Table of Contents
- 1. OPI Natural Nail Base Coat – Best Overall.
- 2. Start To Finish Base Coat, Top Coat & Strengthener – Best Multi-Tasker.
- 3. Seche Clear Crystal Clear Base Coat – Best Crystal Clear Formula.
- 4. Dermelect Makeover Peptide Infused Ridge Filler Base Coat – Best For Damaged Nails.
- 5. ella+mila All About the Base Ridge-Filler Base Coat – Best Ridge-Filler.
- 6. Smith & Cult Basecoat – Best Vegan.
- 7. Essie Here To Stay Base Coat – Best Drug Store.
- Possible Questions and Answers.
If you literally want your nail polish to last long with a smooth-even finish then you definitely need a base coat. Ok, think about it: You wouldn’t paint a wall without priming it or apply foundation without using moisturizer first, right? A base coat helps the polish stick to your nails more easily. It also creates a barrier that helps protect your nails from the damaging effects of nail polish and prevents staining and peeling and also, it will give your polished nails a more even-smooth texture.
Not only does a base coat prolong the lifespan of your polished nails and also prevents nail stains by acting as s barrier between your nails and polish but also strengthens nail plates as some formulas are infused with active nail-strengthening ingredients to prevent peeling, splitting, and breakage. And, of course also fill up ridges, chips and give the nails a smoother looking appearance. You wouldn’t want your polished nails looking like it just went through a bad manicure session right?.
Infact, you don’t need to go to a salon and spend tons of money to get the perfect manicure or pedicure. You just need a base coat. Having said that, after a thorough and independent research we’ve chosen the best base coats worthy for the job.
1. OPI Natural Nail Base Coat – Best Overall.
Give your nail polish a fresh, smooth base
and prevents staining of natural nails and promotes a long-lasting manicure using this award-winning formula which glides on smoothly for a sheer, clean look — giving your polished nails a bright glossy finish.
Pros
- Dries quickly.
- Formaldehyde-free.
- Contains no-nail toxic chemicals.
Cons
- None.
2. Start To Finish Base Coat, Top Coat & Strengthener – Best Multi-Tasker.
A 3-in-1 formula. This Formaldehyde-free formula combines natural nail-strengthening ingredients to strengthen nails plates with long-lasting base coat to help the polish stick to your nail more easily and top coats to create a barrier surface preventing chipping of the nail polish and giving it a gloss-shine look.
Pros
- Dries quickly
- 3-in-1 formula.
- Nicely packaged.
- Formaldehyde-free.
- Contains no-nail toxic chemicals.
Cons
- None.
3. Seche Clear Crystal Clear Base Coat – Best Crystal Clear Formula.
Prefer a crystal clear base coat instead? Then this should be your favorite. This dollar-worthy and award winning formula will take your manicure and pedicure to the next level, prevent chipped nail polish, give your nails a glossy finish and protect your nails from long-term polish discoloration.
Pros
- Dries quickly.
- Formaldehyde-free.
- Contains no harmful substances.
Cons
- None.
ALSO READ: We Love These Nail Clippers & You’ll Definitely Love Them Too.
4. Dermelect Makeover Peptide Infused Ridge Filler Base Coat – Best For Damaged Nails.
A repair formula, best suitable for dry, brittle, peeling and damaged nails. Infused with protein peptides to feed your damaged nails with collagen-rich diet, strengthen weak nails, restore lost moisture to repair brittle nails and help promote nail health and growth while it fills ridges leaving your polished nails with a flexible, smooth, glossy-finish.
Pros
- Ridge-filler.
- Formaldehyde-free.
- Contains no harmful substances.
Cons
- Takes a little longer to dry.
5. ella+mila All About the Base Ridge-Filler Base Coat – Best Ridge-Filler.
Smooth out unsightly ridges and smooth out bumps that can ruin the look of your manicure using this 7-free formula. With just two coats applied on each nails will leave your polished nails with a glossy-bright smooth finish and lasting longer.
Pros
- Ridge-filler.
- 7-free formula.
- Formaldehyde-free.
- Contains no harmful chemicals.
Cons
- Takes a little longer to dry.
6. Smith & Cult Basecoat – Best Vegan.
Vegans!! This is for you.
Perfect your manicure with a smooth, flawless coverage while applying your nail polish. This 8-free formula leaves your nails with gorgeous and vibrant coat of polish — protects your nail from stains and ensures smooth coverage and long-lasting wear.
Pros
- Vegan.
- 8-free formula.
- Formaldehyde-free.
- Contains no-nail toxic chemicals.
Cons
- May take a little longer to dry.
- Quite pricey (but worths your money).
7. Essie Here To Stay Base Coat – Best Drug Store.
A reputable brand and also one of the best base coats is now widely available in drugstores. With color-adhesive technology to protect nails from staining, and perfect your manicure with a smooth-glossy finish.
Pros
- Dries quickly.
- Formaldehyde-free.
- Contains no-nail toxic chemicals.
Cons
- Strong odor.
Possible Questions and Answers.
Q: How do i make my base coat dry faster?.
A: For slower-drying base coats, simply dip your finger nails in a bowl of cold or ice water to quicken the drying process.
Q: How many coats of base coat do i need to apply prior to applying nail polish?.
A: Two coats on each finger nails is ideal.
Q: Must i allow base coat to dry before applying polish?.
A: Yes, base coat must dry before applying your nail polish for a smooth-even finish. You need to wait 2 full minutes (for base coat to dry) prior to polishing.
UP NEXT: Here’s How To Apply Your Nail Polish Like A Pro.
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