Sarah, just thought Id let you see another thread where this was discussed, and you can read my views:
nsi and Creative

If you are having problems with your gel, it is likely to be your application and something that you need to discuss with your educator.

There are so many things you need to take into consideration when deciding on a brand, the products are only as good as the support network around them.

I changed from NSI to CND for all sorts of reasons, if I can help in anyway please give me a shout.

have you thought about using nsi brush on white gel rather than white tips? i apply mine with a dotting tool and if i need to then sweep my smile line with a clean brush but i very rarely need to as i feel i have good control of the product whe using a dotting tool rather than a brush.
if you are really struggling then i would phone nsi as they will be able to help you.xx

Sarah, I would try using clear tips. Clear tips allow the UV light to penetrate from the top and bottom of the enhancement, so your white gels (or other heavily pigmented gels) will cure properly. You could probably get away with using white tips with a clear or transparent pink gel though.

I'd be happy to troubleshoot gels with you if you need some help. Feel free to PM me.

This is actually not correct. There is a price difference that when measured properly does exist, but is certainly no where near the degree that some make out to believe. Heck, the difference in professional costs for maintenance products is pence. Those interested in CND cost per service can contact S2 for the new brochure that outlines this.

There are many cost factors to be looked at if price is the driving factor when shopping for a brand. The most important is your time. If a product takes longer to apply or requires more time and effort to maintain, then saving pence on the cost of application is a false economy because your time is far more expensive than products you use.

Ultimately the decision should be based on common sense. Use the system that meets or exceeds your expectations at the best possible price. Depending on how you work, a cheaper product may yield the same performance as a more expensive product, but this is not a universal rule, its a personal one (nor is it a limitation of either system, its usually one of the professional). Keep the choice in context to. For instance, a Ford will get you to the same place as a Ferrari. If all you want in a car is to travel from Point A to Point B, go for the Ford. If you want performance and style, Ferrari's are a pretty damn hot way go

So as mentioned, do your research when choosing brands, but don't short sell yourself by not looking at the big picture. Also though this has been mentioned its worth repeating: Brand vs. Brand questions on any forum will mainly elicit fans of either side voicing their preference While this can be good to get some viewpoints, its only one method for researching your chosen brand.

Best of luck

No i mean for acrylic aswell... For acrylic ive been using the french fins, but im not sure wether to use french white tips or elation white tips. What do you all use and prefer? _Have you ever applied a white tip and then just applied pink product over the top? Or do you recommend to apply white on top of the tip? Which is better for doing backfills/rebalance etc....
I need help!
xx

Do you apply yours with a dotting tool? Why do you do that? I use brush on french white, but i use it with a small nsi blue gel brush... is it better with a tool or something? Do you have to apply the brush on gel really thin? Do you do 2 coats of brush on french or just 1? I apply one thin layer of pink gel, then i cleanse, then i apply 1 coat of french, cleanse again, then i apply another layer of gel, then glaze n go. Is that correct or am i using too much product?
xxx

there are many different ways of applying gel. when you apply your second layer of gel are you building the apex etc.. or are you applying another thin coat? i only apply brush on white gel in one layer i use a dotting tool as i have better control over the product.please ask if you have anymore questions.xx