Cuccio Pro brings a new offering into their nail enhancements range with Cuccio Powder Polish. A “dip” system, powder polish uses a multi-step layering process to create an enhancement over natural nails or by adding length with a tip. WE DIPPED INTO CUCCIO’S NEW POWDER POLISH
This was our first go-around with a dip or pour system, so we were really excited to try this out on a willing guinea pig. Working in our nail lab, we usually create enhancements with gel, since it is odorless, and unlikely to create many complaints with the neighbors. We were jazzed about another way to overlay a nail to create strength with a low-odor system.
The Cuccio Pro Starter Kit for the powder polish system includes six bottles for Steps 1-7, five powder polishes, three powder dipping tubs, and three tub covers. The included photo instructions are easy to follow, and there are alternate instructions included for different scenarios, like French application and dipping over a tip.
We first ensured that our dry manicure was thorough and the nail plate was clean. We applied Step 1, which is a nail dehydrator, and began our application of the base gel. This is the most important step to ensure a clean application around the cuticle. Thankfully, our client had ideal nails for this experiment, with wide nail beds and very even eponychiums. If your client isn’t as lucky, make sure your edges are very clean and defined when you apply the base and the layering gels. Coloring outside the lines isn’t an option with this system.
After two layers of gel and powder, the nail still looked thin, and there wasn’t the color payoff we wanted. However, the third layer of gel and powder suddenly became very bulky looking. We decided at this point, that the nail was the desired thickness, so we applied the activator (Step 5.) Well actually, we spilled the activator all over our station, and THEN we applied it. It is a very thin liquid that has some powerful fumes, if you tend to work with your face very near your client’s hands, be advised. The purpose of the activator is to harden the layers and form the final enhancement.
In order to deal with the aforementioned bulkiness, we used an e-file to shape the enhancement, which didn’t work very well. Our safety bit kept skipping off of the surface of the nail, leaving gouges and dips. We quickly switched to hand filing, which added even more time to the service. We’d recommend a sanding or filing band to finish file this system, if using an e-file.
After filing, we went right into color application, as our client decided she wanted a bolder color than the soft pink powder we used. Application of Artistic Colour gel over this system was easy and relatively painless. Our finished product was even, easy to achieve, and our client loved the results.
We would recommend practicing with this system to get the process down before taking it directly to clients, if you aren’t familiar with dip systems. However, if you’re a dipping pro, the system is easy to use and would likely be quick to apply. The bottles are clearly labelled and the powders are very fine and have great color payoff after the first layer.
Do you use a dip or pour system? Do you always apply color in the system, or add color after? What is your preferred method of an overlay enhancement? Let us know in the comments below.
WE DIPPED INTO CUCCIO’S NEW POWDER POLISH