I read on another review site that their manicure lasted approximately 4 days without chipping when they used this product. That is why I purchased it, I wanted my manicure to last more than one or two days without chipping. I did my nails on Christmas and I just got a chip yesterday! That is 9 days! I put 2 bottom coats on and then used it as a top coat. I also put a coat on every couple of days, that may have helped with the chipping. When using "Nail Life Gripper" that was sold to me at Sally (it was supposed to prevent nail chipping - it didn't - do not buy it) I would get just one day out of the manicure sometimes. This product is amazing for preventing chips. As far as making your nails as hard as "artificial nails" Imy nails are just as soft. If you want your nails to be hard as gel nails, this product is not for you. But, if you want a long lasting manicure, I'd go with it.

A disclaimer before you read any further: I purchased this product on a recent shopping trip to the US. I have not yet found it in Canada.

This is my new favourite base/top coat!! Ringing up at just 3.58 US$, it is a very worthwhile investment if you want a durable and beautiful home manicure!
I apply a typical base coat, then proceed with a couple coats of any colour I want. I top it with a generous layer of this Nail Aid treatment (doesn't need to be too thick, but I use more than average for the top coat). The result is hard, shiny nails that make even my cheaper drugstore polishes look rich and deep.
It will keep my nails looking high-class for a couple days easily - chip-free, wear-free, and high-gloss - but I re-apply it every second day to make my home manicure last about a week. Why put all that work into your nails and have them chip the next day?!
I can't say that it dries in 3 minutes, sadly, but it is basically set in about 10 minutes and absolutely, completely dry in under an hour. Faster than your average nail polish.
Another thing I love about this product... since I've started using this regularly, my nails are stronger (and consequently, longer) than normally. To get these benefits, you can also use this treatment without polish. It claims to provide 11x the strengthening power of a gel treatment, which seems pretty boastful but I can't compare because I've never had a gel manicure. All I know is... I'm impressed!

Bottom line: This is the cheapest, easiest way I've found to get a rich-looking and durable home manicure. You CAN NOT go wrong!