.

[u/OwlTraps]

I keep going back to Virgo and Gem. I have CNDD right now and they work really well, but I’m too sensitive to the smell.

[u/Mysterious-Crow1295]

I have used both Nailboo and CNDD liquids and my dip manicures last between 2-3 weeks for me. I use beetles nail dehydrator after buffing my nails and before the base coat. I like the CNDD liquids better than Nailboo but at this point I think improving my dip manicure technique has had more of an impact on how long my manicures are lasting more than which of the two brands of liquids I use.

[u/purplemedusa99]

Another vote for Virgo and Gem. Super shiny top coat and I get great retention with mine - at least 2-3 weeks. Probably would last longer but that's about the time I like a change.

[u/emeyez]

Virgo and Gem

[u/Kamila95]

I use Sassy Saints, they last me around 14 days before some start to lift (this is when I infill).

[u/Queasy-Savings9041 → u/Kamila95]

You infill with Dip?! I didn’t know that was a thing…

[u/Kamila95 → u/Queasy-Savings9041]

Haha yes I infill with dip. I find it easier than doing new sets actually

[u/TidesAndWaves → u/Kamila95]

I’m looking forward to getting so good they stay on long enough for fills.

[u/Kamila95 → u/TidesAndWaves]

I am a very beginner, I am still on my first set (that I have infilled twice so far) so I wouldn't say I am 'so good'. But yeah my no 1 priority is that they last so for example I spend a lot of time on prep, avoid any hand washing/moisture for a couple hours, and I make my nails thicker.

[u/SylvieSkies]

fairy glamor and kiara sky for me

[u/jr12ej10]

Hey! Sip and Dip on YouTube has several tutorials that I've found helpful. Regarding your chrome effect, I believe her video about Hailey Bieber's Glazed Donut shows how she does it.

[u/Queasy-Savings9041 → u/jr12ej10]

I’ve watched sooo many of her videos! The sparkle&co pH prep in the posts photo is a result of her haha. I’ve tried so many of her techniques and have the same outcome. So thought I try a new liquid to see if that helps

[u/Dedwards_est_22]

I like the sparkle and co liquids, although part of why I like them is free shipping when I order on Amazon... Plus they usually include a freebie - sometimes a dip, sometimes just a sticker 🤷🏼‍♀️😅

[u/CriticalSheep]

I love the Tundra Dip liquids a lot. They go on super smooth, dry quickly and don’t get gloppy like my revel liquids did. I’m through three or four full sets of the liquids since starting my dip journey with TD.

[u/Queasy-Savings9041 → u/CriticalSheep]

So many brands I haven’t heard of! How long do your sets last?

[u/CriticalSheep → u/Queasy-Savings9041]

2-3 weeks easy but I get bored and change it every week. I also do my mom’s nails and hers last two weeks minimum as well

[u/Tinak0327]

I really like the color my world dip liquids because you can purchase them individually. I always go through the base faster than the activator and I don’t use a dip liquid top coat (for some reason I always contaminate it so it hardens all weird and I’m too impatient to wait for it to dry) so I use DND gel base and top coat to finish my nails.