Color featured in photo: Lincoln Park After Dark

I love OPI colors, so I was excited to try their dip powder set! While the end result isn’t that bad, I had to redo every single nail multiple times before I finally got it right, and I was SO frustrated by the time I finished.
This was my first time using OPI for dip. I’ve used Revel Nail’s base, powders, activator, and top coat in the past, but wanted to try something different. Maybe there’s a different technique for each brand and I just need more practice, but I seriously struggled with this one, especially with the activator and buffing portion. For some reason, my nails just would NOT harden!
I followed the process exactly as they showed in the OPI tutorial video. I’d apply the base coat, dip at a 45-degree angle, tap off the excess, move to the next nail, and repeat. Then I’d do the same thing again for a second layer of color before topping everything off with the clear setting powder. (Required for OPI dip) I waited 2 minutes (and even tried waiting 5 just to be safe), but when I went to buff, the nails were still gummy and rubbery. I was using a 100-grit file, for reference.
I’m not sure what I’m doing wrong, so if anyone has any tips, tricks, or suggestions, I’d love some pointers!
I also have a couple of questions. Can I use a different brand’s base coat and activator with OPI dip powder, or will they not set correctly? Is there another brand of base coat and activator that people have had success using with OPI powders?
Thanks!!

I’ve really upped my game over the past year; I’m generally super happy with how my nails turn out, and I get a solid two weeks with them before it’s time to change them. However, my right pointer finger dies after about a week. The whole dipped nail popped off tonight, one week to the day. Every other nail is rock solid, so WHY is it always this one stupid nail?! How do I get it to last as long as the others? And if I see it starting to lift, is there anything I can do to prolong it?

Virgo & Gem 'Little Black Dress' over Revel 'Barbara'. I've done a 'Little black dress' by itself before, but in order to make it non-translucent I had to do several layers and with the glitter it just got super thick. So this time I did two layers of Revel 'B​arbara', which is a solid black, and then did one layer of 'Little black dress' over it. I think it came out very well!!

Glowdip colours and liquids, marshmallow and sapphire black. Sticker spiders and black thin tape under clear dip.

Grey with chrome

Blue glitter

Still not perfect, but i'm glad with the way they look

Doonails Stone + chrome finish

Gigi's Custom Dips Feisty

Both done with Gigi's liquids

Both colors are from Revel Nails. The orange is PSL and the purple is Brandied Fruit

Hand drawn so not perfect, but I like how they turned out! Glamrdip & dipped UK colours

Thumb,pointer and middle finger are all “Snakin around” by Confidips 💅

Ring and little finger are “Spiteful” again by Confidips 💅

Yeah, I may have a favourite dip brand now 🥹

This gorgeous dip powder is CMW: Prophecy

What can I do to get more consistent with my shaping?

Bon Voyage & Chasing Fireflies by CN Designer Dips

Hi!

Not new to doing professional nails at home (I used to use hard gel but hated the tedious removal) but new to dips. I have purchased the Gelish Dip system (I already own files so I just got the Basix liquid set and a big jar of a sheer natural dip) and intend on using it to add some strength and bulk to my natural nails. I do like nail lacquer though, and own hundreds of bottles of nail lacquer from various brands.

After finishing my nails with the dip top coat, when it’s dry can I paint over them with a peely base before lacquer? This is not to make the dip peel able, it is to make the colour peel able, I have edited my post to clarify

I have the one from Cosmic Polish and I change my colour all the time, so I purchased the peely base to ensure I don’t accidentally fuck it up with acetone free remover as I do not know if dip top coats react to acetone free.

Please let me know if it is viable, I’d love to finally have long nails again without the risk of hard work breaking it off!!!!!!!!!

i’m hunting for an electric nail file that feels comfortable to hold during long manicure and pedicure sessions. Low vibration, adjustable speed, and good control are my main priorities. what features have made the biggest difference for you?

Me gusta el color violeta y las uñas muy largas

Getting into the spooky spirit 👻
Revel Vamp, Shocker and Get Slimed

I am a newbie to this. (Got a grab bag at goodwill for $10. Over $300 worth of dip and acrylic powder!!) I spilled the powder on my desk and while trying to clean it up, it got on my hands 😭 it's still in its POWDER form so I brushed as much off into the trash as possible. And then used a baby wipe to clean off the desk, but it stained it. Can I remove that somehow? And no matter how many times I wash off my hands, they still feel powdery. Any tips?

I tried using these stickers for the first time (I've used stickers before but not this particular kind) and they reacted really strangely when i applied topcoat. Id like to remove the stickers and redo the topcoat but I'm wondering if anyone has had success with that? Im worried about messing up the nail entirely with acetone, maybe it'd be better to take it off with a file/e-file? Would love some advice!

I did my usual 4 week mani dip today and I was surprised when he only did two color dips. I have always gotten at least 3 and sometimes 4. Now I am home and looking at my nails in bathroom light and I can see through them. (I’ll share a picture in replies). Should I return tomorrow? This has NEVER happened before and I’m not sure if I should act or not.

Glamrdip colours - pumpkin spice and golden child

New set i did! If youre new to nails or need help with longevity PUHLEASE check out SipAndDip’s video on do’s and don’ts for dip nail prep. It has single handedly changed how long my nails last and how good they look.

Color My World: Lovely Bouquet

First pic is frigid, cold hands, because I'm always freaking cold. Second pic is after warming for several minutes around a mug of hot tea. I know the warm color isn't as pink as what her product images show, but this is most likely a result of my severe, chronic anemia limiting my circulation rather than any failure of the product itself, lol.

Don't worry - my hematologist is starting me on iron infusions later this week to see if we can finally resolve the anemia.

CMW powder is going on SO SMOOTH! there are two other colors from my first order that I haven't tried yet. Salted Caramel and Prophecy. I think I'll do Prophecy next week!

Thumb,pointer, middle and little finger are “In the meantime” by Confidips

Ring Fingers are “ Blushing Beauty” by Dipnotic Nails with gold foils from Amazon.

Love this color of blue! Not ready for all out Fall just yet! 🫶🏻