Dipping Powder French Manicure Tutorial

First thing's first: Always start with Powder Perfection nail prep.

Before ya start, scoop out enough Bubble Bath to cover the nail completely.

Less is more for Alpine Snow since you'll only be using it for the tip. Gently shake the tray to level the powder to ensure an even application.

Once prepped, brush one coat of Base Coat on a single nail. Make sure to cover the entire surface evenly while leaving a tiny margin at the cuticle area.

Create a smile line by gently gliding the tip of the nail into Alpine Snow at a 45-degree angle. Bring the nail out the same way it went in and not straight up.

Tap the nail to remove excess powder, then immediately dip the entire nail in Bubble Bath. Once the powder is absorbed, tap off any excess and repeat steps 4 and 5 on the remaining nails one at a time.

Using a sanitized cosmetic brush, dust off any remaining loose powder focusing on the cuticle area, side walls, and under the free edge.

Apply a second coat of Base Coat slightly closer to the cuticle this time, then repeat the previous steps on each nail one by one.

Dust off any remaining powder again making sure to focus on the cuticle area, side walls, and under the free edge.

Apply a thin and even coat of Base Coat, then dip the finger at a 45-degree angle into Clear Color Set Powder. Let it absorb, then tap off any excess powder.

Apply a thiiiick coat of Activator making sure the entire nail surface is covered, then cap the free edge and allow it to harden for up to 2 minutes in the US, and 4 minutes if you’re international.

Once hardened, shape them and contour around the cuticle area and sidewalls using the 180 Grit File to prevent a bulky look. Pro Tip: When filing, always make sure the enhancement is flush with the nail and that there are no bumps or ridges where the enhancement begins at the cuticle area. Do this for the sidewalls as well.

Buff the nails using a heavier 220 Grit Buffer and work your way up (don't forget the cuticle and sidewall areas), then continue smoothing the nails by using a finer buffer.

Remove any excess filing dust. Remember to pull the skin back around the sidewall areas and the free edge to remove any hidden dust that could impact the final result.

Apply another thiiiick coat of Activator–the thick coat is what creates that high-shine look. For those in the US, let it dry for 2 minutes. 4 minutes for international.

Apply Top Coat using a few quick brush strokes.

Allow Top Coat to dry for a couple minutes, then apply a second coat. Focus on precision as this is your final coat and you cannot go back and touch up once its applied.

Once nails are dry, complete the Powder Perfection mani with a few drops of ProSpa Nail & Cuticle Oil.