Carved Dipping Powder Nail Art

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Step by Step Instructions
Products & Tools Used

Before You Begin

Complete Powder Perfection nail prep.

Apply Powder Perfection Step 1 Base Coat to the well of the nail tip then adhere to the natural nail.

Pro Tip

For warmer climates, apply Powder Perfection Step 2 Activator to the tip of natural nail then apply Step 1 Base Coat to the well of the nail tip for faster adhesion.

If needed, use a QuickCut to reduce length. Shape to the desired shape with a 180 grit file. With an e-file, use a mandrel with a fine sand band to blend the nail tip. Remove excess dust, & apply 1 coat of OPI Bond Aid to the natural nail.

Pro Tip

Use a 100/180 grit buffer to remove any fraying from the nail tip. This will ensure a smooth application.

Apply Base Coat to 80% of the nail, leaving a noticeable gap around the cuticle area. Immediately pour Clear Color Set Powder. Allow the powder to absorb then tap to remove excess powder. Use a dust brush to remove any remaining powder.

Apply Base Coat to 99% of the nail then pour Hurry-Juku Get This Color! near the cuticle area. Right below, pour It’s A Girl!. Continue to alternate colors for full coverage. Allow the powder to absorb then tap and dust to remove excess.

Pro Tip

Repeat step for coverage.

Leave the powder uncured, use an e-file with a fine carbide bit and carve diagonally into the uncured powder. Remove the uncured powder.

Pro Tip

Never make contact with the natural nail by leaving an ultra-thin layer of Clear Color Set Powder. Ensure safe removal around the cuticle area by using a medium grit safety removal bit for the remaining product.

Use a 180 grit file and refine the diagonal edge. Apply Powder Perfection Step 3 Activator generously. Wait 2 minutes for the US and 4 minutes for Canada.

Apply Powder Perfection Step 1 Base Coat to the bottom diagonal of the nail. Immediately pour Polly Want A Lacquer?. Allow the powder to absorb then tap to remove excess. Use a dust brush to remove any remaining powder.

Pro Tip

Repeat for coverage 2 more times.

Apply Powder Perfection Step 2 Activator generously to the entire nail. Don’t forget to cap the free edge. Wait 2 minutes for the US and 4 minutes for Canada.

Lightly contour with a 180 grit file or e-file to reveal the design. Remove excess dust with a dust brush.

Apply Powder Perfection Step 1 Base Coat to cover the entire nail, then immediately pour Clear Color Set Powder. Allow the powder to absorb then tap to remove excess. Use a dust brush to remove any remaining powder.

Apply Powder Perfection Step 2 Activator generously to the entire nail. Wait 2 minutes for the US and 4 minutes for Canada. Shape and contour with a 180 grit file or e-file. Smooth with 100/180 then 220/280 grit buffer.

Pro Tip

Remove excess dust with a dust brush and repeat steps for coverage.

Finish with 2 coats of Powder Perfection Step 3 Top Coat. Wait 2 minutes between each coat. Try to use minimal strokes when applying to avoid overworking the Top Coat and causing unwanted matte spots.