12 Best Nail Dip Powder Kits for Long-Lasting Manis at Home, Tested and Reviewed for 2024
Prepare to be amazed.
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My newest favorite way to get a manicure? Nail dip powder kits. They absolutely changed the DIY mani game for me and made it easy to achieve the same super glossy and long-lasting mani I got from the pros, but at home. Here's the deal: Dip powder nails are a type of long-lasting manicure that doesn't involve UV lights or acrylic or gel tips to harden the nail. Basically, you'll apply a bonder, followed by a base coat, and dip your fingers into a powder that will start to harden when exposed to air (don't worry, the powder will fall off if you get it anywhere else). You keep "dipping" until you get your desired thickness and color, and then seal everything in with a top coat.
The process is good for natural or artificial nails, and the at-home nail dip powder kits are much better than they used to be, which is why they're having a moment. If you’re trying to avoid haggard-looking nails, these kits were practically made for you. Ahead, the best at-home dip powder kits that'll help you nail your next at-home mani, personally tested and reviewed by yours truly.
Our top picks for the best at-home dip powder kits of 2024:
Keep reading for the entire list of best nail dip powder kits, along with all the important info you need to know about choosing a nail dip powder kit, using one at home, and what to expect from your dip powder manicure.
Pros
- Easy-to-use kit is great for beginners, testers note
Cons
- Colors are sheer, so not great for anyone who wants an opaque mani
ICYMI, sheer nail polish is trending rn, and this dip powder nail kit offers several shades that leave a light translucent hue on your nails. So, if you're in the market for a highly-pigmented solid color, this one might not be for you, but if you want a ~hint~ of color, you'll absolutely love this set.
Glowing Customer Review: I am typically terrible at doing my nails, but this has been a game-changer. I honestly wish I bought this sooner because it turned out to be so easy to use and I love how my nails look after using it.
Pros
- Ideal for a long-lasting mani that's resistant to chips
Cons
- Most expensive option on this list
IMO, a manicure is only as good as how long it lasts. And while a lot of that depends on how fast your nails grow out, this kit boasts an impressive wear-time of up to six (six!) weeks without dulling or chipping before you need to remove the polish.
Glowing Customer Review: Look at this mani! After some practice, I got it down and was stunned by the results. I'm OBSESSED, have looked at all their tutorial videos and now consider myself an at-home mani pro.
Pros
- Contains strengthening ingredients to improve nail health
Cons
- Some reviewers say the included file is not gritty enough
Some acrylic, gel, and powder polishes can wreak havoc on your nails. Thankfully, this nail dip powder kit does just the opposite. It doesn't contain any harsh chemicals—plus, it's formulated with calcium to help strengthen your nails. And when it needs to be removed, it simply soaks right off.
Glowing Customer Review: I am so happy I purchased this dip powder set. It’s easy to use and equally easy to clean and store. Every time I use this everyone thinks my nails are professionally done.
Pros
- Simplifies the dip powder nail removal process
Cons
- Testers had trouble with the included nail polish remover bottle
When it's time to take off your dip powder mani, don't bother struggling with wrapping aluminum foil around your nails. Instead, try this at-home dip powder nail remover kit that uses clips to hold your acetone-soaked cotton balls in place and remove your powder nails with barely any effort or mess.
Glowing Customer Review: I bought these nail clips because I was looking for an alternative to aluminum foil. This really did the trick! It does a great job of keeping the cotton firmly in place, which is something foil couldn't achieve.
Pros
- Ideal for anyone who loves a neutral-toned mani
Cons
- Does not include bond, base, activator, or sealor
Some say nude nails are basic, I say they're a timeless classic. This at-home dip powder kit comes with 11 different neutral powders (and a few tools!) that will never clash with your look or whatever else you're wearing. Plus, testers say the dip formula leaves your nails shiny and smooth for up to two weeks.
Glowing Customer Review: This is a very affordable kit considering what you get and the fact that you're not paying for a salon visit. Each little jar probably does at least ten sets of ten nails and everything you need is included. I love the neutral color and your nails do dry within a minute or two.
Pros
- Powder sets and dries super quickly for a fast mani
Cons
- Some reviewers say the powder gets thick quickly
Another gem from Azurebeauty, but this time with a selection of moody blue, gray, and black nail polishes to choose from. With this at-home dip powder kit, you'll get nails so shiny, that you can basically see your reflection in them. Not only will the formula leave you with a mirror-like shine, but it also feels really lightweight on your nails, and it's surprisingly chip-resistant.
Glowing Customer Review: This is the best dip system I’ve used from Amazon so far. The 2-in-1 base and top coat save room in my nail kit—plus the formula stays where you put it and doesn't flood your cuticles like previous dip powder bases I have used in the past.
Pros
- Great for beginners because you can slowly build layers of dip powder
Cons
- Some reviewers say the formula is not very long-lasting
TBH, some of the professional-looking at-home dip powder kits can get really complicated really fast if you don't know what you're doing. So, if you're a newb to dip powder, you might want to try out this beginner kit. It's super easy to use—like, if you can paint your own nails with basic polish, then you can easily figure out this kit.
Glowing Customer Review: Love this product! I can't imagine purchasing anything to do my nails! My best tip is to do an extra dip or two for the added strength.
Pros
- Perfect for DIYing a French manicure
Cons
- Only two shade options
The French mani is back and better than ever, y'all. If you're trying to hop on this trend, you definitely need to try this at-home dip powder nail kit. It comes with everything you need to DIY your French tips, including two different base color options and a glossy or matte finish to create your tips.
Glowing Customer Review: This was the first time I tried dip powder and I’m in love! The products arrived very well packed and the colors pair beautifully with each other. The process of using it is extremely easy and each bottle is labeled numerically, making it foolproof to use.
Pros
- Super shiny and sparkly finish won't dull for weeks
Cons
- Glitter texture can be thick and bumpy, making it easier for errors
I just loooove glitter nails—they're an instant mood booster. I mean, you just can't help but smile when you see them. This at-home dip powder kit comes with eight super-pigmented glitter shades that won't flake off after a few days. In fact, they'll last you at *least* two weeks, testers note.
Glowing Customer Review: Each color is very pigmented and full of sparkles. The pots are a decent size and the kit comes with eight different colors—I would definitely recommend this one for anyone who likes a glitter mani.
Pros
- Powder feels lightweight and is fast-drying on nails
Cons
- Some reviewers say you don't get enough product of each color
If you're like me and love to have super-loud nails, opt for this at-home dip powder kit for neon nails. It comes with eight lightweight dipping powders—way more than your standard kit—so it's super easy to switch up the color of your nails at home.
Glowing Customer Review: I’ve been doing my own nails for about 4 years now. I’ve yet had any of the powders I’ve had last more than a week. Until this one. I went 2 weeks! Stayed on amazingly well and also was easier to take off than others I’ve tried. I’ll be getting more!
Pros
- Super easy to create a professional looking effect
Cons
- Doesn't include the whole dip powder kit
So, this technically isn't a full-blown dip powder kit, but you can always pair it with a simple starter kit, like the one from Kiss. Once you've cured your base coat and added a coat of nail polish, pat the powder onto your nails using the sponge applicator. You literally won't be able to stop staring at the cool, holographic
Glowing Customer Review: Love, love, love this product! It comes with a lot of product, it's very well packaged, and comes with super helpful instructions too.
Pros
- Works great for creating vibrant, intricate nail art looks
Cons
- Some reviewers say the powder takes too long to harden
Talk about the most bang for your buck. This at-home dip powder set comes with 48 different colors—from vibrant green to soft pink—to choose from. So whether you want to create a design with a nail art brush or just paint on a solid color, you can do so easily, with no curing involved.
Glowing Customer Review: I love that you don't have to cure these colors under UV light. They air dry in about 30 seconds and the top coat gives off a beautiful shiny protective layer.
Can I do dip powder on my own nails?
Ye, you sure can do dip powder nails on your own! In fact, it's easier than you probably think. First you need to prep your nails: clean and sanitize your nail area, groom your cuticles, shape and file your nails, and then gently buff them. Next, depending on the kit, you may need to apply a bonder and then a base coat. Then you quickly ~dip~ each nail into the powder at a 45-degree angle, stop to tap the excess off, and then dip again.
You dip as many times as you need to get the pigment and color payoff you want (usually at least twice but no more than three). Then you add a top layer and activator/sealant—again, this depends on the kit, which should give you step-by-step instructions. Voila. Gorgeous dip powder nails!!
Are dip nails better than gels?
Whether dip nails are better than gels is truly a personal preference thing, but if you want something more long-term, dip powder may be the move. Most dip powder manis last three or more weeks, while gels last about two. Dip powder manis have a slightly grainier texture and are a little bulkier than regular polish, so if you're DIYing at home you may need a few practice rounds to get it right.
Gel kits, on the other hand, are pretty straightforward. When done in the salon, dip powder nails may be a bit more expensive than gels, but the process is usually faster since there's minimal painting involved and no curing with an LED or UV lamp.
Is dip powder damaging to nails?
As long as you're following your nail dip powder kit's directions and practicing good nail health habits, you shouldn't experience much damage. A few things to keep in mind:
- Make sure the brand and formula you're using are tested for safety—otherwise, there might be icky chemicals in there that can cause irritation.
- If you're getting a nail dip powder mani in the salon, try to avoid dipping your whole finger into the powder—doing so can expose you to bacteria and germs from other clients.
- When it comes time to remove your mani, don't rush it. The key to not damaging your nails while removing your powder mani is being super gentle.
- As with any nail treatment, make sure to give your nails a breather in between manicures.
How to choose a nail dip powder kit:
Determine how many extras you need
Here's the thing: it's all about how much money you want to spend and what type of kit you want. If you want one that's easier for beginners, pick a package that involves fewer steps and tools. If you're a pro at nail art or design, a kit that has more of a color range might be the best for you to get the most bang for your buck.
Figure out what you want from your kit
Whether you love a sheer, neutral mani or a vibrant neon-colored one, there's a nail dip powder kit for you. Be sure to choose a kit that has colors that fit your vibe and aesthetic, and then scan the customer reviews for real-life pics! Do the colors in the pots look like the color on testers' nails? If so, you can expect a true color payoff from your kit.
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Siena Gagliano is an associate editor at Cosmopolitan who writes beauty, with over three years of experience writing in the makeup, skin, and hair spaces. She’s an expert at researching and writing beauty stories, like the best press-on nails and callus removers. She’s an authority in all nail categories, including nail care and nail trends, and regularly tests and analyzes at-home dip powder kits and tools for efficacy, while working with the industry’s top nail artists to assess new nail trends, products, and brands.
Valeriya Chupinina was the beauty assistant at Cosmopolitan with five years of experience researching, writing, and editing nail design and care stories that range from green nail ideas to lipstick nails.
Valeriya Chupinina is a freelance beauty and wellness writer exploring the multifaceted connection between the aesthetic and internal. You can find her work in outlets like Coveteur, HYPEBAE, and NBGA. In addition to her editorial work, she consults on social media strategies for brands. You can keep up with her on Instagram @valeriyaliyevna.
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