Drip Nails with Dip Powder | Ice Cream-Inspired Summer Mani
Difficulty
Moderate
Time required
1 Hour
Salon price 
Est. $63+ / Mani
DipWell price
Est. $4 / Mani
Step 1
- Apply a coat of Step 1 Bond and allow it to dry completely.
Step 2
- Apply a thin coat of Step 2 Base and immediately dip fingernail into Base & Finish powder.
PRO TIP: Avoid getting the product onto cuticles, powder will pick up wherever Base is applied.
Step 3
- Tap finger to remove loose powder. Then use a fluffy brush to sweep off excess powder.
Step 4
- Apply another coat of Step 2 Base, and immediately dip fingernail into color powder of choice. Here we’re using PA-20.
PRO TIP: Brushes may harden or pick up color powder during application. Simply switch them between Brush Softener for easy cleaning & workability.
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Step 5
- Tap finger to remove loose powder, and run a pointed tool along the cuticles to remove excess product. Using a fluffy brush, sweep off excess powder from the nails. Repeat for more coverage.
Step 6
- Add a few drops of Step 2 Base onto a small piece of foil.
Step 7
- Using a dotting tool or toothpick, apply Step 2 Base creating a drip design.
Step 8
- Use a small scoop to pour color powder of choice over the wet base. Here we’re using NE-17.
Step 9
- Apply another coat of Step 2 Base and immediately dip fingernail into Base & Finish powder.
Step 10
- Tap finger to remove loose powder, and use a fluffy brush to remove excess powder.
Step 11
- Apply Step 3 Activator to the entire nail. Allow a few minutes for the dip blend to harden.
Step 12
- File and buff nails to achieve desired shape & smoothness.
Step 13
- Wash hands or use a lint-free wipe saturated in alcohol to remove any excess activator from the nail surface.
Step 14
- Apply a thin coat of Step 4 Sealer to the entire nail. Allow it to dry for 1-2 minutes.
Step 15
- Apply a second coat of Step 3 Activator to the entire nail. Allow nails to dry for a full 5 minutes.
PRO TIP: If you live in a humid climate, you may need to increase your dry time.
Step 16
- Use a dry lint-free wipe to remove any excess activator from the nail surface.
PRO TIP: Make sure nails are completely dry before moving to the next step!
Step 17
- Apply a coat of Step 4 Sealer in thin, quick strokes. Allow 2-3 minutes for nails to dry.
PRO TIP: In this step, you can also substitute Sealer for Step 2 Base!
Step 18
- Apply a final coat of Step 4 Sealer to the entire nail. Allow 3-5 minutes for nails to completely dry.
PRO TIP: Don't apply more than 2 consecutive coats of Sealer as this will prevent even drying & may result in a gummy mani.
Finish!
- Ice cream nails are oh-so-summery, and we love this drip nail design!
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