Dazzle Dry At-Home Manicure Tutorial

At Home Manicure Dazzle Dry

Silva Nahabedian, Director of Education

Dazzle Dry is a performance-based polish system in a standalone category because the chemical composition is completely unique to us. All the components are scientifically engineered to function as a system. Do not separate the components or use other products when applying Dazzle Dry because all the components are designed to synergistically work together.

Let's get started

I'll walk you through the easy steps. Make sure you have everything ready to go ahead of time. Lay out all the items you see listed here prior to starting.

• Dazzle Dry Lemongrass Remove or Non-Acetone Spearmint Eucalyptus
• Remove
• Towels
• Cotton
• Lint-free wipes
• Nail File
• Buffer
• Nail brush
• Orangewood stick
• Detail brush
• Paper towel
• Pure acetone
• Mug/bowl for hot water to warm Base Coat
• The Dazzle Dry System (Nail Prep, Base Coat, Polish, Top Coat and Revive)

So how do you remove Dazzle Dry? Super simple. It comes off with regular polish remover. No soaking, no scraping, no filing needed. We offer 2 wonderful polish removers, an acetone and non-acetone and they both have essential oils, so they smell so really pleasant.

[image of DD Remove in Lemongrass Acetone and Spearmint Non-Acetone]

I already filed and shaped my nails and I also gave them a gentle buff. Before we dive into our application, I'm gonna start by scrubbing my nails with soap and water. Let me explain why. Polish will not adhere if there is dirt, oil, or lotion present on the nails so I’m using a clean nail brush to scrub each nail really well. Rinse your fingertips in water to remove the suds, pat your hands dry and then proceed with Dazzle Dry Nail Prep. All the steps in the Dazzle Dry System are numbered to take the guesswork out of how to use it.

[Showcase the system with the numbers 1-4, +Revive]

Step 1 Nail Prep

Step number one in the system is Nail Prep. This step is designed to cleanse, sanitize, and moisturize the nails. I'm saturating my lint free wipes really well. One per hand and we've gonna scrub. As you move on to the next nail, watch closely to what I am about to do…rotate your pad to find a clean spot to ensure that you are just not pushing around dirt, oil or lotion. Now that you have prepared your canvas, do not touch your nails to avoid transfer of oils from your fingertips onto the nails as this can cause premature chipping.

Step 2 Base Coat

Step number two in the system is Base Coat. This technology is unique to us and is one of the reasons why your manicure will last so long. It allows the manicure to flex, expand and contract with the natural nail. Do you see how this bottle of Base Coat is cloudy? The Base Coat MUST be clear like water prior to application. To achieve this we're gonna, close the cap tight and stand it in one inch of hot water until it is completely clear. Do not run the bottle under a faucet or submerge it under water. If water gets inside your Base Coat, it will be contaminated and it must be discarded.

[Silvia holding the manicure zoomed in]

This is what it looks like completely clear like water and we’re going to apply it by dipping the brush in the bottle for each nail. Swipe one side of your brush on the inner neck of the bottle, allow the excess product to flow back into the bottle. You will notice that it is very thin and almost watery. Don’t apply it too heavy so you don’t flood the skin with Base Coat. Coming in contact with skin can cause lifting and chipping, but if you get Base Coat on the skin, don’t worry. Clean it up right away with a detail brush or orangewood stick dipped in pure acetone. And here’s what it looks like

[Silvia holding the brush focused]

Encapsulate each nail by running the tip of the brush along the tip of your nail. If your nails are short like mine, you can skip the encapsulation. It is so important to allow each layer to dry matte prior to applying the next layer. It doesn't dry to a chalky matte finish but rather it no longer looks wet like water. It can get “gummy” if the second layer is applied while the first one is still wet. All the layers dry very quickly. Repeat the second layer of Base Coat. Notice that the second layer of Base is not quite as matte as the first layer. Don’t let the slight sheen throw you off. Don’t touch your nails to check to see if it is dry as this can transfer oils from your fingertips and cause premature chipping.

Step 3 Lacquer

Let's move on to our beautiful polishes, step number three in the system. Because Dazzle Dry polishes dries so quickly, there is a trick to applying them to avoid streaking or disrupting the previous layer. The key is more polish on your brush, minimal pressure on your brush and work mostly with the tip of your brush for the best results. You're gonna notice that I don’t press hard and fan out the bristles.

You wanta go easy on the first layer and a little more generous on the second layer. After shaking the polish to resuspend the pigment, dip the brush in the bottle for each nail and swipe one side of the brush on the inner neck of the bottle and allow excess product to just flow back into the bottle. Now you see how the belly of the brush is loaded with polish on one side? That is what you are looking for. Now, we are going to apply the first layer of polish using about a medium consistency.

[Focuses on Silvia’s hand applying the polish]

When I set the brush down, I don’t butt the brush up to the cuticle. I keep a small margin between the brush and the cuticle and push the brush towards your cuticle to form your guideline. Then I run the brush down both sides of the nail and finally smooth out any imperfections until I get the desired coverage. You want to apply enough product so that it is not too streaky, but it is not quite full coverage just yet (that comes with the second layer). Remember, the key when applying your Dazzle Dry manicure is to allow each layer to dry matte prior to applying the next layer. I cannot emphasize this enough. Typically, by the time you are finished with the second hand, the first hand has already dried matte. Let it air dry, don’t touch it, don’t use a fan, don’t blow on your nails or flap your hands. We are not trying to take flight here. All of these common practices can impact adhesion.

The second layer may be applied generously. Be mindful of not applying TOO heavily so that the polish doesn’t roll to one side or pool. Now, we will let this layer dry matte prior to applying Top Coat to finish our manicure. You see how easy this is? I have all the confidence in you that you can do this. Also keep in mind that you should avoid contact with skin to prevent lifting and chipping. However, don’t worry if you do get it on the skin, (I am a pro and I still get it on the skin). Simply clean it up as you go with a detail brush or orangewood stick dipped in pure acetone to perfect your application.

Step 4 Top Coat

Step number four in our system is our Top Coat. Dazzle Dry Top Coat is high-gloss, non-yellowing, quick-drying, long-wearing and self-leveling. If there are any minor imperfections in the polish application, the Top Coat will self-level and smooth it all out.. Remember to NEVER ever warm the Top Coat, the Base Coat should be warm to de-cloud it but never the Top Coat Once your second layer of polish has dried matte, you’re going to apply a generous layer of Top Coat. Use the tip of the brush to glide over and burst any air bubbles that may have formed while it is still wet and it also helps to have really good overhead lighting to ensure you can see well.

Now that we have applied Top Coat, That. Is. It. That is your Dazzle Dry application process. You see how easy that was? No drying drops, no sprays, no lights, no driers. NOTHING. Wait 5 minutes your polish is completely dry = To prevent dulling of your Top Coat, avoid coming in contact with alcohol-based products. If your manicure does dull, you can simply touch it up with one layer of Base Coat, followed by one layer of Top Coat. This will refresh your shine and extend the life of your manicure. Now that it’s been five minutes this is the moment of truth

[Silvia tapping the nails]

Can you guys hear that? I mean how impressive is that I’m literally stabbing this and there’s nothing. It looks perfect, isn’t this impressive? You don’t have to wait 24 hours like you do with traditional polish for all the layers to dry and fuse together. Five minutes is all it takes and you’re completely, completely dry. Whatever it is you need to do it gives you your life back and you’re not gonna smudge your nails, that’s the beauty of Dazzle Dry.

[+ Revive]

Let’s talk about a vital component of the System called Revive. I like to tell people; you cannot have a Polish System that air dries in five minutes and not expect it to get thick. Dazzle Dry Polish and Top Coat WILL get thick, period. Revive is your best friend and a vital component of the System. It is not a typical thinner, do not fear it. Adding Revive will NOT change the color or impact the efficacy of the products like other thinners do. With routine use of Revive (as needed in your Polish and Top Coat), you will be able to use the products to the last drop and maximize your investment.

(So, Silva, how often do I add Revive? Let me explain. YOU be the judge of when to add Revive.) Once the polish is thick, no longer is fluid or smooth, that is your indication that it is time to add Revive. When your Top Coat gets thick or forms air bubbles, these are your indications that you need to add Revive. There is no limit to the number of times you will need to add Revive to the Polishes or Top Coat. The Base Coat will NEVER need Revive. In fact, if you accidentally add Revive to the base coat, it must be discarded. Let me show you how to add Revive to your Polish. Fill the dropper, you’re gonna add about six to eight drops at a time, shake well. Think of it like cooking with salt, start with less and you can always add more if needed until that desired viscosity is achieved. And this is the fluid drip you are looking for.

[close up of bottle, pull cap off and see well formed drops of polish]

See that’s what you want it to look like when you add Revive. Same with the Top Coat, you’re going to start with six to eight drops of Revive at a time.. Instead of shaking the Top Coat your going to roll it in one direction to avoid air bubbles.

[Silvia holds the polish and roll it on the counter]

So remember, you shake your polish and roll your Top Coat after adding Revive. This was so much fun, thank you for watching and becoming a Dazzle Dry expert. We appreciate each and every one of you. For more in-depth tips, tricks and best practices or to find a Dazzle Dry certified salon near you, please visit our blogs and FAQs at dazzledry.com. Bye, Everyone.

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Step 1 Nail Prep

All the steps in the Dazzle Dry System are numbered to take the guesswork out of how to use it.

[Showcase the system with the numbers 1-4, +Revive]

Step number one in the system is Nail Prep. This is the most important step—DO NOT SKIP IT because it will make your polish last longer. This step is designed to cleanse, sanitize, and moisturize the nails.

One of the coolest things about our Nail Prep is that it is infused with Pro Vitamin B5, Calcium, and Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein. Nail Prep acts as a nail strengthener that fortifies the nails with nutrients that can promote good nail health. Most people are gonna notice a difference in the strength of their nails only after one use.

There is a strategic way we recommend you use step number one. Use one lint-free pad per hand. Why, you ask? This little tip will ensure optimum cleanliness of the nail plate prior to polish application so that you are not transferring contaminants from one hand to the other.

By the way, the reason why we suggest lint-free wipes is to avoid those annoying little fibers that get into your polish. If you don’t have any, don’t worry, just use cotton rounds and dust off any lint that may get on your nails. Let’s get started with our application, and I will show you exactly how to scrub your nails. This is SUPER important so watch carefully.

[Silva stacks two lint-free pads on top of the Remove – Acetone Lacquer Remover, and pumps multiple times]

Saturating my lint-free wipes really well. One per hand, and we’re gonna scrub. Watch this gangster move

[Silva rotates the lint-free wipe by 90 degrees, as she moves from the first nail to the second.]

Rotate your pad to find a clean spot to ensure that you are just not pushing around dirt, oil, or lotion.

Now that you have prepared your canvas, do not touch your nails to avoid the transfer of oils from your fingertips onto the nails because this can cause premature chipping. Pro Tip: Never use acetone, polish remover, or alcohol to cleanse your nail as this can OVER dehydrate the nails and can cause chipping.

Step 2 Base Coat

Step number two in the System is the Base Coat. Dr. Valenty formulated this unique Base Coat using a flexible rubbery polymer to give your manicure longevity. It allows the manicure to flex, expand, and contract with the natural nail.

Let me explain how this works. Our nails are porous just like our hair and our skin. So, when we wash our hands, wash dishes, take a shower, etc., our nails absorb water, and they expand. When they dry, they contract. This motion occurs all-day-long with our nails. With all this expansion and contraction taking place, this is why traditional polishes crack and chip. This technology is unique to us and is one of the reasons why your manicure will last so long.

Do you see how this bottle of Base Coat is cloudy? Let me break down why this happens. When the temperature drops below 70 degrees, it can cause the Base Coat to solidify into a jelly-like substance. This is not a defect. The Base Coat MUST be clear like water prior to application. I repeat, it MUST be clear like water.

[Silvia places a bowl of water on the table]

To achieve this, here is what we're gonna do. We're gonna close the cap tight and stand it in one inch of hot water until it is completely clear. Do not run the bottle under a faucet or submerge it under water. If water gets inside your Base Coat, it will become contaminated and it must be discarded.

Side bar…please DO NOT ever microwave your Base Coat. Now that it is de-clouded, this is what it looks like, completely clear like water.

[Silvia holding the manicure]

And we’re going to apply it by dipping the brush in the bottle for each nail and swipe one side of your brush on the inner neck of the bottle, allow the excess product to flow back into the bottle. You will notice that it is very thin and almost watery. Don’t apply it too heavy so you don’t flood the skin with Base Coat.

Coming in contact with skin can cause lifting and chipping. If you get Base Coat on the skin, don’t worry. Clean it up right away with a detail brush or orangewood stick dipped in pure acetone, and here is what it looks like. Here’s what we call a cleanup brush.

[Silvia holds a short bristle 2 mm wide brush]

You could use an orange wood stick and also if you have like an angled eyeliner brush at home, you can use this too.

[Silvia holding the eyeliner brush]

If you have a long enough free edge (this is the white part of your nail that extends beyond the tip), encapsulate each nail by running the tip of the brush along the tip of your nail. If your nails are short like mine, you can skip the encapsulation. By the way, I'm that weird person that can’t stand any free edge on my nails, so I always file my nails very short. I know some of you can relate to that.

It is so important to allow each layer to dry matte prior to applying the next layer. It doesn't dry to a chalky matte but rather it no longer looks wet like water. It can get “gummy” if the second layer is applied while the first one is still wet. This is SUPER important so that you don’t end up with a clumpy manicure or contaminate your bottle by transferring semi-wet rubbery polymers back into your bottle. Make sense?

All the layers dry very quickly. By the time you complete all ten nails, the first nail should be dry. Repeat the second layer of Base Coat. Remember to allow it to dry matte prior to applying the color. I know I'm giving you a lot of information and a lot of instruction, but I promise you it's easy peasy. You got this!

Notice that the second layer of Base is not quite as matte as the first layer. Don’t let the slight sheen throw you off. Pro tip: Don’t touch your nails to check if it is dry as this can transfer oils from your fingertips and cause premature chipping.

Step 3 Lacque

Now that my base coat is dry,

let's move on to our beautiful polishes—step three in the system. We have around 150 gorgeous cremes, shimmers, and glitters, and we release new colors as we become inspired to create new trends. So now, just put something down to make sure you protect whatever surface you're working on. Today, I'm gonna go with my favorite red called "Lit."

And now that we have applied two layers of the base, we're ready for step number three. Because Dazzle Dry polishes dry so quickly, there is a trick to applying them to avoid streaking or disrupting the previous layer. The key is more polish on your brush, minimal pressure on your brush, and work mostly with the tip of your brush for the best result. You're gonna notice that I don’t press hard and fan out the bristles. Go easy on the first layer and a little more generous on the second layer. Let’s get started so I can show you what that looks like.

After shaking the polish to resuspend the pigment, dip the brush in the bottle for each nail and swipe one side of the brush on the inner neck of the bottle. Allow excess product to just flow back into the bottle. Now, you see how the belly of the brush is loaded with polish on one side? That is what you are looking for. Now, we are going to apply the first layer of polish using about a medium consistency—not too thin, not too thick.

When I set the brush down, I don’t butt the brush up to the cuticle. Keep a small margin between the brush and the cuticle and push the brush towards your cuticle to form your guideline. Then run the brush down both sides of the nail and finally smooth out any imperfections until you get the desired coverage. Apply enough product so that it is not too streaky, but it is not quite full coverage just yet (that comes with the second layer).

Remember, the key when applying your Dazzle Dry manicure is to allow each layer to dry matte prior to applying the next layer. I cannot emphasize this enough. Typically, by the time you're finished with the second hand, the first hand has already dried matte. Pro Tip: Let it air dry, don’t touch it, don’t use a fan, don’t blow on your nails or flap your hands. We are not trying to take flight here. All these common practices can impact adhesion.

Also, keep in mind that you should avoid contact with the skin to prevent lifting and chipping. However, don’t worry if you get it on the skin. I'm a pro and I still get it on the skin. Simply clean it up as you go with your detail brush or orangewood stick dipped in pure acetone to perfect your application. Same as with the Base Coat, encapsulate each nail if they are long enough. Notice that our custom brushes do most of the work for you. The precision laser-cut bristles beautifully hug the cuticle area and create your guideline for that flawless application.

The second layer may be applied generously. Be mindful of not applying TOO heavily so that the polish doesn’t roll to one side or pool. Now, we will let this layer dry matte prior to applying the Top Coat to finish our manicure. You see how easy this is? I have all the confidence in you that you can do this. I will let you in on another pro tip… When using our glitters, shimmers, or metallics, the application is slightly different. Apply these colors in THIN layers to prevent premature chipping. You may do a third layer if needed.

Step 4 Top Coat

Step number four in our system is our Top Coat. Dazzle Dry Top Coat is high-gloss, non-yellowing, quick-drying, long-wearing, and self-leveling. You don’t have to be a master polisher; if there are any minor imperfections in the polish application, the Top Coat will self-level and smooth it all out. It is goof-proof. Remember to NEVER ever warm the Top Coat, the Base Coat should be warmed to de-cloud it, but never the Top Coat.

Once your second layer of polish has dried matte, you're going to apply a generous layer of Top Coat. Use the tip of the brush to glide over and burst any air bubbles that may have formed while it is still wet. And it also helps to really have good overhead lighting so that you can see well. Now that we have applied Top Coat. That. Is. It. That is your Dazzle Dry application process. You see how easy that was? No drying drops, no sprays, no lights, no driers. NOTHING. All you need is the air in the atmosphere. Wait five minutes – your polish is completely dry.

Pro Tip: To prevent dulling of your Top Coat, avoid coming in contact with alcohol-based products. If your manicure does dull, you can simply touch it up with one layer of Base Coat, followed by one layer of Top Coat. This will refresh your shine and extend the life of your manicure. Now that it's been five minutes, this is the moment of truth.

Silva to tap on the freshly manicured nail with an orangewood stick to demonstrate how dry it is.

Can you guys hear that? I mean how impressive is that? I'm literally stabbing this, and there's nothing; it looks perfect, isn't this impressive? Dazzle Dry truly gives you your time back and your life back in five minutes. You don't have to wait 24 hours like you do with traditional polish for all the layers to dry and fuse together. Five minutes is all it takes, and you're completely completely dried. Now you can dig into your purse; you can put on your seat belt; you can brush your teeth, wash your face, whatever it is you need to do. It gives you your life back, and you're not going to smudge your nails; that's the beauty of Dazzle Dry.

Let’s talk about a vital component of the System called Revive. I like to tell people; you cannot have a Polish System that air dries in five minutes and not expect it to get thick. Dazzle Dry Polish and Top Coat WILL get thick, period. Revive is your best friend and a vital component of the System. It is not a typical thinner, do not fear it. Adding Revive will NOT change the color or impact the efficacy of the products like other thinners do. With routine use of Revive (as needed in your Polish and Top Coat), you will be able to use the products to the last drop to maximize your investment.

So, Silva, how often do I add Revive? Let me explain. First of all, YOU have to be the judge of when to add Revive. Once the polish is thick, no longer is fluid or smooth, that's your indication that it is time to add Revive. When your Top Coat gets thick or forms air bubbles, these are your indications that you need to add Revive. There's no limit to the number of times you will need to add Revive to the Polishes or Top Coat. The Base Coat will NEVER need Revive. In fact, if you accidentally add Revive to the base coat, it must be discarded.

Let me show you how to add Revive to your Polish. Fill the dropper, you're gonna add about six to eight drops at a time. Shake it well. Think of it like cooking with salt, start with less and you can always add more if needed until the desired viscosity is achieved. And this is the fluid drip you're looking for.

[close up of bottle, pull cap off and see well-formed drops of polish]

See that's what you want it to look like when you add Revive. Same with the Top Coat, you're going to start with six to eight drops of Revive at a time. Instead of shaking the Top Coat, you're going to roll it in one direction to avoid bubbles. So remember, you shake your polish, and roll your Top Coat after adding Revive.

Now let's talk about Transform. This superhero product is sure to become a staple in your Dazzle Dry manicure. Transform will smooth out ridges and other nail imperfections. It creates this beautiful gel-like surface. It neutralizes the color of your nail bed to make any Dazzle Dry color just pop. Consider yourself warned, you will get addicted to the flawless appearance of your manicure with the use of Transform.

The preparation is the same whether you use Transform or not. Saturate one lint-free cotton pad per hand with Nail Prep, scrubbing each nail thoroughly. Then apply two layers of Base, allowing each layer to dry matte. Now apply one layer of Transform and allow to dry for five minutes. Once that is dry, apply one layer of Base over Transform and allow to dry matte. Apply two layers of Polish, allowing each layer to dry matte. And finally, apply one layer of Top Coat and allow to dry for five minutes.