Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

This is a great product. I am not a professional manicurist, but I have done my research and have learned through years of DIY. So, if you have tried this product and are not happy, I am sure you followed the directions... However, here are MORE TIPS on how to increase the longevity of your Kiara West dip system manicure and be like all the other happy customers... 1) Do not wash with soap and water or use any cuticle remover product or hand cream/cuticle oil just before doing the manicure. I recommend those products 24 hours in advance-especially if you have very stubborn overgrown cuticles. 2) Always push cuticles back and trim if necessary before beginning. 3) Gently BUT THOROUGHLY dust file the tops of your nails. If you see any shiny part of your nail still or loose skin (especially near the cuticle or along the sides of your nail), you must retrim/keep filing. Shiny = lift. 4) Do not use your finger to wipe off the dust from your nail-that introduces oils that will cause lifting. Use a clean brush to clean nail dust and/or use a q-tip swab dipped in alcohol (not acetone) to remove the rest of the residue. Is your nail even or does it still have dents/ridges etc? If uneven still, repeat the filing process followed with alcohol. 5) After properly prepping, do only one finger at a time. 6) Use plenty of bonding, 7) Apply first thin layer of base (keeping carefully away from cuticle and skin along the sides. use an orange stick dipped in acetone if you get any on those places. OR, before beginning, paint Elmer's school glue with a fine brush (eyeliner brushes work great) carefully onto areas you do not want base and powder to adhere. Allow the glue to dry completely before beginning. Then you can peel mistakes away at the end. This also is a great way to make the smile line you want for your french manicure-be sure to peel off the glue after setting your white powder. 8) This kit does not include clear powder. I recommend getting clear (or if you like sparkles, winter wonderland) to use as your last coat. 9) Always use seal and protect as your last step before moving on to your next finger. 10) Once all fingers have been completed, add another coat of seal and protect (along the front edge of your nails as well.) Now you can remove glue and file/buff the clear coat of every nail until smooth. 11) Once all nails are smooth (no rough edges under the nail or along the sides), only now wash hands with soap and water. Dry hands and 12) add ANOTHER COAT OF SEAL AND PROTECT to all nails. 13) Now add a thin coat of top coat, cleaning any extra from the skin with a swab dipped in acetone. Allow to dry, and add another thin coat (clean excess again). 13) If there are any stiff, rough edges from the top coat, be sure to file those away. If you follow those steps, your manicure should last longer than 2 weeks or until you are ready to fill which can be done with more product-However, be sure to follow all the same steps and tips for the exposed part of the nail. Fun Fact- Filling with a glitter powder makes a beautiful ombre effect. Good luck and Cheers!. PS Read my other comments about opening and keeping the base bottle and cap (and top coat bottle and cap) unstuck.