I have been using CND Acrylic nail products fir 20+ years and hands down was best Acrylic products. But I have RA and my hand have a lot of pain when using the Acrylic. I could shoot myself for not trying the Shellac yrs ago. This is the easiest system and not damaging to the nails like the acrylic, no filing. My nails were always thin and weak. I was a bit skeptical about changing to Shellac that my nails would break easily. 1st 4 days no breaks or chips. Now have removed and reapplied 2 days ago and my nails are great. So happy with this system.