Best Combination Nail Base & Top Coats in 2022

Last update: November 15, 2022

Can you apply top coat without basecoat?

A top coat is a clear coat that is applied over the base color of your nail polish. It is typically used to protect your nails from chipping and to add shine. You can apply a top coat without a base coat, but it is not recommended. Without a base coat, the top coat will not have anything to adhere to and will not last as long.

Can you just do gel base and top coat?

Many people ask if they can just use a gel base and top coat without any color in between. The answer is yes, you can! This is a great option if you want a natural look or are in between gel manicures.

Can you use any nail polish with gel base and top coat?

You can use any type of nail polish with a gel base and top coat, but some polishes work better than others. If you're using a gel polish that is not made specifically for use with a gel top coat, you may want to use a thicker top coat to help protect your nails from chipping.

Do you have to use the same brand top and base coat for gel polish?

There's no need to use the same brand of top and base coat for gel polish, although it might make your manicure last slightly longer. If you're happy with the results you're getting, feel free to mix and match!


Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat (3 Pack) Review:


THE BEST EVER top coat for quick drying!Sincerely, I believe I have tried them all. My previous favorite had been OPI's quick-drying top coat, but it had two drawbacks: first, it was expensive ($9 or something), and second, I could hardly ever find it in stock whenever I went to a store that carried OPI. Which I would have paid if I had ever been able to get it in stock.Because I could purchase Sally Hansen and Revlon fast drying top coats at a regular drug store, I frequently had to use those instead of OPI because they weren't as durable.Finally, I checked on Amazon for a solution. I had never heard of such items before, but they received excellent ratings (and seemed not to have been "bought" by the company like so many products on here nowadays). The cost is also excellent and is comparable to those drugstore brands.Since the skeptic in me still questioned whether the positive reviews were perhaps bought with free samples or something, I was genuinely surprised by how well the Seche Vite performed. Let me inform you that THEY ARE NOT! This is great stuff. It is actually superior to the OPI version, which is somewhat less sparkly.It applies thickly (kind of like OPI), which worried me that I'd end up with soft, dent-able nails, but it dried nicely. even with two coats of OPI polish and a base coat. I can apply it on my toes right before bed, and there won't be any sheet stains in the morning! Within 10 minutes (to be conservative) of putting this on, I can actually go about my daily activities. I don't have to spend the rest of the night without socks and freeze to death!This product genuinely impresses me, which is why I returned today to get a 3-pack.Since I know my mother will adore it, I'm giving one to her.Even though I don't have the time right now, I still felt compelled to write a review because I've rarely been this impressed with a product. I have no doubt that practically anyone would enjoy this. I'm so relieved that I no longer have to look in vain for OPI fast drying top coat on bare shelves at Ulta. :-D(Since I haven't used any other Seche Vite products, I'm unsure of how they interact with the top coat.Prior to seeing it on Amazon, I had never heard of the company. I typically use this topcoat and OPI nail polish, and it's awesome!



Modelones Set Matte Top Coat High Gloss Top Coat Base Coat,No Wipe Top Coat UV LED Gel Nail Polish Nail Lamp Soak Off Varnish 3Pcs 10ml Review:


Only one of the pots had the safety seal on it when I initially got this product; the others had been opened and poured within the box. Amazon responded to my inquiry by sending a replacement. I chose to go forward even though the replacement only had three sealed pots because the other pots were already full. I'm happy I did. These glitters look AMAZING. Since they are so thick, one coat provides adequate coverage. I don't care that my nail is bulkier because I used two instead of one. When they reflect light, they seem very lovely! Even though they can be a touch sticky, I've never had any problems with curing. Just after "baking" them a little bit longer, I made care to wipe them twice.



Modelones Gel Nail Polish No Wipe Top and Base Coat Set 2x10ml UV LED Soak Off New Upgraded Formula Long-Lasting Gloss and Shiny Finish for Home DIY and Nail Salon… Review:


I only used it for the first time last night, so I can't comment on its longevity, other than to say that I washed the dishes by hand last night, performed a lot of yardwork without gloves this morning, and scrubbed the shower this afternoon all before I snapped the image shown above. Even on the edges, there are no signs of chipping in my manicure. I really pressed my fingertips into the scrubbie as I tried to get into the corners of my shower. Regular manicures with polish would not have fared as well. With a cheap brand gel color that I also purchased from Amazon, I combined this base and topcoat.I've been watching my manicurist do gel nails for a while, so I figured since this base and top coat and the color are so expensive, I might as well give it a shot. I'll be overjoyed if it lasts for two weeks and I'll be able to avoid the manicurist for $50 less each month.That the top coat is non-wipe is fantastic. It sped up the procedure a bit. One base coat, two layers of glitter gel color, and one topcoat were used to complete this manicure. Each application was cured in my LED nail lamp for 60 seconds. I needed 20 minutes to complete the task. I made time, financial, and fuel savings for the drive... So far, I'd say it was worthwhile. I'll update my review if it turns out to be terrible in a few days, but after what my nails went through today, I believe it will be successful.



Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Nail Coat, Clear - .5 oz. oz Review:


The absolute best fast-drying top coat available. Nothing else compares to this, which I have been using for years, not OPI, Essie, China Glaze, Formula X, or anything else! With this, my nails dry really quickly, and within about 10 minutes, I feel comfortable doing practically anything. Of course, some activities could scratch your brand-new polish, but as long as you're careful, there shouldn't be any issues. Being a doctor, I don't have a lot of free time, but because this top coat dries so quickly, I can paint my nails as often as I like! When coworkers inquire as to how I maintain such neat fingernails, I explain the situation. Additionally, it has a glossy and lovely appearance, just like professionally manicured gel nails!A thin coat performs far better than a thick coat, to name a few aspects. With this top coat, little is more; just enough will do to cover your polish. Brush off any excess polish without a doubt, and only use what is required. The cost and the speed with which it thickens and turns goopy are the polish's two drawbacks in my opinion. Though it's not inexpensive, I can overlook that given how nicely it functions. But I never manage to finish a bottle of this stuff. I always securely seal the jar and paint my nails about every three to four days. No matter what, when approximately half the bottle is gone, it starts to turn quite thick and goopy. It makes application much more challenging. Additionally, there is a strong chemical odor, which I don't mind as much because it passes soon.Despite the drawbacks I mentioned above, I will always use this top coat. That good, really!



essie Base Coat Nail Polish, First Base Base Coat, Adhesion + Protection, 0.46 Fl. Oz. Review:


Over the past year, I've experimented with various polishes, base coats, and top coats while performing my own manicures. Although I am not an expert, these are my findings: Base coats are an important layer that can make a great difference. They smooth out nails so you don't have to file the nail bed as aggressively, they make polish stick better, and they extend the life of polish by preventing dark colors from seeping through into the nail bed. I no longer purchase polishes from supermarkets and medicine stores, and I refuse to spend outrageous amounts at stores like Sephora. In my opinion, Zoya offers the most color options, the greatest overall polish, and the safest ingredients. But for base and top coats, I prefer Essie. The top coats quickly thicken and dry out, requiring frequent replacement (boo). It has to do with their chemical composition. However, despite using the same Essie First Base Base Coat for a whole year, I am only now buying a new bottle (yay). (I appreciate Amazon for keeping track of all my purchases and making it so simple to do so.) I can't say enough good things about this base coat. This product accomplishes everything I just described. Only about a fifth of the bottle is still usable because it has thickened beyond usage. But one year is really amazing, especially considering that it costs only roughly $6.50.



OPI Nail Envy Nail Strengthener Review:


Not because the first bottle is empty, but rather to ensure I have more once it is, I've just bought a second one. My nails were getting exceedingly fragile at the age of 60. I might pull out a split nail instead of the plate I was reaching for in the cabinet. They appeared to be developing in layers, with the top two or three being peeled out to reveal a very frail and thin nail. They looked awful. You could see if I had taken a before photo. My nails were suffering from all the activities I engage in, including fishing, kayaking, gardening, woodworking, and house maintenance. I purchased some of this and follow the instructions properly (two coats Day 1 and one coat every other day until Day 7 - remove and repeat). The transformation after two months is astounding. (On Day 2, I added a thin coat of beige color to cover off the filth that I regularly have under my nails!) My lifestyle dictates that I keep my nails short, but at least they don't split anymore and look healthy! I found it effective. We hope it works for you as well. Definitely worth the cost.



Beetles Matte Top Coat and High Gloss Top Gel Coat Base Coat Set No Wipe top Coat, Gel Nail Polish Matte Shine Finish and Long Lasting, Soak Off UV LED Gel 7.5ml Each Bottle Christmas Holiday Gift Set Review:


Last week, I began performing my own at-home gel manicures. With my gel polish, I applied the base coat and high gloss top coat. It still looks fantastic a week after I applied it, and I have no chips! I routinely wash my hands at work, so I'm extremely happy with how well the manicure is holding up!



Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat for Nail Polish and Manicure (2 pack, 0.5 oz) Review:


I ADORE THIS TOP COAT AND BASE! Based on all the excellent reviews I found online, I ordered it. In addition, I had seen it suggested in a magazine, which is what initially prompted me to look into this. When I apply dark polish, the base coat shields my nails, preventing discoloration of my natural nails when the lacquer is removed. The top coat gives your polish a stunning, high shine, and it dries quickly without the need for lamps! I can complete my nails from beginning to end in just 20 minutes, and they are completely dried. I do not apply pricey nail paint. I typically spend $1.99 for Sinful nail polish. Seche Vite's top and bottom layers make my nails seem amazing, despite the fact that the polish itself is superb. Simply use these two affordable solutions, throw away the nail dryers, and you'll be ready to go in no time! Going forward, I won't treat my nails with anything else. I'm ecstatic with this item and strongly suggest it!



CND Vinylux Long Wear Top Coat , 0.5 fluid ounce Review:


It's a real top coat. I recently confided in a friend that I had to paint my nails every other day since they don't stay on well. I should try CND Vinylux Top Coat and Polish, she advised. I tried it out, and I'm happy I did. I've purchased numerous top coats, but this one is the nicest I've ever seen. Although you can use your own nail polish, CND nail polish works best. With only little touch-ups, it lasts for at least four days. I don't mind changing my nail paint every four days because I get bored with it quickly. I was performing every other time, frequently with significant touch-ups. There are no more smudges because this top coat appears to dry swiftly. I'll never switch to another top coat. To prevent chipping at the tips, a tip I saw suggested applying top coat all the way around the tip of your nail.



Revlon Quick Dry Base Coat Review:


Finally, I understood the difference in quality between this Revlon product and others. These days, I just utilise their items. With just a minimal amount of touch-up, I can go at least two weeks without changing the colour of my nails because it lasts longer on my nails (I use gloves for dishes, etc.).


Do you need a base and top coat for nail polish?

A base coat is important because it helps the nail polish adhere to your nails, and a top coat helps protect your manicure from chips and scratches.

Do you need gel base and top coat?

If you want your manicure to last, you need to use a gel base and top coat. Gel polish adheres to the nail better than regular polish, so it lasts longer. The base coat also helps to protect your nails from staining.

Do you rub down base coat before clear coat?

It is important to rub down the base coat before applying the clear coat. This will help to create a smooth and even surface for the clear coat to adhere to. If the base coat is not smooth, the clear coat will not be able to lay down evenly and will result in a poor finish.

Do you sand between base coat and clear coat?

When painting a car, you will need to sand the base coat before applying the clear coat. This will help to create a smooth surface for the clear coat to adhere to.

Do you wipe nails after base coat?

A base coat is a clear polish that is applied to the nails before the color polish. It helps the color to adhere to the nails and prevents the nails from staining. You do not need to wipe the nails after applying the base coat.

Does base coat prevent chipping?

Base coats are important in preventing your nail polish from chipping. They create a smooth surface for the polish to adhere to and help it last longer.