DND vs DC vs DIVA Gel Polish: Lines, Bottle Sizes and Base & Top Numbers
By Edmond Lin, M1 Nail & Beauty Supply, Markham, Ontario. Last updated 7 October 2026. Product facts are taken from the DND official FAQ and DND product pages.
DND, DC and DIVA are three gel polish lines from the same brand, DND (Daisy Nail Designs). According to DND, the main difference is packaging and bottle size: DND gel comes in a white 15 ml bottle, DC in a gold 18 ml bottle and DIVA in a square gold 15 ml bottle. All three are sold as a duo (gel plus matching lacquer) or as gel polish only, and their base and top gels work across lines.
In this guide
DND vs DC vs DIVA at a glance
| Line | Gel bottle | Gel size | Base gel | No-wipe top gel | Duo at M1 | Gel only at M1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DND | White | 15 ml (0.5 fl oz) | #500 | #600 | $10.95 | $8.95 |
| DC | Gold | 18 ml (0.6 fl oz) | #800 | #900 | $10.95 | $8.95 |
| DIVA | Square gold | 15 ml (0.5 fl oz) | #100 | #300 | $11.45 | $9.95 |
Bottle sizes and coat numbers are from DND's FAQ. Prices are M1's regular prices in Canadian dollars as of October 2026.
What is a DND duo?
A DND duo is two bottles in one colour: a gel polish that cures under a UV/LED lamp and the matching traditional lacquer that air dries. Salons use the pair to match a gel manicure with a regular-polish pedicure. If you only do gel, the gel-polish-only listings cost less per shade.
Which bottle is the gel and which is the lacquer?
The coated bottle is the gel and the clear bottle is the lacquer. DND explains that gel must not sit in UV light, so it is always in an opaque bottle: white for DND, gold for DC. Lacquer goes in a clear bottle so the colour is easy to see.
What do the numbers on DND base and top coats mean?
Each line has its own number for base gel, regular top gel and no-wipe top gel.
| Product | DND | DC | DIVA | What it does |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base gel | #500 | #800 | #100 | Standard gel base coat for any application |
| Top gel | #400 | #700 | - | Leaves a sticky layer that is wiped off with alcohol |
| No-wipe top gel | #600 | #900 | #300 | No sticky layer after curing, nothing to wipe |
DND states that DND and DC base and top gels can be used interchangeably, and that both keep a gel manicure for up to 21 days when applied properly. Salons that go through a lot of base and top can buy 16 oz refills of #500 base and #600 top.
What is the DND HEMA & TPO-Free line?
It is a separate DND gel line made without HEMA and TPO, which DND describes as two of the most common sensitizing ingredients in gel polish. DND positions it as another formula option with the same colour payoff, and makes a matching HEMA & TPO-Free Base Gel #100 and Top Gel #200. M1 stocks the line as duos in three number ranges: 001-099, 101-199 and 201-290 ($11.95 a duo).
Which DND cat eye gels are there?
M1 carries four DND magnetic cat eye sets. All of them are applied over a base gel, shaped with a magnet while the colour is still wet, then cured one nail at a time.
| Set | Shades | How it is organised | At M1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| DND 9D Velvet Jungle | 36 | One listing, pick the shade from the menu | $13.95 |
| DIVA 9D Cat Eye | 36 | Three sets of 12 on dndgel.com: Glassball (#1-12), Candy (#13-24), Daydream (#25-36) | $13.95 |
| DC Cat Eyes | 36 | Shades named after cat breeds | $13.95 |
| DND 5D Cat Eyes | 12 | Shades named after cat breeds | $8.50 |
DND special finishes
- DC Sheer Collection (2436-2471): 36 sheer nudes, pinks and milky whites that can be worn as a tint or layered for more coverage.
- DC All My Jelly: 36 sheer, buildable jelly colours in 18 ml bottles.
- DC Mermaid: holographic gel with mirror dust already mixed in. DND says it is opaque in one coat.
- DC Platinum: metallic glitter gel, sold as gel polish only.
- DND Mood Change: thermal gels that shift between two colours as the nail warms and cools. Also made as DC Mood Change.
How do you apply DND gel polish?
- Wash and prep the nails so they are clean, dry and free of oil.
- Apply 1 to 2 coats of DND or DC base gel and cure for 30 to 45 seconds under a UV/LED lamp.
- Apply a thin coat of gel colour and cure for 30 to 60 seconds. Repeat for 2 to 3 coats.
- Apply DND or DC top gel and cure for 30 to 45 seconds.
- If the top gel is not a no-wipe formula, remove the sticky layer with alcohol.
DND notes that very opaque colours such as black and white can need a longer cure, and that thick coats can cure unevenly and then chip or peel.
How do you remove DND gel polish?
- File the top layer with a coarse nail file to break the seal.
- Put an acetone-soaked cotton ball on each nail and wrap the fingertip in foil.
- Soak for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Gently push off the loosened gel. If it is still intact, re-wrap and soak longer.
- Rinse and moisturise the hands.
DND gel polish questions
Is DC better than DND?
They are the same brand. DND's own FAQ says the main difference is packaging and volume: a DC bottle holds 18 ml of gel, 3 ml more than a DND bottle. The two lines have different colours and numbering, so most salons choose by shade.
Can you use DND base and top with DC or DIVA colours?
Yes. DND says DND and DC base and top gels are interchangeable, and its DIVA instructions say DIVA gel works with any DND, DC or DIVA base and top gel.
Is DND gel polish vegan and cruelty-free?
DND states that its products contain no animal-derived ingredients and that the brand is Leaping Bunny certified, with no animal testing at any stage of product development.
Where can I buy DND gel polish in Canada?
M1 Nail & Beauty Supply stocks DND, DC and DIVA in Markham, Ontario, with in-store pick-up and shipping across Canada.
See every DND, DC and DIVA product we stock in Markham, Ontario.
Shop DNDM1 is a retailer of DND products and is not affiliated with the manufacturer.
