I was very skeptical. I am looking for a way to save money while still getting a nice manicure. This was my very first time using it. I used alcohol for my solution, one thing I learned from using the first time is to make sure to smooth the bottoms and excess around the outside with the brush to ensure the nail comes out clean. LOVE THIS. Definitely won’t take me as long next time. I bought a mini led lamp to do these and some rhinestones with gel glue. I am obsessed.