I have a bad habit of biting and picking at my nails. It's embarrassing and I wanted to stop. I got this kit and so far, no mail biting or picking! My nails are strong and much longer than before! I do better when I can't see how long they are. The gel cures under UV light so as soon as the top coat is done, I can go do things like scrubbing the dishes or gardening or cooking or giving the dog a bath and my nails stay pretty. I like the variety of colors. I chose to paint each nail tester with 3 coats, covering 1/3 each time so I could see what 1, 2 and 3 coats looks like and cured between coats. I took a sharpie and wrote the color code on the reverse. I ordered the HEMA free top coat and foundation coat set (white bottles) separately. They're for sensitive nails and I love them!Key points:- Use a thin, even coat for base, color and top coats!- Cure between coats- All coats are tacky except for top coat after curing. THIS IS NORMAL. DO NOT WIPE.- Use SPF on hands, fingers, toes (yes it works for pedis too) and wrists. I use a lotion style SPF 50 and wait 30 mins minimum before starting. The first time I didn't use SPF and my fingers, cuticles and tips of my fingers had a burning/stinging sensation when using the light. I watch a show on Netflix or Disney to pass the time.- I also bought a gel remover and liquid latex separately on Amazon (not beetles) because I hate the smell of acetone/nail polish remover. Gel remover works great but don't get any on your skin, it burns like acid. I'm not allergic to latex so this really helps my polish look clean.- This kit comes with a cuticle softener (great value and very helpful!) And a cuticle oil (I do better with lotion.) I had to wait 48 hours between my first cuticle removal and my first paint session.- The nails MUST be clean and dry. After applying SPF and waiting for it to soak in, take a rubbing alcohol wipe or a cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol and wipe each nail off. Then take one of the pink little squares and wipe off any dirt.- Shape your nails BEFORE you paint them.I have used the included nail art items however the only ones that stay on are the pearls for me.- Clean off any excess nail polish/top or bottom coats BEFORE you cure! I use the metal cuticle tool included to scrape away any excess.- The UV lamp can get warm.- If you use the nail art items, those metal tweezers (included) are your best friend!- Yes, the bottles are small but they will last you if you use thin even layers.- The odor is still present but very low considering the alternative.100% would recommend and would buy as a gift! It's a great starter kit for beginners!!