10Best.Guide

Top Coat Nail Polish

Top Picks

Last Updated: May, 2023
Pros
  • Quick drying time
  • Long-lasting
  • Provides a gel-like appearance
  • Refill bottle available for convenience
  • Goes on smoothly
Cons
  • Peels off after a few days
  • Uneven application
Bottom Line
Seche Vite top coat is a quick-drying, long-lasting, and shiny top coat that provides a gel-like appearance. It is available in a refill bottle for convenience. However, it may peel off after a few days and has a strong smell.
Pros
  • OPI Matte Top Coat is great for creating a matte finish.
  • OPI Rapid Dry Top Coat dries quickly.
  • OPI High Gloss Shine Top Coat provides a nice finish.
  • OPI Top Coat makes polish last longer.
  • OPI Top Coat is of high quality.
Cons
  • OPI High Shine Top Coat is watery.
  • OPI Rapid Dry Top Coat still takes a little bit to dry.
Bottom Line
OPI Top Coats are of high quality and provide a nice finish, but some may take a while to dry and may show lines or dent easily.
Pros
  • Consistency of the formula is good.
  • Very shiny and glossy.
  • Long-lasting, even up to 4+ weeks.
  • Affordable and worth the money.
  • Tack-free and ready to go right after curing.
Cons
  • Shine starts dulling after 2-3 days.
  • Brush has uneven filaments.
Bottom Line
This gel top coat is a great option for those looking for a shiny and long-lasting finish. However, it may have some issues with durability and consistency during shipping.
Pros
  • Dries quickly
  • Long-lasting
  • Shiny finish
  • Easy to apply
  • Wide brush
Cons
  • Tip wear after a few days
  • May peel off
Bottom Line
Essie Gel Couture Top Coat is a quick-drying, long-lasting, and shiny top coat that is easy to apply with a wide brush. It doesn't require a gel lamp and comes in a nice variety of colors. However, it may cause tip wear and shrinkage on tips, and may peel off. It doesn't make nail polish last longer.
Pros
  • Dries quickly
  • Provides a shiny finish
  • No UV or LED light required
  • Lasts long
  • Makes nails look salon-quality
Cons
  • Contains harmful ingredients
  • Peels off easily
Bottom Line
Seche Vive Gel Top Coat is a quick-drying, shiny top coat that provides a salon-quality look to nails. It works well with nail stickers and provides a thick, shiny finish. However, it contains harmful ingredients and may peel off easily.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Top Coat Nail Polish: Best Brands, Types, Features, and Tips

Overview

A top coat nail polish is an essential part of every manicure routine. It helps protect your nails from chipping, adds shine and prolongs the life of your nail polish. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. In this buying guide, we will cover the best brands, types, key considerations, features, prices, tips, and FAQs to help you find the perfect top coat nail polish.

Types

1. Clear Top Coat Nail Polish: The most common type of top coat nail polish that adds shine and protection to your nails.

2. Quick Dry Top Coat Nail Polish: Dries quickly and helps speed up the manicure process.

3. Gel Top Coat Nail Polish: Provides a long-lasting, high-shine finish that resembles a gel manicure.

4. Matte Top Coat Nail Polish: Gives a matte finish to your nails, perfect for a subtle and elegant look.

5. High Shine Top Coat Nail Polish: Provides an ultra-glossy finish to your nails, perfect for a bold and statement-making look.

Key Considerations

1. Drying Time: Consider the drying time of the top coat nail polish, especially if you are always on the go.

2. Longevity: Look for a top coat nail polish that will last for a long time without chipping or peeling.

3. Formula: Check the formula of the top coat nail polish to ensure it is free of harmful chemicals that may damage your nails.

4. Compatibility: Make sure the top coat nail polish is compatible with the nail polish you are using.

Features

1. UV Protection: Some top coat nail polishes offer UV protection, which helps prevent discoloration and damage caused by sunlight.

2. Strengthening: Some top coat nail polishes contain strengthening agents that help prevent breakage and promote healthy nails.

3. Smoothing: Some top coat nail polishes have smoothing agents that help even out the surface of your nails for a flawless finish.

Prices

Top coat nail polishes range from $5 to $30, depending on the brand, type, and features.

Tips

1. Apply the top coat nail polish to dry nails for the best results.

2. Apply a thin layer of top coat nail polish to avoid smudging or bubbling.

3. Use a high-quality top coat nail polish for a long-lasting, glossy finish.

4. Seal the edges of your nails with the top coat nail polish to prevent chipping.

FAQs

1. Can I use a top coat nail polish as a base coat? No, a top coat nail polish is designed to be applied on top of the nail polish to provide protection and shine.

2. How often should I apply a top coat nail polish? It depends on your lifestyle and the type of top coat nail polish you are using. In general, you can apply a top coat nail polish every 2-3 days to maintain the shine and protection of your manicure.

3. How long does a top coat nail polish last? It varies depending on the brand and type of top coat nail polish. In general, a high-quality top coat nail polish can last up to 7-10 days without chipping or peeling.

Conclusion:

Choosing the right top coat nail polish is essential to achieving a long-lasting, glossy manicure. Consider the types, key considerations, features, and prices when selecting a top coat nail polish. Follow our tips and FAQs to get the most out of your top coat nail polish and enjoy a flawless manicure every time.

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Provides a smooth and adhesive surface for nail polish.
  • Protects nail polish and makes it last at least a week.
  • Chip-resistant and helps natural nails grow longer.
  • Reliable and fast-drying.
  • Protects natural nails and helps them grow better.
Cons
  • Strong smell and off-gases for days.
  • Old and expired polish with bubbles while drying.
Bottom Line
OPI Base and Top Coats are reliable, chip-resistant, and help natural nails grow longer. However, there are concerns about the strong smell, old and expired polish, and chipping/flaking after 1 day. It is recommended for those who want to do their nails at home and for those who use nail strips.
Pros
  • Dries quickly
  • Provides a shiny finish
  • Helps nail polish last longer
  • Cuts drying time
  • Great for home manicures
Cons
  • May cause bubbles
  • May peel off
Bottom Line
OPI Rapid Dry Top Coat is a great product that dries quickly, provides a shiny finish, and helps nail polish last longer. However, it may cause bubbles, peel off, or get goopy after a few months. Overall, it is a good choice for those who want to save time and do home manicures.
Pros
  • Long-lasting
  • Ultra-shiny finish
  • Dries quickly
  • Doesn't peel off
  • Thick consistency
Cons
  • Sensitive to UV light
  • Thick consistency
Bottom Line
Mia Secret Finish Gel Ultra Shine is a long-lasting, ultra-shiny top coat that dries quickly and doesn't peel off. However, it has a thick consistency and a yellow tint, and is sensitive to UV light.
Pros
  • Affordable price
  • Good quality
  • Durable
  • Easy to use
  • Beautiful shine
Cons
  • Top coat can be grainy
  • Base coat can separate
Bottom Line
Beetles gel supplies are an affordable and good quality option for those who want to do their own gel manicures at home. However, users should be aware of potential issues with the top coat being grainy, tacky, and prone to chipping, and the base coat separating.
Pros
  • Leaves a non-sticky glossy finish
  • Easy to use and control
  • Only needs to be cured for 30 seconds
  • Nice gloss finish
  • Truly no wipe once cured fully
Cons
  • Streaky application
  • Not conducive to application of chrome pigment
Bottom Line
Beetles Gel Top Coat is beginner-friendly and leaves a non-sticky glossy finish. It can be used over regular polish and only needs to be cured for 30 seconds. However, it may not be conducive to application of chrome pigment and may cause chemical burns. It is also streaky and doesn't self-level, and may chip after 2 days.
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