The Best Cheap Dip Powder Kits
Above-average ratings, below-average prices, no fake reviews.
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A powder dip manicure is a three step process. First, a nail is buffed and primed. Second, the nail is dipped into a colored acrylic powder. Third and finally, a sealing coat is painted on top of the powder. These dipped-nail manicures can last for up to a month (i.e. longer than gel nails or traditional acrylic nails), but nail dipping isn’t without its downsides.
Is Nail Dipping Safe?
Unfortunately, medical research hasn’t caught up with the nail dipping trend. (In fact, there is still medical disagreement about whether the UV lamps used during gel manicures can cause cancer or not.)
Dip powder goes on thick and it doesn’t come off easily. That’s because the “base coat” found in dip powder kits contains cyanoacrylate, the same chemical compound that is used in super glue.
The buffing and filing that’s necessary to remove the cyanoacrylate base coat can weaken and damage nails. Alternatively, some removal processes require a long soak in acetone (nail polish remover): This can irritate skin and cause liver damage, if inhaled. Nail dip powder may also damage the lungs if inhaled, according to an exposé published in The New York Times.
On the plus side, the sanitary risk of sharing nail dip powders (at a salon, for example) may not be as severe as originally feared. Journalists at Western Mass News worked with Doctor Erika Hamilton, a microbiologist at UMass Amherst, to measure bacterial growth in shared nail dip powder. The results of the experiment surprised even Dr. Hamilton, who concludes: “I can’t say 100 percent no bacteria will ever live in it, ever ever. You can’t say things like that because bacteria will always surprise you, but for the test I did, it did indicate there were no bacteria that [were] able to survive in that powder.”
How Much Is a Good Powder-Dip Manicure Kit?
A good powder dip kit (with verified, above-average reviews) costs approximately $37, according to a 12-month analysis of price trends. Those same nail powder kits cost around $27 while on sale: an average discount of 27%. Here are the best at-home dip powder kits for the money:
Methodology for Selecting Products
I use data science to discover above-average products that are selling for below-average prices. To find dip powder kits with below-average prices, I first assemble a list of candidates, then organize those products by their 12-month average sale price, determine the median value and then exclude any kit with a price above the mid-point.
To find nail dip systems with above-average reviews, I measure the relationship between 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 star ratings and flag outliers that fall outside of a normal statistical distribution. I also discount paid, sponsored and unverified reviews as well as unhelpful review behaviors from verified customers. Kits with an average adjusted rating of less than 3.9 out of 5 are excluded; in the end, fewer than 5% of the analyzed products remain.
Azure Beauty Nude Gray Nail Dipping Kit
Good Value: $40 | Great Deal: $31
Azure Beauty’s inexpensive dip nail kit produces salon-quality manicures that last for around two weeks, according to several online customers. Many reviewers suggest using a nail drill to buff and smooth nails before application. A few customers complain that their activator leaked (or evaporated) during shipment.
Note: This item was heavily discounted on Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day.
Double Dip 12-Color Dipping Powder Starter Kit
Good Value: $64 | Great Deal: $50
Made in USA
Double Dip’s all-in-one dip powder kit has easy-to-follow instructions, generously-sized bottles and vibrant colors, according to several online customers. Many reviewers caution that this kit is not for beginners because the top coat dries quickly, resulting in clumpy nails and hard brushes.
MEFA Color-Changing Dip Powder Kit
Good Value: $29 | Great Deal: $17
MEFA’s color-changing dip powder kit is quick, easy and fun, according to several online customers. Many reviewers wish that this kit produced a longer lasting manicure (and warn of chipping after a week).
Note: This item was heavily discounted on Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day.
Kiss Salon Dip Starter Kit
Good Value: $20 | Great Deal: $15
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This is a great dip nail starter kit that includes everything that a beginner needs, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say the top coat is thin; others say that the manicure doesn’t last long.
Born Pretty Holographic Dipping Nail Powder System
Good Value: $25 | Great Deal: $15
Born Pretty’s dip powders are sparkly and beautiful, according to several online customers. Many reviewers warn that the powder jars are disappointingly small; others say that the powder is thick and may clump.
Note: This item was heavily discounted on Black Friday.
Modelones Dipping Powder Nail Starter Kit
Good Value: $35 | Great Deal: $17
This Modelones nail dip kit is easy to use (but hard to master), according to several online customers. Many reviewers say the gel base and top coat have a strong odor; others advise having a file on hand.
Note: This item was heavily discounted on Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day.
Latorice Dipping Powder Nail Set
Good Value: $44 | Great Deal: $18
Latorice’s dip powder set has good instructions and beautiful colors, according to several online customers. Many reviewers say that their manicure was long lasting, albeit hard to remove. A few customers complained of chipping and cracking; others advise that a lot of buffing is needed before applying the top coat.
Note: This item was heavily discounted on Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day.
Lavender Violets Dip Powder Nail Kit
Good Value: $38 | Great Deal: $16
This dip powder kit has easy-to-follow instructions, according to several online customers. Many reviewers were disappointed with the top coat; others say the top coat requires a light touch and patience while buffing.
Note: This kit is also available in warm, cool, glitter and shimmer varieties.
Note 2: This item was heavily discounted on Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day.
DipWell Dipping Nail Starter Kit, Easy Acrylic Powder and Gel Resin
Good Value: $46 | Great Deal: $35
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This nail dipping kit comes with clear and useful instructions, according to most online customers. Many reviewers say that the included brushes get dry and clumpy quickly. (A brush softener is included.) Some customers were disappointed with the kit and were angry that it cannot be returned.
About the Author: John DeFeo was formerly the creative director of Debonair Magazine. During that time, he had journalistic access to aestheticians and other beauty professionals. Additionally, he worked in collaboration with the editorial team that published Elle and Woman’s Day.
