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A life you love on a budget you can afford.

Here on TBM®, I provide you with simple, easy-to-follow solutions to help you budget your money, pay off debt, save more, and crush your financial goals. But more than that, I give you the tools to start doing the things that matter most to you, on a budget that actually works!

How I Save Money Doing My Dip Powder Nails at Home

January 20, 2020
Beauty & Health Tips

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Saving money doesn't mean giving up everything you enjoy. Here's a step-by-step guide that shows how I do my own dip powder nails at home and save a bundle.

Following a budget doesn’t mean you have to give up all of the little things you enjoy in life. Sometimes, a successful budget is about finding ways to do the things you enjoy for less.

One of the categories I include in my budget is beauty. But although I set aside cash each month for beauty-related purchases, I still appreciate the ability to reduce my expenses and pay less for the products and services I want.

Today, I’m going to walk you through one way I’ve cut down my beauty expenses. I save money by doing dip powder manicures at home.                                                                                        

Products I Use

  • Kiara Sky Color Dip Starter KitKiara Sky Pure White Dipping Powder
  • Glass Nail Polish Bottles
  • Kiara Sky Top Coat Refill
  • Nail Duster Brush
  • Nail Files and Buffer
  • Portable Electric Nail Drill

Step-by-Step

Below I’ll walk you through the steps I use to do my own nails at home. If you’re a visual learner, you can also follow along with this video.

If you want to do your own dip powder nails, you’ll need the right tools for the job. I ordered the Kiara Sky Color Dip Starter Kit on Amazon for $94.99 to get started. For me, the dip powder nail kit paid for itself once I was able to skip just two visits to the nail salon. (Where I live, professional gel or dip nails cost anywhere from $40 to $45 per salon visit.)

In the beginning, there was definitely a bit of a learning curve. But it got easier over time, and the process became a lot faster too.

Setting Up

 Gather your supplies and find a surface you don’t mind getting a little messy.

Step 1

Apply the “Bond” from your dip powder nail kit to your entire nail. In the Kiara Sky starter kit, the bond is labeled with a “1.”

Step 2

Find the bottle labeled “2” in your starter kit, which is your basecoat. You should also open the jar of powder called “Natural.”

Apply the basecoat — not too thick — about three-quarters of the way down your nail. (Don’t apply all the way to the cuticle.) Once you’ve applied the base, dip your nail into the Natural powder at a 45-degree angle.

It’s easier to apply the base and dip one nail at a time. Apply and dip, then repeat. 

Once you dip all of your nails, you’re going to have powder on your hands. I use a nail duster brush I picked up on Amazon for under $5 to clean off the extra powder.

Make sure your powder is even. Although you might not be able to see much difference once the Natural layer is applied, it helps prevent any yellowing from happening later. This is especially important if you select an all-white nail color. 

Step 3

Set the Natural nail powder aside so you don’t mix it up with the next powder you’ll be using. In my video, I chose the Kiara Sky Pure White Dipping Powder, which costs around $19 on Amazon.  

Next, you’ll need to apply a basecoat to your nails again. Apply the base almost all the way to your cuticle. Dip your nail at a 45-degree angle into your colored powder. Repeat this process each time you apply the basecoat to one of your nails.

After you apply your first layer of dip color, repeat these steps to add another layer. Adding another layer will make your color look a lot brighter, just like it would if you applied a second layer of nail polish.

At this point, you might notice spots on your nails that are bumpy. That’s okay. We’ll work those out in Step 6.

Step 4

Gather your basecoat and recycling system from your dip powder nail kit. The purpose of the recycling system is to make sure your colored powders and clear powder don’t get mixed together. The clear powder application itself allows you to buff out any imperfections in your nails without removing your color.

Apply the basecoat again to your entire nail. Dip the spoon from your recycling system into your natural (aka clear) powder. Hold your nail over the recycling system and sprinkle the clear powder evenly over your nail. Don’t forget about the sides. Repeat the process with all ten fingers.

The extra powder that doesn’t stick to your nail should fall into your recycling system box. Brush excess powder from your hands and nails. Remove the scoop from your recycling system and put any leftover powder back into the jar of clear powder.

Step 5

For this step, find the Kiara Sky bottle labeled “Step 3” or “Seal Protect.” Apply the seal to each of your nails. Then, allow a few minutes for it to dry completely.  

Step 6

The next step of your at-home dip powder manicure is buffing and shaping. I purchased a portable electric nail file for around $15 on Amazon, similar to the ones you might see at a professional nail salon. You can also use a square nail buffer and files if you prefer. I use a combination of all three.

As you’re buffing your nails, concentrate on the space right above your cuticles. Later, as your nails grow out, you don’t want there to be a big lump there. Thinning and smoothing this area makes for a more natural-looking transition. Just be careful not to thin out your nail too much in this area, so you don’t file into your dipping powder.

Buff out the rest of the nail as well. The space next to the cuticles and the sides tend to be the bumpiest.

When you’re done buffing your nails, it’s time to shape them. Don’t be afraid of messing up your dip. It’s actually pretty strong stuff. Finally, finish with a buffing square. (This part gets squeaky!)

Step 7

Wash your hands with water (no soap) to clean away any mess made from buffing and shaping. Use the Seal Protect coat again on all ten fingers. Allow a few minutes for the coat to dry. Rub the Seal Protect into your nail with a paper towel or a lint-free rag to make sure it’s all been absorbed.

Step 8

Apply 2 topcoats of clear polish. The Kiara Sky Starter Kit comes with a top coat, but it’s air-sensitive and dries pretty quickly. If you leave a bottle open too long, the bristles of your brush may get hard.

I ordered a backup topcoat refill to use when this happens. (Trust me, you’re going to need a backup.)

Use simple brush strokes. Put the cap back on quickly — even in between your two hands and maybe between fingers. The first coat may appear matte. So, I use Sally Hanson Instant Dry topcoat for the second layer. I find this polish gives a better shine than you get with the Kiara Sky Topcoat.

Final Thoughts

As you grow familiar with the process, you can turn on Netflix and finish your nails in about an hour. The finished product looks just as good as the dip powder manicure you’d get at a nail salon. Of course, the best part of all is that doing your own nails can save you a ton of money.

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Filed Under: Tagged With: DIP NAILS, DIY NAILS, NAILS

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Comments

  1. alison says

    January 20, 2020 at 1:17 pm

    I struggle with the manicure part of nail upkeep. Can you do a video on that…getting the nails trimmed well, cuticle, etc (not the painting part) Thx for all your info and help!

    • Jody Obena says

      January 24, 2020 at 7:00 am

      If you go on Youtube there is a few really good nail videos. Long hair Pretty Nails, Katie Nails, Nail Career Education.

  2. Nicole Lemmon says

    January 20, 2020 at 5:23 pm

    Dip powder is a fun process, I’ve been doing it for a year and while it was a bit more of an investment up front, I’ve been able to slowly gather a collection of colors that I love and save a TON of money doing it myself! Now, to avoid the addiction of new products or colors all the time… lol

    • Heather says

      January 21, 2020 at 9:49 pm

      I love dip nails!! I do mine at home too. I loved having nails done but don’t have the time or money to devote to that after having littles. I’ve tried various dip systems over the years but then stumbled upon a company through a friend. I tried the products for a friend and ended up loving it so much I signed up as a consultant. The entire kit with 4 colors cost less than two salon trips! And as a consultant I get a 20-25% discount!! I can justify this in my budget! And it’s time I get for something I truly enjoy.

      • Keri says

        January 22, 2020 at 9:46 pm

        Heather, what co. are u a consultant for? Im potentially interested in the kit with 4 colors. How much is it? Feel free to email me the info please:) kjustice81@aol.com

        • Heather says

          January 26, 2020 at 8:07 pm

          Browse and shop at:

          https:whenyoudipidipwedip.dipsydip.com

      • Amanda says

        January 26, 2020 at 7:46 pm

        I’m also interested can you send me more information? Amandacastro330@yahoo.com

  3. Meryl L Weisman says

    January 20, 2020 at 6:49 pm

    Why would I spend all of that time and money? From all I have read nail dip powder is no more than a new way to apply color. I don’t see the purpose of the investment or the effort. My Essie polish lasts a week, takes me no more than 15 minutes dry and cured in 15 more. While I read and relax, not complete an endless procedure. My word, I can start an IV with less effort!

    • Anonymous says

      January 21, 2020 at 4:49 pm

      Dip nails usually last 2 – 3 weeks

    • Heather says

      January 21, 2020 at 9:54 pm

      I do dips because it doesn’t chip like polish does for me plus it gives strength to my nails. That’s great that polish last for you and you are happy with the results. I am not that lucky even with a gel polish

  4. Heather says

    January 21, 2020 at 9:50 pm

    I love dip nails!! I do mine at home too. I loved having nails done but don’t have the time or money to devote to that after having littles. I’ve tried various dip systems over the years but then stumbled upon a company through a friend. I tried the products for a friend and ended up loving it so much I signed up as a consultant. The entire kit with 4 colors cost less than two salon trips! And as a consultant I get a 20-25% discount!! I can justify this in my budget! And it’s time I get for something I truly enjoy.

  5. Dani says

    January 24, 2020 at 7:24 am

    Loving doing my nails at home! Got the starter kit for Christmas from my parents & although yes there was definitely a learning curve at first, I’m getting better with each time!!

    Any tips though for removing the dip when it’s time to redo them??? I have soooo much trouble getting all of it off! The salons make it seem so easy!

    • Anonymous says

      January 24, 2020 at 8:57 am

      THIS! I feel confident I can do the nails. It’s taking them off and redoing them that has me sweating.

      • Heather says

        January 26, 2020 at 8:11 pm

        Removing is so much easier than it seems! I have tried them all and my favorite takes a full dip to clean nails ready for another color in less than 10 minutes.
        Want to see tips and tricks. Join my Vip group:
        Vip group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/545283476266783/?ref=share

      • Heather says

        January 26, 2020 at 8:12 pm

        Removing is so much easier than it seems! I have tried them all and my favorite takes a full dip to clean nails ready for another color in less than 10 minutes.
        Want to see tips and tricks. Join my Vip group:
        Vip group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/545283476266783/?ref=share

    • Heather says

      January 26, 2020 at 8:14 pm

      See my reply below. With onyx soak off acetone and household items, mine come off easily in less than 10 minutes

  6. Latoya says

    January 24, 2020 at 7:25 am

    What’s the best way to remove the dip?

    • Laura says

      January 24, 2020 at 7:48 am

      Yes! It’s one thing with fresh nails but how do you handle dip to dip?

    • Heather says

      January 26, 2020 at 8:16 pm

      Latoya- see my comments above! I have shown many people how to remove in less than 10 minutes! Sooo easy and love being able to do my nails at home on my time and my budget

  7. nancie says

    January 25, 2020 at 7:03 am

    what if you have really short nails

    • Heather says

      January 26, 2020 at 8:17 pm

      Short nails make beautiful dip nails! You don’t have to have long nails but if you want long, tips can be added before dipping

  8. Sarah says

    January 27, 2020 at 6:40 am

    What colors do you love with kiara sky? THinking of investing but have never tried dipping.

Hello, I'm Kumiko, but everyone just calls me Miko. Welcome to my blog, The Budget Mom. I am an Accredited Financial Counselor® , and mom to a rambunctious boy. Come along with me as I strive to live a life I love on a budget that I can afford. Read more about me.

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