How to Create Smiley Face Nails with Dip Powder

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🙂 Dip into this adorable smiley face tutorial for nail’s that’ll have you grinning ear to ear. Cute smiley faces tumble across your nails in pretty pastels. Best of all, you can create this impressive dip design yourself! 😉
PRO TIP: Make sure you thoroughly prep nails to ensure adhesion & long-lasting wear! Push back cuticles, create a rough texture on the nail plate by filing, and sanitize thoroughly.
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Step 1
  • Apply a thin coat of Step 1 Bond and allow it to dry completely.
Step 2
  • Apply a thin coat of Step 2 Base to the entire nail, & 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
  • Apply another coat of Step 2 Base to the entire nail. Immediately dip fingernail into color powder of choice. Here we are using NA21.
Step 4
  • Tap finger to remove loose powder, & use a pointed tool to clean the cuticle edges. Sweep off excess powder using a fluffy brush. Repeat for more coverage.

PRO TIP: Brushes may harden or pick up color powder during application. Simply switch them between Brush Softener for easy cleaning & workability.

Step 5
  • Apply Step 3 Activator. Allow a few minutes for powder to harden.
  • Use a foam buffer to smooth out the surface of the nail.
Step 6
  • Apply a few drops of Step 4 Sealer onto a small piece of foil.
Step 7
  • Use a toothpick to apply Step 4 Sealer in the shape of a full circle onto the nail. Then use a small scoop to pour color powder over the circle. Here we are using PA11.
  • Tap finger to remove loose powder, & use a fluffy brush to sweep off excess powder.
  • Allow powder to harden a bit, then use a foam buffer to lightly smooth out the circle.
Step 8
  • Create the smiley face features using the toothpick & Step 4 Sealer. Then use a small scoop to pour color powder over the nail. Here we are using CL64.
Step 9
  • Allow the powder to harden a bit, then lightly smooth out the smiley face with a foam buffer.
Step 10
  • Apply a thin coat of Step 2 Base to the entire nail, & immediately dip fingernail into Base & Finish powder.
Step 11
  • Apply Step 3 Activator. Allow 3-5 minutes for dip blend to harden.
  • File and buff nails to achieve desired nail shape & smoothness.

PRO TIP: If you live in a humid climate, you may need to increase your dry time.

Step 12
  • Wash hands or use a lint-free wipe saturated in alcohol to wipe the nails clean from debris. Allow nails to dry completely.

PRO TIP: Make sure nails are completely dry before moving to the next step!

Step 13
  • Apply a coat of Step 4 Sealer to the entire nail and allow it to dry for 1-2 minutes.
Step 14
  • Apply a second coat of Step 3 Activator to the entire nail. Allow it to dry for 5 full minutes.

PRO TIP: If you live in a humid climate, you may need to increase your dry time.

Step 15
  • Use a lint-free wipe to remove excess activator from the nail surface.

PRO TIP: Make sure nails are completely dry before moving to the next step!

Step 16
  • Apply a coat of Step 4 Sealer in thin, quick strokes. Allow 2-3 minutes for nails to dry.
Step 17
  • 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.

Step 18
  • We love this colorful smiley face mani! It'll have you grinning ear to ear.

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