I wanted to update on this, as I switched over to NexGen nails and am on my 2nd set (I go every 2 weeks). A lot of places call it a "dip powder manicure" or another popular brand is SNS. It's essentially a very thin colored acrylic overlay on your natural nail. They market it as a "healthier" alternative as there's no UV lamp and supposedly it's infused with vitamins or something. I am not sure about that, but there's no drilling down like with acrylics, so that's a plus. I have very thin nails, and have difficulty keeping anything on them other than acrylics. Regular polish, I get 2-3 days max. Gel polish usually lasts about a week on me, and I would still sometimes get chipping. The Nexgen manicure lasts on me the full 2 weeks with only the grow-out visible. I think I could probably go 3 weeks, if I wasn't so bothered by the grow-out. It's *very* durable - no chips, no tip wear, and it stays shiny. My nails feel very hard & strong, but not thick. I also notice that it doesn't start to lift at the edge like a gel mani, so if you tend to be a peeler, that's just not an option. They remove it with foil & acetone (same as a gel mani). I'm sold.