It’s so tempting to skip the Base and Top Coat application when applying nail polish. But trust me when I say, “stick with it” because longer lasting nail polish that doesn’t chip and peel is worth the prep.

The Primer

A good base coat preps your nails creating an adhesive surface for your colour polish to sit while smoothing away any ridges and imperfections. Remember that last time you wore a dark shade of polish? That awful yellow staining to your nail bed? The great thing about base coat is it will protect your nails from this happening plus it can make weak nails feel stronger and more durable.

Seche Vite Base Coat

Seche Vite brand is my favourites when it comes to nail prep. Plus you know it’s good when the professionals are using it! It’s quick to dry and adheres to the nail bed well. The polish glides on with ease too. When used with Seche Vite Top Coat, it gives a beautiful professional manicure finish.

 

Revlon Base Coat

The Revlon base coat has always been my firm favourite over the years, which I’ve always recommend for long lasting nail polish. The base coat adheres to the nail bed creating a good base for colour and hides ridges well. Dries within 30 seconds which is fantastic if your in a hurry to paint your nails. Teamed with any top coat, you can expect good adhesive and chip free nails for longer.

Essie Base Coat Grow Stronger

Essie grow stronger base coat is formulated with Ginkgo Biloba and Vitamin E that leaves your nails feeling stronger. A professional brand which offers good adhesion and peels away from the nail bed easily on removal. Coloured polish glides on with ease. No problems with strong, long lasting chip free nails.

The Finish

Ever wondered why some people have glossy nails? Well the chances are they have probably applied a Top Coat polish. Coloured nail polish alone, will not give you that gorgeous glossy finish. Plus a good top coat will guarantee a longer lasting finish without chipping or wearing on the edges. If nail art is your thing, an application of top coat will seal the design and make it look so much better than without.

Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

I’m a big fan of Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat it really does live up to its number one spot. Giving any dull colour polish an incredible extra glossy finish. Plus it dries ever so quickly so you can spend more time doing the things you love. As for long lasting chip free polish, it has kept my nails chip free for at least four/five days.

Barry M Plumpy Top Coat

One of my favourite budget top coats that gives the professionals a run for their money. The Barry M Plumpy Top Coat gives a lovely glossy finish, can take a good couple of minutes to fully dry. But the long lasting chip free polish is by far the best for a budget top coat.

CND Vinyl Weekly Top Coat

Although CND Vinylux Weekly Top Coat is designed to be worn with the Vinylux range of gel coloured polishes. It can also be applied to standard nail polish for a long lasting finish plus it can take an age to dry and does smudge easily if not fully dry (a good ten minutes) but does keep nails strong and chip free for longer.