Not a nail technician in a box, but it gives you a salon-worthy manicure at home. GLAMRDiP nail dip powder system can revolutionise your nail game and is truly satisfying.
Forget nail polish drying time, fake extensions and UV lamps. A GLAMRDiP nail dip powder system kit changed the way I do my nails: no way back.
What are SNS and Nail Dip Powder Systems?
To understand how GLAMRDiP works we need a short introduction. You may have heard about dipping powders many times and seen the magic of glossy manicures straight from a jar of powders but what are these powders, exactly? And what’s the difference between SNS and dipping powder systems?
First of all, there’s no difference between SNS and nail dip powder systems. SNS is simply a brand specialised in nail colours with experience in the market stretching back to 1990. It’s like googling the difference between Shellac and gel nails…
A nail dip powder system consists of liquids (base and toppers) and superfine acrylic nail powders. The dipping powders are usually PEMA, polymer beads. The base is an adhesive – think of it like nail glue, as it’s derived from cyanoacrylate – that binds the polymers together causing them to dissolve. Once stuck on your nails, the powder hardens and can be brushed off. As with your regular or gel nail polish, you should repeat the dipping step until you achieve the right coverage. Then, a first topper will kickstart a new reaction in which the polymers activate and dissolve. The polymers harden again and a final top coat will give them a nice glossy touch.
The beauty of dipping powders is that they dry naturally, without a UV lamp.
GLAMRDiP Salon Manicure Kit: product & packaging
GLAMRDiP Salon Perfect system is a dipping powder system like those from SNS. Its Manicure Kits are an introduction to nail dip powder conveniently packaged in a box. Indeed, they contain both powders and liquids, as well as some handy tools you’ll need to achieve this signature style, such as a big brush, a double-ended metallic cuticle pusher/cutter and a pair of double-sided nail files with different grits (100/180 and 240/240). In each kit, there’s also a detailed manual with illustrated step-by-step tutorials about nail preparation, application, dipping with false nails, and removal.
The Salon Manicure Kit is available in 3 sizes: Starter Kit, Complete Kit and Ultimate Kit. These kits differ in the number of liquids and nail powders you can choose when customising your kit with your favourite shades and finishes.
The Ultimate Kit (£ 108) contains 6 shades, and I customised it with some pastel crèmes, metallic shades and one chunky glitter. The variety is embarrassingly wide with over 100 shades in different finishes and effects, including glow-in-the-dark.
Each jar (£9) has 18 g of dipping powder that seems to last forever. Forever, except for Clear. Clear is a fine white powder that becomes translucent after setting, and works as a base and protective powder topper. In my opinion, it’s a must.
Formula
If you’re ditching harmful or heavy chemicals, these kits are a good choice. The GLAMRDiP Salon Perfect system is free from 18 harsh chemicals, including camphor, formaldehyde and toluene. The dipping powders are PEMA polymers; some key liquids contain Vitamin E and calcium, and the Heal oil treatment is the most nature-loaded product of all with Australian botanical extracts (jojoba, tea tree, lavender, lemon and almond oil) and plant-based keratin. Some liquids are available in a “sensitive” version and all products are vegan and cruelty-free.
PROS:
- The Salon Perfect system is long-lasting (up to 5 weeks, according to the brand);
- free from harsh chemicals;
- vegan and cruelty-free;
- it contains nourishing and strengthening ingredients;
- doesn’t require a UV-led lamp;
- doesn’t weaken the nails after removal;
- some products have formulas for sensitive skin;
- the kits are complete with tools and liquids;
- the kits are customisable (colours);
- the amount of powder per jar is generous;
- nail dipping is easy to master;
- removal can be done safely at home;
- drying time is reduced (compared to liquid lacquers).
CONS:
- The application can be long (up to 1 hour based on layers and design);
- removing a dipping set can be lengthy (starting from 15 minutes and depending on the technique you try).
GLAMRDiP Salon Manicure (Ultimate) Kit: review
The Ultimate Kit is the most complete of all and, although it might be a big investment upfront, it has all that’s needed for the application. I can find anything else, like nail prep wipes and lint-free clothes, at very convenient prices online.
Having all the tools and liquids in one kit was a great way to develop my dipping skills quickly and save on extra purchases. Another element that surprised me was the variety of shades and finishes, and the amount of dipping powder per jar. I’ve seen other brands’ smaller brushes and smaller jars. You don’t need too much coloured powder for every set you create but the quantity-price ratio seems more than right with its £9 equalling mid-range drugstore nail polish brands. Minus the annoying bit: the nail polish getting goopy and dry.
Note: as a loyal reader of valentinachirico.com, you can enjoy 10% off your first order on GLAMRDiP (min £60) with the code VALENS54158 at the checkout. You can click the link to add it automatically.
Making a good first set is a rather easy task and I’m confident any newbie can master it in no time. For example, my second set was perfect and lasted about 3 weeks.
As for the longevity of a dipping manicure set, the brand states it can last up to 5 weeks. In my 1 year of tests and applications experience, a well-made GLAMRDiP mani can easily last glossy and smooth for almost a month. However, to be on the safe side, I would suggest keeping a set for 2 weeks, maximum 3, and removing it as soon as possible in the unfortunate case of lifting or cracks. The thickness and brilliance will last until you remove your set!
What about fragile nails? My nails are very flat and prone to splitting but, when I have a set on they don’t look just “expensive” but thick and strong like gel. Not weighted down by the many layers I’ve built. One hour after soaking and the removal, my nails feel pretty strong even without a protective topper for one day. (I wouldn’t push my luck any further!)
I’m genuinely impressed with the quality, ease of use, final result and how I can be creative with this system. I’m so happy that I rarely go back to regular lacquers, although the lengthy processes can be an obstacle on busy days.
Manicure Ideas with Dipping Powders
You might think that using dipping powders instead of liquid nail lacquers could limit your creativity but I’ve found this isn’t the case. With a few jars you can create many combinations, for example:
Accent and Gradient Nails with Dipping Nail Powders
The simplest manicure with a twist is accent nails, that’s for sure. You can create your accent with a sparkly metallic shade like Temptress (shimmery silver with lilac sparkle) or a gradient. You can opt for one shade for your gradient mani or two if you feel fancy. For some extra sparkle, I used Head over Heels (metallic medium blue) and Temptress.
Candy-themed Multi-finish Nail Powder Set
You can choose the main colour, and then mix and match different finishes and textures to play around with a theme. I was inspired by UK candies, so each nail is something sweet. My thumb and index finger are jelly beans made with Glisten Up (translucent bright medium pink) but I mattified my thumb with the Matte final topper; my middle finger is a Swizzel Squashies made with a base of Lace (pale whitish pink) and a reverse gradient with Glisten Up; my ring finger is a rock candy made with Cosmic (bright pink chunky glitters with golden orange shimmer) and my pinky is a marshmallow (Lace).
3D Effect with Dipping Powders
You can also create 3D effects with your dipping powders as well! You just need to draw the design you want to pop over your base colour with a brush (or a dotting tool) and the Base liquid. Dip your nails in your favourite shade, gently brush off the excess and proceed with the liquid toppers.
As my base colour I chose a pastel pale mint (Just Friends), brushed it off and created three dots on each nail and dipped them into Temptress… such a versatile powder!
One kit can spark your imagination and the results look so professional that your friends will ask you for the address of your salon.
With GLAMRDiP the salon is your home and with a little practice, dipping powders will be your first choice. At least, that’s my experience.
Valentina Chirico aka Valens
Image credit
Ph. Anna Shvets via Pexels
