The Best Dipping Powder Nail Kits

While taking ourselves to the nail salon feels like the ultimate solo date, there's a reason we're not dating all the time: self-care is an expensive business. But at-home nail kits beg to differ. DIY nail options have come a long way since simply tacking on a few stickers on a press-on French-tips set. And while gel kits have been all the rage the past few years, there's a hot new contender for the easiest (and some say the best) home manicure option. Ladies, meet the dipping powder nail kit. Lasting longer than gel polish in general, nail dipping powder gives you a flawless, even finish very quickly, all without UV exposure. In other words, there's no more need for a bulky, expensive lamp. Discover some of our favorite kits and indulge in a little bit of self-love again.

What to Look For

While you shop for your next dipping powder nail kit, we suggest asking three questions: Does this kit include all the tools you’ll need? Do the included colors suit your preferences? And will the results last long enough for your needs? With all that in mind, we rounded up a handful of options that each offer something different. For example, Beetles makes a phenomenal all-around kit that’s beginner friendly and affordable. We also appreciated the enormous selection of color varieties on offer. But we couldn’t help but also include a purely pink set, which is what you’ll find from the option we highlighted from Azurebeauty. The nude pink colors are among the prettiest we’ve seen. To learn more about these dipping powder nail kits and others, keep on reading.

Beetles Dip Powder Nail Kit Starter

Have it your way

This kit is so customizable and easy to use that you may consider cutting ties with your go-to salon.

Best Overall

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Let’s face it: one of the biggest differences between getting our nails done at the salon and painting them at home is that moment when we get to decide just how we’re feeling that day and how we’re going to present ourselves for the next few weeks. We’re all just seeking that moment of choice out of seemingly infinite options, and this is where most DIY nail kits fail. We can’t be expected to be the same person today as we were when we ordered the kit, and it’s here that this kit from Beetles really claims its rightful place as the best overall manicure kit. Eight different dipping colors (glitter included) give you the ultimate range of color mixing and style design. Once you’ve settled on your look, all the tools you’ll need — from the first step of filing down your nails to the last step of applying a top coat — are included in this kit.

Pros:

Comes with 8 color powders, dip powder liquids, nail brush, and a nail file
Large selection of color varieties offered
Quite easy to use, even for beginners

Cons:

Top coat is less glossy than other kits

Azurebeauty Nail Dipping Powder Kit (Nude Pink)

Pretty in pink

With this classic dipping powder nail kit, you can make yourself feel pretty from the comfort of your home.

Runner Up

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Our hands are one of the most important parts of our body, as they allow us to interact with the external world and also communicate the happenings of our internal one. In this way, manicures aren’t just about protecting your nail beds from daily damage; they also add another layer of expression that tells the world who you are. And while the history of manicured story-telling speaks of many changes in nail fashion, from color to size and cut, there’s one trend that still remains in vogue: pink. Whether you’re looking to stand out from the crowd with your hot pink tips or channel that classic style with a light pink French manicure, this color can do it all. And the folks at Azurebeauty want you to do the same with their nail dipping powder kit. With 8 different mixable shades — and everything else you need from start to finish — this set challenges you to be a part of history first-hand (pun intended).

Pros:

Comes with three brush replacements
Fortified with calcium
Free of sulfates, parabens, formaldehyde, and other toxic ingredients

Cons:

Top coat may take longer than advertised to dry

Modelones Acrylic Dipping Powder System

Runs the gamut

Rather than having to choose from just a few hues, this set offers you all the colors.

Best All-Inclusive

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If you prefer to have acrylic nails but still want to try dip powders, this kit is a great get. You’ll have everything you need to get started, including twenty small jars of colored powders, base coat, top coat, activator, top gel, and brush saver. This dip powder set doesn’t require that you use a UV/LED lamp, which is much better for your skin and nails. And conveniently, these powders are extra-fine, with a smooth, quick-drying finish. As a result, you can expect shiny, elegant-looking nails that’ll last you for at least a month.

Pros:

Kit comes with everything from powders to cuticle oil, and everything in between
Formula is extra-lightweight, durable, and fast-drying
Certified cruelty-free

Cons:

If you’re sensitive to smell, this one might overwhelm you

Cooserry Dipping Powder Nail Set

Here for the long haul

Do more for longer with this set that ensures your pretty tips will stay smooth and strong for several weeks.

Best Long-Lasting

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There’s nothing more frustrating than going to the salon for our occasional day of pampering and walking out with a perfectly finished set of nails, only for them to chip or break off that same week as we’re doing an everyday task, such as washing the dishes. And while DIY nail kits make manicures more accessible and budget-friendly, the frustration of seeing breaks happen before their promised time remains the same.

For this reason, long-lasting powder kits are high on our priority list. If you’re looking for durable dips that will keep your nails strong and glossy for longer, look no further than this nail set from Cooserry. The low-odor dipping powder is designed to create a firm, durable finish that could last for several weeks or more.

Pros:

Comes with 8 different colors
Manicure tools included
Non-toxic ingredients

Cons:

Colors may look slightly different than advertised

Gelish Nail Dip Manicure Set with Harmony Buffer

Ooh la la

If you want to splurge on a kit that goes above and beyond, this is your pick.

Best Premium

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Love the look of French tips? With this set from Gelish, you can achieve the gorgeous nails you desire. The kit includes five essential mixtures, all of which are Gelish originals: Prep, which balances the nail to neutralize pH and remove surface oils; Base Coat, which ensures a quick dry time; Activator, a gel that provides quick polymerization; Top Coat, which protects and strengthens nails; and Brush Restorer, a solvent that helps you remove the powder. The dip powders themselves offer shimmering, near-translucent color that looks oh-so-pretty on. All in all, this is an excellent DIY dip set for French tips.

Pros:

Contains premium-grade liquids and powders to help ensure that nails look and feel healthy and shiny
Powder colors look shimmery and pretty once applied

Cons:

Costs a pretty penny, but we think it’s worth it considering the excellent results the kit can provide

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the steps involved in applying nail powder dips myself?

While we recommend reading the specific instructions of whichever nail powder dip you choose, we can also break down the general procedure here. First, you’ll want to prep your nails by pushing your cuticles back, filing them how you want them, etc. Use a cleanser to remove any excess oil or dirt, and then apply the base coat. Next, it’s time to dip. Do this once and remove any excess powder with the provided duster brush. Repeat this process to get a stronger finish and all-over coverage. Then, apply the activator. This will turn the powder into a nice gloss. Lastly, after waiting for the activator to dry, add a top coat for added protection, and voila — you’ve got yourself a perfect manicure.

Are dipping powder nail kits safe for nails in the long term?

While dipping powders can dehydrate your nails in the long term, they’re generally considered to be safer than gel manicures for several reasons. Firstly, you don’t need to expose your fingers to UV light, which can contribute to skin damage over time. Secondly, gel manicures often involve some scraping off of the last bits when you remove them, thereby scratching the surface of the nails. But even so, experts recommend taking a several-week break every few months if you’re using the powders constantly just to give your nails a little breathing room.

About the Author

When she isn’t doing yoga, writing, or cooking, Justine adores shopping secondhand and frequently peruses popular vintage and thrift shop social media accounts for new looks and the latest trends. She firmly believes that everyone deserves to have well-fitting clothes that they love and feel great wearing, so she’s here to help you find the perfect items for you.

Why Trust Us

Since 2001, our experts at TheFashionSpot have been providing millions of people with our take on the latest trends. TheFashionSpot is constantly looking for the hottest styles in clothing and accessories for people of all body types. Our team knows that beauty starts well before the closet, so we are also dedicated to finding the best products for your skin and hair.