15 quick tips on how to improve your at home nail game | dip powder edition

Here are my 15 tips to a salon dip powder manicure at home! Hope this is helpful!
Hugs and kisses,
MK
- Sassy Mouth Dip Powder (AFFILIATE) Code: MARLA10 for 10% off at sassymouthdippowder.com
Products:
- Extensions
amzn.to/3vICPzz
- ManiBoss dip liquids
maniboss.com/collections/liqu...
- Sassy Mouth Whipped Cream Bikini
sassymouthdippowder.com/produ...
- Sassy Mouth Blue Reflective Glitters
sassymouthdippowder.com/produ...
- Modelones Clear
amzn.to/3QYvG7W
- orange wood sticks
amzn.to/3H3Stec
- Young Nails Swipe solution
amzn.to/3wrh7k6
- Cuticle files
amzn.to/3WxyiuR
- 150 grit contour files
amzn.to/3Wxyfzb
- Buffers
amzn.to/3lQIYYT
- Scrubby brushes
amzn.to/3wmeAre
- Gelish Gel top Coat
amzn.to/3wmeAre
- 96 watt LED/UV gel curing lamp
amzn.to/3X8RRKK
- Cuticle oil
amzn.to/3vFMqaq
**AMAZON FAVES**
Beginner essentials
amzn.to/3CvTYjS
MUST HAVE tools for DIY nails
amzn.to/3VNfGXm
My favorite dip kits
amzn.to/3GspMaB
My favorite nail extensions and tips
amzn.to/3Zh7BNv
My favorite gel polishes
amzn.to/3GOYWdO
My favorite nail art stuffs
amzn.to/3GL1k5o
Press on nail supplies on
amzn.to/3vQIh3e
My favorite e-files and and bits
amzn.to/3vKimKH
My favorite files, buffers and prep stuff
amzn.to/3X8wAAA
*SAVE $$
- Beyond Polish (AFFILIATE) use code MARLAKRIS for 10% off at www.beyondpolish.com/?rfsn=64...
- Danni Toni (AFFILIATE) use code 10offMarlaKris at www.dannitoni.com/
- Double Dip (AFFILIATE) use code Marla20 at doubledipstore.com
- Mani Boss: use code MARLA for 15% off at manibossdippowder.com/
- Sassy Mouth Dip Powder: use code MARLA15 at sassymouthdippowder.com/
- Virgo and Gem: Use code Marla15 at virgoandgemnails.com/
- Sparkle & Co: Use code Marla15 at sparkleandco.com/ OR add Marla Kris to the referral box for an extra credit on your account when purchasing subscriptions!
- Candi Skin Care: Use code Marla at candiskincare.com/
- Dipalicious: Use code Marla15 at dipaliciousnails.com/
- Poshy Nail Decals: Use code Marla15 at poshynaildesigns.com/
*Facebook Group for the MK Mani Fam*
/ 2624757807772117 \
My IG
Marlakris_dips
SUBSCRIBERS ONLY
[e-mail]
BUSINESS INQUIRIES ONLY
I am only accepting paid sponsorships at this time. Please send requests to [e-mail]
PO Box 1662
Palm City, FL 34991
**I am not a nail tech. Just a DIYer with a passion for all things nails. These are only my opinions and what works best for me.**
FTC | Some links are affiliate links. Affiliate link purchases produce a small commission that allows me to continue creating content on KZbin. Products can be googled if you prefer to purchase without an affiliate link. Affiliations and sponsorships have no bearing on my opinions, as they will always be genuine and honest

[@MarlaKris]

Hey lovebugs! I hope these tips are helpful! Let me know if anything sounds new or like something you might try! 🫶🏻

[@nicolebrusso5178]

Marla just wondering if you have to use a specific “gel liquid” for a base instead of a dip liquid? Can u use any gel base you have?

[@MarlaKris]

@@nicolebrusso5178 You can use any gel base you have! Whatever is your fave! ❤️

[@nicolebrusso5178]

Thank u!!!

[@MarlaKris]

@@nicolebrusso5178 of course! 🫶🏻

[@lorriangus]

Great video, Marla. Thanks!

[@anniespinal8763]

I use all of your tips and tricks and love doing dip powder nails because of you. Thank you 😊

[@MarlaKris]

It’s my pleasure, lovebug!!🫶🏻❤️

[@chrissybolen1828]

just ordered both of these colors absolutely gorgeous!

[@jillphillips7345]

Beautiful as always!! Thanks for sharing all the tips and tricks! You Rock Marla!!❤❤

[@MarlaKris]

Thank YOU lovie!! I appreciate you 💞

[@denamatthews2466]

thank you I'm learning a lot love about the filing

[@Madnessmakes]

Love that glitter!!!💜

[@MarlaKris]

Me toooooooo! 😍

[@debbiebifolck4291]

You are such a great teacher! ❤️❤️❤️

[@MarlaKris]

Omgosh 🥹 thank you! 💞

[@jeanniepagano2481]

Beautiful as always!

[@MarlaKris]

Thank you, darlin! ❤️

[@miriamm3780]

Wonderful tips! I still struggle with dips so this really helps! ❤❤❤

[@MarlaKris]

So glad it’s helpful!! 💞

[@carolineletellierdest-just8623]

Marla, your tips are excellent, and I especially appreciate the extra explanations, the details that are necessary to learn to get pristine nails. You really have a great way to teach! Love ya missy!😂👍😉

[@MarlaKris]

Thank you so much for your kind words! You make my heart smile 🫶🏻💜

[@Dannielle.S]

Gorgeous! Great tips also ❤

[@MarlaKris]

Thanks lovie!! ❤️

[@LovelyRita2222]

So beautiful. I need to try dip powders. Thanks!💕

[@MarlaKris]

Yeah you do!!! 🙌🏻💗

[@msprice4444]

very helpful!!!! wish i saw this first before trying dip for the first time, but im ready for the next time

[@MarlaKris]

You so got this! Let me know if anything made a difference! 💞

[@karenstanton1082]

Great tips!! Thanks Marla!

[@MarlaKris]

Thank YOU for watching! 💞

[@vickywray7285]

Some really great tips Marla! And that whipped bikini is such a soft beautiful white, I need to get my hands on some of that.

[@MarlaKris]

Yeah ya do! So glad you’re finding them helpful! 🙌🏻❤️

[@kimberlyskinner8177]

Good Morning! Perfect Mani! I love a tutorial videovfor brush ups😍🤩😍🤩 Beautiful glitter 💖🥰😘

[@MarlaKris]

Happy Monday, sweetness! Have an amazing week!! ❤️❤️

[@nadinewilliams7820]

Hi girl i just got the the press on nails that you have on ur right hand love them so much

[@MarlaKris]

Ooh yay!! I’m so glad you’re loving them!!

[@nellylavarreda3507]

It’s beautiful ❤

[@MarlaKris]

Thanks lovie! 💞

[@tammieyoung6386]

your application is so smooth and beautiful. i love it!! thx for sharing. i was definitely applying my dip with too much liquid. i thought more was better but clearly it's not.

[@MarlaKris]

I thought the same for a while.. but in this case, less is more!

[@candywilliams3734]

Beautiful! TFS!

[@MarlaKris]

Thank you so much! 💞

[@shakirasmylie6178]

Yay to the another video and the gel nail art designs are so cute 🥰 Marla did a amazing job doing nails and I love her

[@MarlaKris]

You make my heart smile 🫶🏻💞

[@simonestefan6438]

did you have a video with the nails on our rigt hand? those are gorgeous!!!

[@aprildegele1510]

I had no idea about the "clicking"! Thanks for the tip!

[@MarlaKris]

Of course! 💞

[@aimeehodgin6359]

Hi! YKYK!!!! Nodding profusely!!! Good Morning this magnificent President's Day! I hope you have a smiley great day!! Duces ✌🏻

[@MarlaKris]

Hey sweetness! Look at you all early! Have a fabulous week! 🫶🏻💞

[@nataleegoehrig9956]

You are the BEST! Love learning new ways to make my nail game better and you have helped sooo much! Question: In some videos you are using a metal tool to go around and clean up your cuticle area, then in other videos, you are using the wood tool to do this. Do you prefer one over the other now or do just have a preference at the time of making the video? Thanks so much in advance!

[@MarlaKris]

Hey love! You’re so dang sweet to me 🥹 I tend to prefer the orange wood sticking bc I can toss it when I’m done. Way more sanitary IMO

[@nadinewilliams7820]

I love ur video sooooo much

[@MarlaKris]

Thanks so much, girly! 💞

[@karol-sb6jn]

Marla, I love your content and how you intentionally make and support a multitude of things that deserve the love and awareness- from a special Ed teacher and mom of a child on the spectrum! I need your help! Please advise- best beginners gel kit & best beginners dip kit! I’m brand new and fell down the rabbit hole. I’d appreciate your expertise! Xoxo

[@MarlaKris]

You kind words made me whole day! Thank you for that! So I would highly recommend a dip kit from either modelones or azure beauty. They’re mostly on sale right (Amazon) now so your timing is perfect! Also highly recommend gels from modelones! Cheap and definitely beginner friendly! 🫶🏻

[@devikawoodward7306]

I enjoy yr videos.

[@MarlaKris]

Thank you so much! 🫶🏻❤️

[@craftingismyjam1712]

Thank you for doing this video Marla! Will you be doing one for the gel method as well? That's my preferred method and I'd love to know your tips!

[@MarlaKris]

Absolutely!! Stay tuned in March! 🫶🏻❤️

[@craftingismyjam1712]

@Marla Kris THANK YOU!!! You're the best, Marla! 😘

[@gabrielanoll9078]

Great video, as always. I have learnt so much from you since I started dipping couple years ago 💕 Is the reason you use the acrylic clear to not have cloudiness when using gel top coat? I always struggle with cloudiness when encapsulating with clear dip. Because my fave top coat is definitely gel, coz you simply can't beat the shine💖

[@MarlaKris]

Dip is basically acrylic, so it’s the same product! I like the modelones bc it’s VERY fine and doesn’t leave specs on the nail 💞

[@gabrielanoll9078]

@@MarlaKris makes sense. Thank you 💕

[@pamelakitchens5549]

Do u have instructions for the manicure on your right hand ther beautiful

[@aprildegele1510]

I agree with cuticle oil. However, some of it can be pretty spendy. My go-to? 100% pure vitamin C oil in the form of rose hip seed oil. It's also what I use for my face after washing because I'm over 50 and need that boost of brightness and color correction. I put it on my face (and it absorbs very quickly), neck and décolletage, and then rub the rest into my nails and hands. Easy, one-step treatment for face and hands without the expense. Just get good quality and American made (for those who live in the US) so that it's processed relatively locally and doesn't go through long shipping times.

[@kristigatzke3375]

I loved these tips! My biggest issue with dip nails is the length of time it takes. Starting with removing the previous dip, cuticle care, nail prep, then dip on both hands takes me almost 4 hours! Am I doing something wrong? Does it get faster? Any tips on making the process more efficient?

[@MarlaKris]

As you get more comfy doing your nails, it definitely gets faster. But imagine going to a salon for a full set. It’ll take about 2ish hours depending on the design.. right? And that’s not including removal. My best advice is learn to perfect your application. That’ll mean less time filing. Also, have everything you need in front of you ready to go. And give yourself some grace. If you need to go one hand on monday and the other on Tuesday, that’s ok! That’s usually what I do lol

[@summers2156]

Can I use builder gel in place of the clear acrylic as a natural nail protector for a dip set like this? (I'm a file off color gal lol) Lovely colors and this video has great valuable details for us beginners, thank you!

[@MarlaKris]

Thank you so much for your kindness! And yes! Builder would be a great clear replacement ❤️

[@clarachlon3194]

New here and love your videos! Quick q: why do you dip at 90 degrees and not at 45 degrees or pour over? Thanks!

[@MarlaKris]

Hey love! Welcome to the fam! So glad you’re here 🫶🏻 It’s just a preference. I find it reduces the chance of a ledge at the edge of the nail to kind of push the nail forward into the powder as opposed to down into it. I will occasionally pour over if my nails are longer or if the color is super pigmented to prevent staining ♥️

[@jamelofswords]

New subscriber!! I love your videos & you've taught me alot to up my dip game!! Thank you!! I do have one silly question...what are the little square wipee dipee thingees? They look kinda like steril pads? I know I need to use something that won't have fuzzies...I'm thinking cheap paper towel from the dollar tree? Would that work too? Thank you soooo much for your help!! Much love! 💜

[@MarlaKris]

Welcome to the family!! So those are lint-free wipes. You can 100% use paper towels if you don’t have them! I prefer them just bc.. well.. no lint lol

[@jamelofswords]

@@MarlaKris okay sweet! Thank you!! I'm watching you now doing the Markarrt dip for the 1st time! I'm ordering some of those! 💜

[@christinesonnemann]

Just to recap; you have a clear base, two dips of color, another clear and a gel top coat? How in the world are they looking that thin? Amazing!

[@MarlaKris]

I don’t have the clear base, just the 2 coats of color and clear on top. But as long as you’re applying the liquid thin, they layers should stay pretty thin! ❤️

[@christinesonnemann]

@@MarlaKris I didn’t notice your usual builder gel, was that on in this video?

[@alissajohnson3694]

Interesting, was wondering at what point I became allergic to gel. Unfortunately, I can no longer use it, which bums me out! Loved doing my gel polish. Didn't know that not getting all of the tacky layer could cause these reactions.

[@MarlaKris]

I didn’t know until recently either! Learning new things every day

[@TracyCampanella]

Lol! Rogue glitter! Why am I seeing Zorro in my mind's eye? 😂

[@MarlaKris]

Lol just did the Z 🤣

[@laurawarnock7959]

If recommending a good gel base and top, would you recommend Gelish or Andrade, which was your favorite pick for 2022? I currently use ManiBoss Base and Top coat so I don’t have to use two coats, however it is quite thick.

[@MarlaKris]

My top pick for 2022 was Adrada but I only started using the gelish in late December/early January. The gelish is my current fave. It’s super thin and not rubbery at all.

[@laurawarnock7959]

Do you recommend the Top It Off, or no wipe Top Coat? Other than the wiping I’m not sure if there would be a difference?

[@MarlaKris]

@@laurawarnock7959 the top it off that I use you have to wipe after curing. It cured tacky. But I prefer the shine. Tbh, you should be wiping even the no-wipe to make sure there aren’t any allergens on the nail that you could spread around when you oil, so may as well get the shinier one!

[@laurawarnock7959]

Thanks so much Marla! You’ve never let me down for a recommendation! It’s on my wishlist to order!

[@teresewilson5090]

You are my favorite

[@michelemcgee2612]

Good morning! Thanks as always for your video. Is this white powder beginner user friendly?

[@MarlaKris]

Hey love! It’s VERY beginner friendly. No patchiness or streaking at all.

[@michelemcgee2612]

Amazing! Thanks for getting back to me. ❤

[@marilynhamilton5910]

I'm really interested in this 1 question I have is it hard to take off and do you need a certain polish remover.

[@MarlaKris]

It’s not hard at all to remove! Here’s my removal video.. check it out before you invest and see if it’s doable for you ❤️ kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZDUoJ9oorykbpo

[@pamelakitchens5549]

Do you have a hack for creating whipped cream bikini from whites and colors I already have

[@tammyscorner6]

Hey Marla!! Is there a difference between clear acrylic and clear dip powder?? and what do you suggest for strengthening natural nails? I'm trying to help my sister with her nails!!

[@MarlaKris]

Sometimes clear dip can be more finely milled but the modelones is ULTRA fine. So there’s nothing you can do to change the actual nail but adding something like dip or builder gel on top of the nail can help them grow out and prevent breakage!

[@tammyscorner6]

@@MarlaKris Thanks beautiful!

[@monica53210]

Opi nail envy brought my nails back to life after a couple years of regular builder gel nails. I still had to grow them out but they seemed to not even grow as strong without that stuff

[@htgurney]

Can you use any acrylic as a dip powder? Or do you find a certain brand to work opposed to others?

[@MarlaKris]

It definitely depends on the acrylic but most you can use as dip!! I’ve used mi secret, modelones and Anacrylics as all worked beautifully! 💞

[@gwens5781]

I have dip powders and dip liquids but wonder about doing gel top coat? Does gel tend to be stronger against cracks? I don't want to invest in light and all the gel things if the sturdiness is the same? Please help:⁠-⁠)

[@MarlaKris]

Cracks are totally different and doesn’t have much to do with top coat. That usually happens then the overlay isn’t strong enough. You might need more layers of dip or a higher apex if you’re experiencing cracking.

[@sarahlalas2574]

Hey, Marla! How do you keep your nails from separating at the tips?

[@MarlaKris]

Good prep and capping the edge with top coat. Walk me through your prep

[@craftcreek4624]

Question: do you know a dip base product that is packaged in an easy-open bottle? Regular-shaped bottles get stuck, I need pliers to open them or the top breaks or separates. I have arthritis which also complicates things. I keep liquid bottles clean and free so product as much as possible. It would be great to have a bottle that fixes this common problem

[@nurse4126]

Maybe try a little oil around the rim? I have the same problem, however I don’t seem to have as much trouble with Virgo and Gem liquids. ❤

[@MarlaKris]

That’s a super common issue with dip base/top bottles. You can avoid it by cleaning off the brush well before closing up the bottle, and by wiping off the rim of the bottle as well. A rubber band around the top of the brush handle can help!

[@annieroberts212]

💕

[@lynnbyron5550]

Do you use nail prep And Bond?

[@MarlaKris]

Nail prep/bond is basically the same as a nail dehydrator. I usually prefer to use swipe or alcohol for my nails, but they all do the same thing - remove oils from the nail 🫶🏻

[@craftcreek4624]

What top coat do you like that doesn’t need a UV LIGHT (which cost $500+ in Australia

[@MarlaKris]

You can use any dip powder top coat or nail polish top coat you like! I like the azure beauty dip top personally or 2 coats of sally Hansen diamond shine polish top coat ❤️

[@craftcreek4624]

@@MarlaKris Thanks for your responses Marla, I'm on it!

[@kwildernurse]

What peel off base do you use?

[@MarlaKris]

I use UNT. Here’s the link! amzn.to/3nUQNxz

[@emmyrussell5700]

Do you ever have trouble with gel peeling? I find that it looks great initially then after 1 week or 2 the tips start to lose their shine. Any tips with that?

[@MarlaKris]

Yes! I find the bet way to avoid that is to use a gel primer or gel base under the gel top

[@nellik7780]

Мне нравится. У Вас красивая форма ногтей.

[@MarlaKris]

Thank you so much! 💞

[@mindytodd-oq4ir]

I noticed you didn't use a gel base before adding the top coat. Is it not needed because the nail is rough and the top coat will stick without it?

[@MarlaKris]

I usually don’t bc I don’t keep nails on very long. If you tend to have gel top coat peeling, I’d recommend a gel base or a gel primer (or both) under the gel top ❤️

[@sharonnoll5708]

So how long from start to finish does it take you to remove, prep, redip?

[@MarlaKris]

From removal and prep to completed manicure (on both hands) probably takes me 2 hours on short nails.

[@kristigatzke3375]

This was my question as well! It takes me FOUR HOURS (!!!) to do my nails from start to finish. I’m a beginner though, so I’m hoping it gets faster. Marla’s 2 hours seems optimistic to me, but she’s obviously more experienced. Lol. Hopefully I’ll get there eventually.

[@meagankirby2712]

Do you do a gel base coat before your top coat? I've found that when I just do gel top coat, it peels off after awhile

[@MarlaKris]

I usually don’t because I rotate through manicures super frequently but if you have gel top peeling, I’d highly recommend either a primer or a gel base (or both!) before gel top ❤️

[@meagankirby2712]

@@MarlaKris awesome thank you! 😊😊

[@MarlaKris]

@@meagankirby2712 anytime! 💞

[@davidnormamendoza5206]

Good morning Marla 🤗

[@MarlaKris]

Good morning sunshine!!!💞

[@ManisbyHeather]

Try 2 Chicks 1 Dip! I loved this! ❤

[@MarlaKris]

I think I did a video using their products a while ago!

[@cindygonzales8886]

Hi Marla....how did you get the large container of whipped cream bikini? I went to their website and only see sample and mini in the drop down box for ordering. Thanks

[@MarlaKris]

Hey love! If you message sassy mouth on IG or FB, she’ll take care of you! Tell her I sent you! ❤️

[@cindygonzales8886]

Thank you for quick response. I emailed her with question.

[@margaretpadilla3219]

I'm going on a 7 day trip, what can I do to make sure that they last that long?

[@MarlaKris]

Prep is gonna be key. Get all the dead skin off, remove the shine from the nail with a gentle file, dehydrate with 100% pure acetone and get yo dip on!

[@vanie-dx1gi]

How do you avoid contaminating your clear dip ? I always seem to have glitter fall in it 😓

[@MarlaKris]

Couple things you can do! You can keep a separate jar of clear just for capping glitters or I like to use a scrubby brush to remove excess glitter dip - I find that gets the most off to avoid contamination ❤️

[@vanie-dx1gi]

@@MarlaKris thank you so much for your answer♥

[@HGF-le1lp]

I have a problem with my tips. I don't get lifting at the cutical. My thin nails separate from the dip at the tips. Do you have any solution? Haven't seen any videos about that issue. Maybe it's just me? I do cap in like you do but it still separates.

[@MarlaKris]

Can you tell me what your prep routine is like?

[@HGF-le1lp]

Tried multiple things. File, buff, pro bond and pH bond. Tried all of them and defenetly best best result with that. But has also tried to just use some of that.

[@claudia-B.]

I just getting rid of the dip flu. 🤧 NO FUN AT ALL 😫

[@garybethperlman4945]

FYI… you have the wrong link posted for the buffers

[@MarlaKris]

Ah shoot. Thanks love.

[@claudia-B.]

I love this technique because the top coat smells like crazy glue on steroids and that gets me DIP FLU🤧

[@teresewilson5090]

Why did you not use a scrub brush after each dip? You just dusted it off.

[@MarlaKris]

Totally personal preference. I happened to have my fluffy brush next to me, so that’s what I used

[@soniafernandez8148]

💅🏻🧏🏼‍♀️👍

[@latishaw1474]

Marla Marla. Good morning my favorite weirdo.

[@latishaw1474]

Marla Marla. Good morning my favorite weirdo.

[@MarlaKris]

Good morning beautiful!!! 🫶🏻❤️