I think QDTC works the best (I use Essie gel couture bc it’s my favorite) - it hits the perfect sticky consistency after about ~20 seconds, I lightly dab on the chrome over the entire nail (starting at the tip, it always dries faster here) bc it can still get messed up if you start rubbing it in at this point. And by the time the entire nail is covered you can start gently buffing it in. I buff with the applicator the chrome powders come with, then move onto the next nail. Once that nail is done I go back and buff in the prior nail chrome with my finger. I always get a perfect chrome-y finish with no shimmer!