The Dipwell Review: Everything You Need To Know Before You Dip

Overview of Dipwell

Dipwell burst onto the at-home dip powder scene in 2017 with the goal of bringing affordable, salon-quality manicures to the masses.

Founded by nail industry veterans with over 30 years of experience, the California-based brand has quickly made a name for itself with its extensive range of vegan, cruelty-free dip powders and user-friendly application process.

But does Dipwell deliver on its promises of gorgeous, Insta-worthy nails for a fraction of salon prices? This comprehensive review will analyze if its products live up to the hype.

Dipwell Claims

Before diving into the nitty gritty, here are the key claims Dipwell makes about its dip powders:

Professional Quality: Dipwell powders produce polished, long-lasting manicures comparable to the salon.

Easy To Apply: With the right liquids and tools, Dipwell is simple enough for at-home use.

Affordable: At only $3 per manicure, Dipwell saves users upwards of 90% compared to the salon.

Non-Toxic & Cruelty-Free: Dipwell powders are free of harsh chemicals and never tested on animals.

We‘ll see how the products actually stack up to these promises throughout the review.

Product Range

The Dipwell lineup includes:

• Over 200 dip powder shades spanning every color under the sun. All powders offer full coverage in one coat.

• Core dip liquids – base coat, activator, sealer etc. – designed to pair perfectly with Dipwell powders.

• Tools & accessories – buffers, files, cuticle pushers – everything needed for application.

• Complete dip kits that bundle liquids, tools and powders focused on specific color stories or nail looks.

With seemingly endless color options and inclusive kits catering to different nail art styles, Dipwell aims to be a one-stop-shop for all things dip.

Dipwell kits: A Review of the Bestsellers

Dipwell‘s pre-made kits bundle everything needed for dipping based on color themes and nail looks. Here‘s a critical look at some of their most popular sets.

Dipwell Dip Kit – Classic Collection

The Promise

This kit combines Dipwell‘s top-selling red and black powders for bold, Halloween-worthy looks.

The Reality

With user-friendly instructions and a quality red that applies even and opaque, this kit makes classic monochrome manicures accessible for beginners.

However, the black dip powder is notoriously streaky and thin, requiring 4-5 coats for an even application. This impacts overall value, as 1 tub will only yield 5-6 manicures.

The Verdict

A decent kit for red lip-inspired nails, but the black powder falls disappointingly short. We‘d recommend buying True Red on its own and seeking out a richer black dip elsewhere.

⭐⭐⭐3/5

Dipwell Dip Kit – French Naturale

The Promise

A starter set promising easy, elegant French manicures with sheer pink and white powders made for nail beds and tips.

The Reality

Both dips in this kit apply smoothly and evenly in just 2 coats. The white powder provides gorgeous pop and contrast against the hint-of-pink base.

However, users note the white applicator brush is flimsy and prone to bending during application.

The Verdict

Delivers on natural-looking, at-home French manis that only require minor shaping/filing for a pro-level finish. Could benefit from a more durable applicator brush.

⭐⭐⭐⭐4/5

Dipwell Neon Kit

The Promise

Vibrant neon powders that capture summer in a bottle.

The Reality

These powders pack a brightly-hued punch in formulas that apply evenly and retain their richness for the entire 2 week wear. However, they are very sheer on the first coat, requiring 4-5 dips to reach full opacity. This impacts cost value per manicure over time.

Additionally, neon dips show every imperfection in application. They cling to cuticles and skin if not applied perfectly, making them unforgiving for nail dip newbies.

The Verdict

Vibrant shades that pop against summer tans, but better suited to those with dip experience. Sheerness impacts cost value. Go slowly and carefully during application for best results.

⭐⭐⭐ 3/5

Dipwell Powders: Quality & Weartime Reviewed

Moving beyond full kits, how do Dipwell‘s individual dip powders hold up? Here‘s what users love — and don‘t — about some of their top shades.

Bestsellers

Pure White Dip

Dipwell‘s classic white powder applies smoothly and evenly in just 2 coats. It hardens into a lacquer-like finish that resists yellowing and lasts over 2 weeks without chipping. At $10 for 1 oz., it offers better value than competitors that require 3+ coats.

Blush Pink Dip

This warm, rosy nude completes manicures with a barely-there wash of color. Ultra fine milling helps it apply evenly with zero streaks. The shade is flattering on most skin tones and perfect for French tip accents.

Jet Black Dip

We have to agree this thin formula is sadly prone to streaking and requires multiple coats to reach opacity. However, when layered carefully it dries into an ultra glossy finish. At just $10 an ounce, users say it‘s still a better value than thicker competitors.

Shimmers & Glitters

Fans gush these finely milled glitter powders apply and wear beautifully:

• Gold Glitter Dip
• Rose Gold Shimmer Dip
• Champagne Glam Dip

However, chunkier glitters like Mermaid Sparkle Dip and Unicorn Dream Dip tend to apply unevenly and feel thick and gritty on nails.

Neons & Brights

• Magenta Crush Dip
• Electric Paradise Dip
• Highlighter Yellow Dip

Beyond requiring extra coats, these brights win praise for smooth application and two week wear without fading. Their eye-catching hues photograph extremely well for social media.

Does Dipwell Save Money vs. The Salon?

Let‘s break down whether Dipwell delivers on its promise of professional quality manicures for $3 or less per set.

Dipwell‘s Claim

• Salon dip powder manicures cost $40 on average and need refilled every 2-3 weeks. This equates to $500+ per year.
• By comparison, Dipwell costs $3 or less per manicure in at-home use and dips last 2+ weeks without refills.
• Therefore, Dipwell saves users upwards of 90% compared to salon dip nails.

This claim is based on ideal scenarios for both cases. But does it actually pan out?

Putting It To The Test

The average Dipwell manicure uses 2 containers of dip powder. With each 1 oz tub yielding ~30 applications, a set costs:

• Dip Powder: $20 ($10 x 2 tubs)
• Liquids: $0.60
• Tools: $.50

$21.10 total / 30 uses per tub set = $0.70 per manicure

If a Dipwell manicure lasts the full 2 weeks claimed, you could complete 26 sets in a year.

26 sets x $0.70 per manicure = $18.20 per year

So in a best case scenario, yes, Dipwell would save upwards of 96% per year compared to salon dip.

However, this requires each manicure to achieve the full 2 week average wear time. Factors like nail oiliness and activity level often shorten wear.

Many users report Dipwell manicures lasting 10-14 days on average.

If we calculate cost per year at a 12 day average wear time, the annual cost increases to $28.80 per year.

While this still represents over 90% savings compared to the salon, it demonstrates savings can vary greatly depending on your nails and wear time.

The Verdict

For most users, Dipwell provides significant savings over salon dip powder manicures. However, savings percentages can fluctuate and require maintaining nails/applications carefully to maximize wear time.

Application & Ease of Use

DIY manicures often stumble when it comes to recreating the salon experience at home. Does Dipwell‘s application system make the process smooth sailing?

What‘s Involved

Dipwell manicures involve 11 steps:

1. Prep nails
2. Apply base coat
3. Dip powder
4. Activate with solution
5. Shape and file
6. Apply activator
7. Buff
8. Cleanse nails
9. Apply activator
10. Apply sealer
11. Apply sealer

On first glance this seems tedious. But users report once you get the motions down, full sets take 30 minutes or less.

Tips & Advice

Follow these pro tips shared by experienced Dipwell users:

• Work on clean, dry nails to maximize adherence
• Avoid flooding the cuticles with product
• Work quickly during critical activation windows
• File and shape while powders are still setting for smoother finish
• Thin, even coats prevent overload and increase wear time

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Striping

• Ensure you fully cover the nail on every dip rather than just the center
• Apply thinner coats
• File thoroughly once set

Lifting

• Too few base coat layers can cause lifting at the tips as nails grow out
• Ensure you wrap tips with every layer

Bubbles

• Improper mixing ratios with liquids can cause bubbles
• Stick to recommended liquid ratios

White Spots

• Not fully curing between layers leads to white chalky spots
• Ensure you fully activate between dips!

The Verdict

It takes 1-2 full sets to become comfortable with Dipwell application. Once mastered, the liquids and powders are very easy to control. Thinning coats while wrapping nail tips prevents many issues users struggle with.

While the process involves steps, it‘s quicker than traditional acrylics or gel polish. Overall, Dipwell absolutely delivers on its promise of simplified salon dip nails.

Dipwell vs. Competitors

How do Dipwell‘s products, performance and pricing stack up to competitors Revel and Triple Vitamin?

	Dipwell	Revel	Triple Vitamin
Dip Powder Range	200+	100+	80+
Liquids	Decent quality	Salons-grade	Watery, prone to bubbles
Tools	Solid variety	Limited	Very limited
Application	Smooth, easy learning curve for beginners	Steep learning curve	Moderately difficult
Wear Time	10-14 days average	14-21 days	7-10 days
Price Per Set	Under $1	$2-$3	$1.50-$2

What Reviewers Are Saying

Positive Feedback

Verified buyers across the web praise Dipwell for:

• Gorgeous color selection: Over 200 rich, buildable shades that rival pricier salon brands

• "Shockingly affordable": Huge savings over dip powders from competitors and nail salons

• Simplified process: Easy to work with liquids and powders compared to acrylics or builder gels

• Great starter option: User-friendly for at-home dip newbies

Critical Feedback

The most common complaints include:

• Sheer/streaky black & dark colors: Requiring extra coats impacts value

• Slow shipping times: 10+ days processing before orders ship

• Spotty customer service: Slow response times and canned replies

So while most users seem very satisfied with Dipwell‘s expansive shade range and less intimidating application, there are some areas for improvement – especially around order fulfillment and support.

Pros & Cons

Dipwell Pros

Affordable: At under $1 per manicure on average

Extensive shade range: Over 200 colors with excellent depth and buildability

Simplified process: Achieve salon-quality results with easier application than builder gels or acrylics

Vegan & cruelty-free: Ethically produced powders and liquids

Generous return policy: Unopened products can be returned within 30 days

Dipwell Cons

Sheer/streaky black & dark colors: Impact cost efficiency, require extra coats

Limited global shipping: Currently USA only

Lengthy order processing: 10+ days to fulfill orders

Spotty customer service: Slow response times

Is Dipwell Worth It? Who Should Buy?

At the end of the day, is Dipwell worth investing in for your at-home manicure needs?

If you want stunning nails for less than $1 per manicure and don‘t mind a small learning curve, Dipwellabsolutely delivers.

With over 200 colors at the ready, simplified application steps and serious savings over the salon, it makes dip powder accessible and fun for both beginners and experts.

However, if you require seamless customer service or want next level performance from pure black and dark polishes, Dipwell has some catching up to do.

Overall though, Dipwell represents a budget friendly entry point into professional quality dip nails that will thrill beauty lovers.

Where To Buy Dipwell: Current Promotions

Dipwell can be purchased on their website www.dipwell.com with exclusive deals including:

• Limited edition gold flakes gift with $50+ purchases
• Rewards program: Earn points towards future discounts
• 10% off signup: for email newsletters

Select starter kits are also available on Amazon.

And those are all the key details in this comprehensive review of Dipwell dip powders! Hopefully the critical look at quality, performance and value helps you determine if these budget-friendly dipping powders are right for your nails needs and expectations.

FAQs

Where are Dipwell products made?

Orange County, California

Do Dipwell products have expiration dates?

Yes – Dipwell recommends using powders and liquids within 24 months of purchase for best results.

Is Dipwell cruelty free?

100%. No Dipwell products are tested on animals.

Does Dipwell accept opened returns?

To maintain sanitary standards, Dipwell can only accept unopened returns within 30 days of purchase.

Does Dipwell ship internationally?

Not at this time – Dipwell is currently USA shipping only.