One of my goals for 2023 is to save money, so I sat down and took a look at all of the things I spend my money on. The purpose of this activity was to figure out what was necessary, and what my luxury items are. It appeared that I was spending a little too much money on beauty appointments and things like trips to the nail salon. This left me wondering, how can I still look good, feel good about myself but also save money? Those appointments with my local nail girl were really adding up, so I decided to start looking into doing my own nails.

The problem with traditional nail polish, is that it simply doesn’t last very long. There are some brands that starting to chip or peel within a couple of days. That’s why I originally started going to the nail salon in the first place. I was getting my nails dipped, which was providing me with exceptional results for a couple of weeks, if not longer. I assumed there was no way that I would be able to get salon-like nails in the comfort of my own home, until a friend introduced me to an at-home nail dip kit.

Recently, I reviewed the Nailboo dip kit and decided to compare it to two other similar products.

In this article, I want to compare three popular nail kits. Nailboo, Revel and Azure all offer salon-grade products, at affordable price points. They sell all of the items that you need to take care of your nails on your own, and thorough instructions make it easy to learn what you’re doing. Not all DIY nail kits are created equally, so let’s break down these three top options to see what they bring to the table.

Are at-home Nail Dip Kits Better Than Going to the Salon?

I wasn’t overly confident that an at-home nail dip kit was going to be as effective as going to the professional nail salon that I have been attending for years now. However, I was quickly proven wrong. The nail dip kits that I tried out initially, actually made my nails feel stronger. I didn’t realize I was stuck in this cycle of getting my nails professionally done, because they didn’t look healthy without something applied to them. A kit like Nailboo, is designed to actually make your nails stronger and healthier over time.

Not to mention, you save a ton of money by doing your nails yourself. You don’t have to pay for the service, but you also don’t have to tip anybody. You don’t have to pay to commute to the salon.

Table Comparison of Nailboo Vs. Revel Vs. Azure

Overview of Nailboo Nail Dip Kit

The Nailboo brand created their nail dip products as a way to achieve at-home manicures with salon-grade results. Easy to use items save you money and time. All of the Nailboo products are vegan and cruelty free.

The process of applying Nailboo products includes a bit of a learning curve, but it’s not very difficult once you figure out what you’re doing. Some people have reviewed these products and claim that they were able to do their nails in as little as five minutes once they learned how. The Nailboo brand has developed their dip powder to strengthen your nails the more than you use it. So, your manicures are actually really good for your nails. This eliminates feeling bad about applying new colors frequently.

Instructions are provided with your Nailboo kit purchase, but you can also find very detailed instructions and videos on the brand’s website. There is a vast selection of colors available through Nailboo, including glittery hues, bright and bold colors.

Your Nailboo Dip Kit comes with all of the products that you need to achieve a manicure that will last as long as six weeks, depending on the wear and tear that your color will endure. You receive one color (you can upgrade your kit to include more if you want), a build powder dip, colored powder, four-way file brush and removal clips.

Pros

• Very thorough instructions make it easy to learn the Nailboo process
• Your kit includes everything that you need to get started
• Affordably priced
• You can purchase more colors to add to your kit later on
• Strengthens your nails over time

Cons

• You don’t receive the removal kit with your purchase unless you upgrade to include more colors. This would be a separate purchase, which would ultimately be necessary to remove your color eventually.

Cost and Where to Buy

The current cost of the Nailboo Dip Powder Kit is $68 for one shade of color, $98 (marked down from $130) for four shades, or you can purchase six different hues for the price of $140 (marked down from $190).

Overview of Revel Nail Dip Kit

The Revel brand has a Dip Powder Starter Kit that is really affordable compared to some of the competition. Their kit is also very comprehensive, including everything that you need for at-home manicures. There is a gel thinner that you receive, which helps keep your products in good condition. Revel also provides their removal kit as part of your purchase. Their kit will provide you with chip-free nails for about three to five weeks.

There are more than 200 different dip colors offered by Revel, in addition to all kinds of products and accessories that can be added to your collection. There are classic crème and natural shades, along with shimmers and bold colors. Their instructions are very clear, so you don’t have to have any experience to get started with their Nail Dip Kit. It doesn’t appear that their dip powder is designed to strengthen your nails like you experience with Nailboo, so you’ll want to be cautious when removing your color.

Pros

• You receive a lot of items as part of your initial investment. This includes the removal kit.
• Revel provides a chip-free finish for three to five weeks
• Affordably priced
• A large selection of colors is available
• This kit has a five-star rating on the Revel website

Cons

• I personally don’t love the color selections through Revel, but I tend to like more subtle and neutral shades.

Cost and Where to Buy

The Essential Dip Powder Starter Kit from Revel is currently priced at $45. This is really affordable when you think about everything that’s included. The other brands that don’t include their removal products will run you far higher than this amount. More information can be found on the Revel brand website.

Overview of Azure Nail Dip Kit

The Azure Nail Dip Kit comes with 17 different pieces, which is everything that you need in order to do your own nails from home. You get eight different nail colors, color powder, dip powder, base coat, activator, topcoat, nail brush, nail file, brush replacements and much more. The brand’s dip powder is designed to last three weeks or more, with no breaking, peeling or chipping. The end result is natural and healthy nails.

You don’t need any professional equipment like nail lamps, in order to achieve spa-grade results. The Azure Nail Dip Kit doesn’t harm your skin, and it’s a fast process to get gorgeous nails. The products have been fortified with calcium to keep your nails strong, even with the regular use of polish, dips and removal products.

Pros

• You can mix your own shades using the included products
• A 90-day money-back guarantee is included
• Doesn’t contain any preservatives or harmful substances
• Low-odor formula
• Will not yellow your nails
• Saves you time and money

Cons

• Doesn’t include any removal products

Cost and Where to Buy

You can find the Azure Nail Dip Kit on a number of online retailers, including Amazon. The current cost is $19.99 for a one-time purchase. This is one of the most affordable at-home nail dip kits that I’ve come across.

Comparing Nail Dip Kits

Upon comparing these three nail kits, I would have to say that I like Nailboo the best. While it might not be the most affordable, it’s definitely one of the more professional sets. I also like that their powder has been developed in a way that makes it beneficial for the health of your nails. The only downside to the Nailboo kit is that it doesn’t come with any removal products. However, you can either purchase their removal kit individually, or you can upgrade your starter kit to include four or six colors. This unlocks the free bonus of receiving the removal kit.

I like the Revel kit as well, as it includes a lot of items for the $45 that it costs. However, I feel like some of the items won’t get used. I’d like to see some different colors offered as well.

Azure’s at-home nail kit is an exceptional product if you just want to try doing your own nail dip process for the first time. If you’re not sure how it’s going to go, this is a really affordable way to try your hand at your own manicures.

Comparing Cost and Overall Value

The Azure Nail Dip Kit has the best value when you consider what you receive and what the kit costs. For under $20, you’re getting everything that you need to do your own nails. The only thing that’s missing is removal products, but you can find those elsewhere.

I like Revel’s Essential Dip Powder Starter Kit as well, as their cost of $45 includes everything you need. You even get the full removal kit for that price. If you factor in what you would spend on upgrading your Nailboo purchase or purchasing separate removal items with your Azure order, Revel might be the most affordable option to consider.

Main Differences between Azure, Revel and Nailboo

All three of these brands provide you with the products needed to do an at-home nail dip. You don’t have to invest in anything extra. The only thing that’s missing is the removal items from Nailboo and Azure, but that’s something that you may already have on hand if you’re used to getting your nails done and remove your color on your own from time to time.

Nailboo only gives you one color with their starter kit, but you do have the option to upgrade to four or six colors if you’re sure you’re going to like their set. Revel also offers one color to start with. Azure is the brand to go with if you want the freedom of choosing from a few different colors. You can even mix their products to create your own custom shades.

Which Nail Dip Kit Is Better: Revel, Nailboo or Azure?

I personally have tried these products, and I can say that they all bring something to the table. You definitely get more professional results from the Revel and Nailboo brands. The Azure kit is just fun to start out with if you’re new to nail dips.

If you’re someone that deals with brittle and weak nails, I would recommend that you invest in the Nailboo Nail Dip Kit. Their powder will keep your nails strong, and actually help them become stronger over time.

The Bottom Line

If you’re interested in saving money, opting to purchase an at-home nail dip kit is priceless. You save so much money by not heading to the nail salon. Even if you don’t get to keep your color on quite as long, it’s still worth the time and money spent to do everything yourself. I actually found it fun to learn this technique myself, and it’s something I’ve done on my friend’s nails as well.

I recommend checking out all three of these brands and their kits. The Nailboo Nail Dip Kit, the Revel Essential Dip Powder Starter Kit and Azure Beauty’s Dip Powder Nail Kit Starter Pack are all great places to start with your DIY manicure collection.