I have done gels myself and prefer those to acrylic but have not used dips so was not sure what to expect. This first attempt was apparently all about the learning curve. It's take a min to figure out a system so you don’t use the wrong bottle at the wrong time which was easy to do because they just look so much alike and you can't always tell which was the last thing you used.Also it mentions items that are not included like the prep items. (Cuticle oil, alcohol pads for dehydration etc.) I happened to have them so it didn't stop my show. The instructions could be a little better.The translucent jelly colors look exactly like that. Mine came out lumpy but hard as concrete. I've only had them on for 4 days but the haven't budged. I apparently got closer to the cuticle than I realized. When doing gels that normally works itself out in a day, maybe 1. Not these. In fact I accidentally smashed my finger in the freezer door and it broke off like the coating of a candy apple. These things are hard as concrete. That alone is reason enough for me to want to try again with a better application next time. Even though I did a bad job I'm going to leave them on to see how long they last. Two coats of dip was enough for me. It doesn't seem that thick during the application but I definitely have a couple of big lumpy ones. I'm giving 4 because it needs better directions. Some buying a "starter kit" has a strong possibility of being a beginner so would need them as well as the prep items.