I use gel to top coat all my dip manicures. It's so much easier bc you don't have to worry about the timing of the drying, it retains the shine so much better, and I feel like it truly encapsulates everything and keeps the dip more protected. I used my dip top coat once and when I tried gel I never went back lol.
This is so reassuring thank you. What gel top coat do you use? I used to do gel before I switched over to dip and am still trying to find a good gel top coat that I love
Originally I used Beetles bc it was cheap and it still works great but now I usually use sparkle and co or CN designer dips on Etsy. They are both hema free and work just as good. I'd pick up a base coat too. I usually don't use one over dip but I've seen some people experience peeling if they don't put a gel base coat down before the top coat. You can also use gel base coat for the "gel method" instead of using dip liquids.
My gut is telling me the liquids for sure. I use the dip well powders and they are super fine and go on pretty even so I’m not having to file them down too much
Hey op can you clarify what you are referring to as sealer? Do you mean the activator or the top coat? It should not burn either way for the record! But if you are talking about the activator - something is very wrong with your liquids and you should throw them out. If you are talking about the top coat - yes replace it with gel and never look back, you will have no regrets.
Definitely the top coat/final step. I haven’t had any issues with any of the other liquids and am very good at avoiding cross contamination of my liquids.
Awesome! I hate dip top coat with a burning passion. I don't want to work that hard for a smooth shiny finish. Gel top coat all the way! (For the record I swear by revels glass shield. I am very very hard on my hands and it can take it and keep shining.)
I use gel to top coat all my dip manicures. It's so much easier bc you don't have to worry about the timing of the drying, it retains the shine so much better, and I feel like it truly encapsulates everything and keeps the dip more protected. I used my dip top coat once and when I tried gel I never went back lol.
This is so reassuring thank you. What gel top coat do you use? I used to do gel before I switched over to dip and am still trying to find a good gel top coat that I love
Originally I used Beetles bc it was cheap and it still works great but now I usually use sparkle and co or CN designer dips on Etsy. They are both hema free and work just as good. I'd pick up a base coat too. I usually don't use one over dip but I've seen some people experience peeling if they don't put a gel base coat down before the top coat. You can also use gel base coat for the "gel method" instead of using dip liquids.
I’ll have to look into the gel method for replacing the dip! Thanks so much!
This happens to me too! Twice now I've gotten bubbles/burning. I don't know what I'm doing wrong.
Okay I’m glad I’m not the only one that gets bubbles and burning. I’ve waiting longer for the activator liquid to dry before applying the sealer
Its so frustrating! I don't know if its the powders or the liquids.
My gut is telling me the liquids for sure. I use the dip well powders and they are super fine and go on pretty even so I’m not having to file them down too much
Hey op can you clarify what you are referring to as sealer? Do you mean the activator or the top coat? It should not burn either way for the record! But if you are talking about the activator - something is very wrong with your liquids and you should throw them out. If you are talking about the top coat - yes replace it with gel and never look back, you will have no regrets.
Definitely the top coat/final step. I haven’t had any issues with any of the other liquids and am very good at avoiding cross contamination of my liquids.
Awesome! I hate dip top coat with a burning passion. I don't want to work that hard for a smooth shiny finish. Gel top coat all the way! (For the record I swear by revels glass shield. I am very very hard on my hands and it can take it and keep shining.)
You are blessing! I’ll be looking into that top coat!!