An actinic light curable dip gel comprises an acrylic resin selected from the group consisting of a poly(C1-12alkyl(meth)acrylate) polymer, an acrylate functional acrylic resin, and mixtures thereof； a monomer； at least one photoinitiator； and a solvent. A layer of this actinic light curable dip gel is applied onto a nail, followed by an application of a polymer powder onto the nail； and exposing the nail to actinic light. The steps of applying the gel layer and the polymer powder may be repeated several times prior to exposing the nail to actinic light. The use of the actinic light curable dip gel has several advantages over the traditional dip system.
