The Ultimate Guide to Nailing Your Look: The Best Base and Top Coat Nail Polish
Having flawless nails is all about the right tools and techniques. While choosing the perfect shade and design of nail polish is undoubtedly essential, the base and top coat you use forms the backbone of your nail routine. They protect your nails from chipping, nourish them, and add a finishing touch to your look. In this blog, we bring you the ultimate guide to the best base and top coat nail polish that take care of your tips and toes and help you nail your look.
1. Why You Need a Base Coat
A base coat is like a primer for your nails that covers imperfections and prepares them to hold nail polish. It forms a protective layer, preventing your nails from getting stained and discolored by the pigment in the polish. It also helps the polish adhere to the nails better and stay longer. Here are the best base coats you need to have in your nail kit.
- OPI Natural Nail Strengthener: This base coat strengthens and protects brittle nails with calcium and protein. It also fills in ridges, making your nails smooth and even.
- Sally Hansen Hard as Nails: This affordable base coat keeps your nails strong and resilient with nylon and retinol. It acts as a shield between the nail plate and the polish and dries quickly, so you don't have to wait long to apply the color.
- Essie First Base: This base coat prepares your nails for a smooth and flawless polish application. It contains a complex of strengthening and bonding agents that prevent peeling and breakage.
2. Why You Can't Skip a Top Coat
A top coat seals the nail polish, adds shine and gloss, and protects the color from fading and chipping. It also prevents smudging and helps the polish dry faster. A quality top coat is a game-changer in extending the life of your manicure. Here are the top coats that make a difference.
- Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat: This top coat is a staple among nail artists and enthusiasts for its fast-drying and high-gloss formula. It also creates a hard protective layer that prevents chipping, peeling, and yellowing.
- Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top Coat: This top coat is a great alternative to gel nails, as it provides a long-lasting and vibrant shine that looks like salon-quality. It also sets without UV light and removes like regular nail polish.
- Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Top Coat: This top coat mimics the effect of gel nails but without the harmful ingredients or damage to your nails. It contains UV absorbers that prevent fading and discoloration and makes your nails look plump and shiny.
3. How to Use a Base and Top Coat
Now that you know the best base and top coats for your nails let's review the best practices to get the most out of them.
- Always start with clean and dry nails and remove any old polish or oils.
- Apply a thin layer of base coat, covering the entire nail surface, and let it dry completely.
- Apply your favorite nail polish shade, starting from the middle of the nail and moving towards the sides. Let each layer dry before applying the next one.
- Finish with a thin layer of top coat, making sure to seal the edges and tips. Let it dry completely.
- Reapply the top coat every 2-3 days, especially if you want to prolong the life of your manicure.
In conclusion, the best base and top coat nail polish are the unsung heroes of your nail regime, and investing in quality products can make a significant difference in your nails' appearance and health. Use this guide to choose the right base and top coats for your nails, and follow the tips to perfect your manicure game. Stay glamorous, stay polished!
1. Why You Need a Base Coat
A base coat is like a primer for your nails that covers imperfections and prepares them to hold nail polish. It forms a protective layer, preventing your nails from getting stained and discolored by the pigment in the polish. It also helps the polish adhere to the nails better and stay longer. Here are the best base coats you need to have in your nail kit.
- OPI Natural Nail Strengthener: This base coat strengthens and protects brittle nails with calcium and protein. It also fills in ridges, making your nails smooth and even.
- Sally Hansen Hard as Nails: This affordable base coat keeps your nails strong and resilient with nylon and retinol. It acts as a shield between the nail plate and the polish and dries quickly, so you don't have to wait long to apply the color.
- Essie First Base: This base coat prepares your nails for a smooth and flawless polish application. It contains a complex of strengthening and bonding agents that prevent peeling and breakage.
2. Why You Can't Skip a Top Coat
A top coat seals the nail polish, adds shine and gloss, and protects the color from fading and chipping. It also prevents smudging and helps the polish dry faster. A quality top coat is a game-changer in extending the life of your manicure. Here are the top coats that make a difference.
- Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat: This top coat is a staple among nail artists and enthusiasts for its fast-drying and high-gloss formula. It also creates a hard protective layer that prevents chipping, peeling, and yellowing.
- Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top Coat: This top coat is a great alternative to gel nails, as it provides a long-lasting and vibrant shine that looks like salon-quality. It also sets without UV light and removes like regular nail polish.
- Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Top Coat: This top coat mimics the effect of gel nails but without the harmful ingredients or damage to your nails. It contains UV absorbers that prevent fading and discoloration and makes your nails look plump and shiny.
3. How to Use a Base and Top Coat
Now that you know the best base and top coats for your nails let's review the best practices to get the most out of them.
- Always start with clean and dry nails and remove any old polish or oils.
- Apply a thin layer of base coat, covering the entire nail surface, and let it dry completely.
- Apply your favorite nail polish shade, starting from the middle of the nail and moving towards the sides. Let each layer dry before applying the next one.
- Finish with a thin layer of top coat, making sure to seal the edges and tips. Let it dry completely.
- Reapply the top coat every 2-3 days, especially if you want to prolong the life of your manicure.
In conclusion, the best base and top coat nail polish are the unsung heroes of your nail regime, and investing in quality products can make a significant difference in your nails' appearance and health. Use this guide to choose the right base and top coats for your nails, and follow the tips to perfect your manicure game. Stay glamorous, stay polished!
