Friends, full confession mode here. I bite my nails. I know, I know, the horror. For years, I've tried to stop this bad habit. From icky nail polishes that are supposed to taste bad, to finding ways to defer fingers from making their way into my mouth, but very little has helped.
Then, enters the world of nail art. I've never been one to spend money in order to get my "nails done." For fancy occasions, like prom, I remember having my nails done at a salon. I've bought press- on nails and those strips from some of our direct sales companies. Yet, nothing really stuck as I either didn't have the money to spend on professional services or I picked at the stick on until they broke off anyway.
When I heard about Virgo & Gem's dip powder starter kit, I was both intrigued and skeptical. Intrigued because I thought "oh, maybe this is a way to really stop biting my nails", but also skeptical because "I don't think it will last as I've never been good at this stuff."
Virgo & Gem offers various dip based powders and sets for the nail- art lover! Colorful dip powders, tips, and tools make Virgo & Gem one of the best brands to grab our nail needs!
Well, after a couple of rounds of using the dip kit's inclusions, I can say that not only does the work look better with practice, my actual real nails really do grow!
For those out in the crowd who love doing their nails, this would be a perfect holiday gift for you or your loved one!
Dip powder is generally more durable, causing fewer chips and helps to prevent long-term breakage. When it's layered, it is strong and thick. This made it perfect for covering my physical nails so that they could grow out stronger and longer!
Well, after a couple of rounds of using the dip kit's inclusions, I can say that not only does the work look better with practice, my actual real nails really do grow!
For those out in the crowd who love doing their nails, this would be a perfect holiday gift for you or your loved one!
Dip powder is generally more durable, causing fewer chips and helps to prevent long-term breakage. When it's layered, it is strong and thick. This made it perfect for covering my physical nails so that they could grow out stronger and longer!
I would say that the dip powder lasted around 2 weeks before it started to lift. I think if your nails are longer, and not short like mine, you might have better success too. It also depends on how much attention you are paying to the process, or how fast you are flying through your dips. Dipping takes time and needs to dry between layers, so that it sets up firmly and properly against our nails!
The Virgo & Gem Dip Powder Starter kit has a few versions, so check out the selections!
The complete dip powder kit includes:
The Virgo & Gem Dip Powder Starter kit has a few versions, so check out the selections!
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The Complete Dip Powder kit is $69.99 with 2 colors. |
The complete dip powder kit includes:
- pH Bond
- Base Coat
- Activator
- Top Coat
- Nail File
- Cuticle Pusher
- 2, 4, or 6 colors, depending on your choices
I was sent over a kit with 2 colors: Sangria and Mother of Pearl. Sangria is a deep dark red, almost purple, and Mother of Pearl is basically glitter. Mixed together, these two colors were amazing! Either could be used alone, or with other colors. Whatever your hearts desire prefers!


The kit contains complete instructions and points towards a couple of tutorial videos, if you are new to the dip powder life, like I am. Trial and error might happen, but that's okay. You will just get better as time goes along!
The one suggestion I have is to have some sort of manicure stick to prevent the powder from overfilling onto your cuticles, especially if you haven't taken care of your hands that well. Cuticle oil would also be helpful, too. Neither of these things I had, and I really wish I did, as it has been a while since my nails were cared about.
I really found it rather easy, once I watched the tutorial.
When preparing to create your nails, be sure to use a surface that you don't mind product being on, as it can get messy. While you can use the container, you could also get a small shallow bowl too.
Also, this process takes time, so make sure you aren't rushed or your creatures/ kids don't want attention!.
The one suggestion I have is to have some sort of manicure stick to prevent the powder from overfilling onto your cuticles, especially if you haven't taken care of your hands that well. Cuticle oil would also be helpful, too. Neither of these things I had, and I really wish I did, as it has been a while since my nails were cared about.
I really found it rather easy, once I watched the tutorial.
When preparing to create your nails, be sure to use a surface that you don't mind product being on, as it can get messy. While you can use the container, you could also get a small shallow bowl too.
Also, this process takes time, so make sure you aren't rushed or your creatures/ kids don't want attention!.
- Steps to create beautiful nails:
- After cleaning your nails and cuticles up, use the pH bond for cleansingApply a base coat to 3/4 of your nail, dip into powder and quickly tap off excess as it dries quickly.
- Repeat this process several times (the recommended is 4), but on apply to your entire nail, leaving only a small space from your cuticle.
- If you decide on a glittery type color, it pretty much works the same, but you would apply a clear dip powder at the end, rather than another color.
- In between each layer, brush off excess dip from your cuticles and skin with a makeup brush that you don't mind dedicating to nail art.
- Apply 2 coats of activator and let dry.File and buff your nails until they are smooth.Apply a third coat of activator, let dry, then after about 2 minutes, remove any excess with a paper towel.
- Apply a top coat layer, let dry, then apply a final top coat layer.
- Repeat on the other side, then admire your beautiful hands!
Thoughts from me:
This is my personal preference, but I went through each finger individually, doing all the layers at once. It helped me keep track of how many layers I was on, and I didn't feel rushed as if I was trying to do all 5 fingers once, then add a layer to all 5, etc.
I am a righty, so it was harder to file and buff my right hand. I don't have any good tricks for that, but if you do, let's hear them below!
Different amounts of dip layers makes the colors look different. The more dip layers, the darker the colors looked to me.
Be sure to have everything you need before beginning because there's nothing worse than standing up with 3 fingers of dip done because you need something!
I am a righty, so it was harder to file and buff my right hand. I don't have any good tricks for that, but if you do, let's hear them below!
Different amounts of dip layers makes the colors look different. The more dip layers, the darker the colors looked to me.
Be sure to have everything you need before beginning because there's nothing worse than standing up with 3 fingers of dip done because you need something!
This holiday season:
Some other Virgo & Gem products you might enjoy accentuating your holiday outfits include:
- Frosted Pine (a glittery dark green)
- Coquito (light beige with yellow undertones)
- Five Golden Rings (light gold glitter)
- Auburn (copper red with shimmer)
- Candy Apple (dark red with fine glitter)
These colors can be purchased separately and in either .25oz or .5 oz sizes
This product is available for preorder and will ship November 15.
It comes with 12 exclusive dip powders in .25 oz sizes. The shades are all sorts of festive colors but can be worn after the holiday season too!
Retail is $108, so be sure to grab it soon!
Other accessories and colors are available for purchase too. Some of my favorites are the:
Virgo & Gem's complete nail dip kit would be perfect to dress up your holiday outfit! With the colorful Advent and Christmas colors coming out, you can dress to impress and have nails to match for any holiday party this season!
This also makes a great gift for the nail-art lover in your life! I highly recommend checking out Virgo & Gem and can't wait to get a few colors myself!
Want it? Get it!
Find the Virgo & Gem complete dip powder starter kit to kickstart your holiday season!
Proudly featured in our 2025 Holiday Gift Guide
Thanks to Virgo & Gem for sending over these great nail colors and the dip set! We have loved featuring you in the Holiday Gift Guide this year!
What dip colors would you get in your kit?
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