Everyone is Loving These Genius Dip Powder Kits

With at-home gel kits, press-on nails and UV lamps, we already know we don’t need to be a licensed manicurist to give ourselves a glossy, long-lasting manicure. Now, dip powder kits promise to be easier to use than UV gels, while still keeping your nails looking immaculate for weeks. Here are the kits nail-art lovers are shopping for, and tips on how to use them.

Before dipping your nails, make sure they are totally clean and dry. Most dip kits follow the same formula: paint your nails with a primer, layer on a base coat, dip into powder, follow with the dip activator polish and continue dipping till you achieve your desired opacity. Seal with a top coat as you would a regular manicure.

If you have unsteady hands, rejoice: The dipping powder only sticks to where you apply the clear primer and base coat—any excess can be brushed or tapped off on the lid of the product.

When doing a dip manicure, make sure to apply your primer, base coat and top coat in thin strokes to avoid any lumps or bumps in the polish. The products in dip powder kits dry down faster than traditional nail polish, so there’s less potential for accidental messes or nicks.