Review (5/5): Must have for do-it-yourselfers
I have never successfully communicated the shape I want at a nail salon. Today I finally achieved the look I've been going for, and I didn't have to leave my house.
A few things to note:
1. I am not a professional but I have access to professionals and the supplies.
2. Any acrylic powder/liquid/primer works.
3. Make sure to use a good primer.
4. Watch the instructional video or YouTube. You do need to know how to work with acrylic and what to expect.
5. I have a steady hand and a lot of patience.
6. Get a good brush, and nail tips.
7. I do nail art for fun, typically using fake nails and creating sets. They don't last but 5 day tops. This solves that issue for me.
8. Cost: expect to spend about the same as two to three full sets initially to get everything you will need, but it will pay for itself in the long run. I went to Sally's Beauty Supply and grabbed a small kit, "no lift acrylic". Had no issues, set beautifully, and the forms popped off with ease.
9. Hold on for 20+ seconds then leave the form on it for at least 2 min. It will stay, I promise. You can scrape the excess off after the 20 seconds, it won't hardened too fast, and acrylic just peels off the skin anyway.
Couple of things I learned on my first try: if you press too hard sometimes too much squeezes out and can leave a little well, or negative spot on the nail. I found that waiting for it to cure, and then do the process again with the form, adding​ enough acrylic just to fill the hole and cover the nail in a thin layer so you don't have uneven spots. Honestly, it's a perfect product. I am beyond excited to wave goodbye to nail salons. Now I can do my little sister's nails for prom, and my friends can come over to get their nails done when their schedule allows it. I can do my nails how I want, where I want, and when I want.