What is the purpose of the base coat in manicure and tips for choosing bases

What is a base and what is it intended for?

A base coat is a single-color coating (often transparent) that serves as a base for regular or gel polish. This composition is an indispensable material for high-quality manicure; it fits well on the nail, evens out the plate and hides its defects.

Varnish base is available for both regular coating and gel polishes. Often nail service specialists use the base, main polish and top coat of the same brand - almost all manufacturers produce three products for three-phase coating at once. Using a varnish base has the following advantages:

• strengthening the adhesion of the nail to the decorative coating;
• smoothing the surface of the nail, improving modeling;
• strengthening and protection against aggressive varnish components.

When applying nail extensions, the base is considered an essential component that helps bond the nail plate to the material. The base base for acrylic or Poly-gel (a gentle mixture of acrylic and gel) is a transparent, colorless, odorless liquid that is applied to the nail in several layers.

How to choose a base for gel polish?

The selection criteria depend on how strong or fragile the nails are, soft or hard, healthy or flaking. Increased hand humidity or sensitive skin also influence the choice of brand and characteristics.

Consistency

Liquid products are applied faster and heat up less in the lamp, as they do not allow a thick layer to be applied. Thick compositions require longer application, but they are easier to model the correct architecture.

Type

Self-leveling bases are ideal for beginners or when nails do not require restoration. Very thick reinforcing bases for additional extensions require certain working skills. It takes some getting used to using such products. Some bases have a natural shade that covers color defects in the nail.

Compound

Organic monomers provide ideal coating durability. Rubber substitutes provide a thick, rubbery consistency and allow the coating to self-level.

Manufacturer

Technologists convince us that products interact best with each other if you use only one brand of manicure products. Masters often break this rule by choosing gel polishes from different manufacturers, but for reliable results they use the base and top coat of the same company.

The quality of work and the final result directly depend on the application technique. The nail plate must be thoroughly degreased and prepared. The product is applied in two stages:

1. Apply a thin layer using rubbing movements.

2. Alignment.

Types of databases

Coating bases differ in their composition and functions. There are colorless, nude, light pink and colored single-phase foundations. Most of them contain silica gel and polymer - these materials are natural and harmless to health.

Rubber

The most common type of base, which is used to strengthen the nail before applying gel polish or extensions. The rubber included in its composition contributes to a dense and dense structure, which greatly simplifies the process of leveling the nail plate and applying the base layer.

Silicone

This base for varnish not only fits easily onto the nail, compacting its structure, but also allows you to remove the coating in the most gentle way possible. The silicone base usually comes in the form of a nail-shaped sticker that is attached to the plate.

Acrylic

Acrylic base is a synthetic composition, which includes a classic base and acrylic powder. It is usually used for nail extensions and correction. There is a transparent, white or colored base used to give the nail plate strength.

Gel-based (camouflage)

This product often combines top, base and colored gel polish at once. Camouflage coatings are gel-based, which means they have the structure of this material, which makes them easy to apply. At the same time, however, gel-based bases are a single-phase product that stays on the nail much less than the standard combination of top, base and gel polish.

With vitamins

The healing base for gel polish is suitable for brittle and damaged nails and is often used after acrylic extensions. Such formulations are enriched with vitamins E and D to stimulate the natural process of cell restoration and healing of the nail plate.

Water based

This type of base cannot be used for applying gel polishes; it is usually used for regular pigmented polishes. The water-based base does not contain a large number of chemicals; it is suitable for allergy sufferers, pregnant women and children.

Important! Drying of this manicure occurs naturally.

By acidity

According to the acidity of the base there are:

• Acidic;
• Acid-free.

The acidity index determines how high the percentage of methacrylic acid and photoinitiators is in the composition. The more acid, the higher the adhesion or adhesion of the material to the surface of the nail.

Acid bases

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A feature of acid bases is the drying of nails and slight loosening of their surface due to the raising of scales. This provides traction.

pros:

• Provide good adhesion to the natural surface even without a primer;
• The best option for short nails.

Minuses:

• Insufficient strengthening and reinforcing functions;
• The edge of a long nail “walks” under the plastic material;
• They corrode the nail plate due to the high acid content;
• They can affect the pigment saturation of the gel polish, causing the color to fade. Solution: degrease the layer of material before applying gel polish.

Such bases are not suitable for dry and filed nails.

Acid-free basecoats

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Acid-free bases are hard in 70% of cases. They have a low content of acids and photoinitiators. Good adhesion to the natural surface of the nail is ensured by proper preparation before applying the material. To do this, you need to buff it to raise the scales. When working with hard tools, it is important to build the right architecture.

pros:

• Less aggressive effect on nails compared to acidic ones;
• They make it possible to strengthen the nail and extend the free edge if there are chips.

Minuses:

• It is necessary to provide additional adhesion to the natural plate through the use of a primer;
• It is necessary to individually select whether a rigid formula for gel polish is suitable for the client;
• Insoluble by remover in 80% of cases, only sawing off with a file or machine.

About the base coat application technology:

Preparing nails for applying gel polish and leveling with base coats

More details about coating with a base in 2 layers with preparation with a cleaner, degreaser, dehydrator, bond:

Working with the base coat: preparing the nail, applying a base for leveling

Tips for choosing bases for manicure

It’s hard not to get confused in the variety of bases, so experts in the field of nail service recommend adhering to the following rules when choosing a base:

1. Select the base, main color coating and top coat of the same brand, since these products are effective only when used in combination.
2. Give preference to formulations with caring and medicinal components - silk, proteins, vitamins A and E.
3. Pay attention to expiration dates - expired material loses its properties and can harm the condition of the nail plate.
4. For nails with unevenness, it is better to choose a thick base that can perfectly hide all defects.

By consistency

Based on consistency, there are 4 types of base coatings:

• Liquid;
• Average;
• Thick;
• Very thick.

The thicker the base, the longer it will take to self-level and dry in the lamp. To determine the density, pay attention to how long it takes to completely level the surface:

• Liquid, up to 3 sec;
• Medium, 3-5 sec;
• Thick, 5-7 sec;
• Very thick, 7-10 sec.

It will be more convenient for novice craftsmen to work with liquid and medium products, as they are quickly and well distributed over the plate. Thick or very thick ones are chosen by experienced craftsmen who are able to tame the stubborn substance.

The choice is also dictated by the initial architecture of the nail.

• If it already has a curved arched shape, then the thick material will create additional extra volume and bulge. In this situation, it is better to take a formula with a liquid texture in order to distribute the product well over the surface of the plate;
• If the nail is flat and straight, then to build a curved architecture it is better to choose a thick material that holds its shape well and spreads slowly from the center.

Technique for applying base to the nail

Proper application of the nail polish base will give it density and volume. And although every manicurist has his own base coating technique, the basic rules remain the same.

Step 1. Preparing the nail plate.

You should file the edges of the nail with a fine abrasive file and give it the desired shape. You should not use files intended for artificial nails - this can seriously damage the plate. Then it is advisable to push back the cuticle and treat the nail with a buff.

Step 2. Cover the nail with base coat

Before base coat, you need to apply primer to your nails. Next, apply a little base onto the nail with a brush and spread it in a thin layer from the end of the nail to the cuticle. Then add another drop of dense base and go over the entire nail, carefully covering its end. The cuticle and skin around the nail should not be touched; movements should be stroking, light and careful.

Step 3. Drying the base.

This type of coating should be dried in an ultraviolet (1 minute) or LED lamp (no more than 10 seconds). The dried base will have a sticky layer, which is not advisable to remove.

Attention! In order to ensure the quality and uniformity of the coating, you just need to turn your hand over with your palm facing up and evaluate the shape of the nail plate. A correctly applied base will give the nail a glossy, uniform shine.

Coating technology

In order for gel polish to last for a long time, it is important not only to use high-quality materials, but also to follow the technology of their application. There are step-by-step instructions that include the following steps:

1. Cleaning and preparation - removing old manicure, removing cuticles and dead tissue.
2. Removing shine with a buff. It is good to treat the cuticle areas and the edges of the nail plates.
3. Forming the shape of the nail plate according to personal preferences - trim the edges with a file and eliminate external defects.
4. Degreasing each plate.
5. Apply an acid-free primer and then dry it for 30 seconds. This is required for better adhesion of the surface to the base.
6. Cover with the base material in a thin layer, without touching the cuticle and skin.
7. Dry the base under an ultraviolet lamp for 2-3 minutes.

After carrying out the above procedures, you can decorate the nail plates with colored varnishes, attach rhinestones and other decorative elements.

Frequently asked questions from newbies

• Is it possible not to apply it under gel polish?

Standard gel polish requires the application of a base coat - without it, the varnish may peel off on the first day after coating.

• Is it possible to extend nails without a base?

Not possible, since extensions also require a base coat for better adhesion to acrylic or poly-gel.

• Why does my base coat crease?

The reason may be the “shrinkage” of this material after drying, which should not exceed 4%. If the base rolls off strongly at the edges of the nail, this indicates poor quality of the base.

• What is the difference between base and top and primer??

A primer is a liquid product that is used to degrease the nail plate before coating, while the top is a finishing coat that protects the gel polish and gives it shine.

• What is applied first: primer, base and top?

The correct technique involves applying a primer (degreaser) to the plate, a base followed by drying it, gel polish and, last of all, a top coat.

• The base has thickened: what should I do, can I dilute it with something?

It is strictly forbidden to dilute the base coat with acetone or alcohol - this can lead to a chemical burn of the nail plate. You can revive a thickened base by diluting it with an identical composition of the same brand.

• Do I need to degrease my nails after applying base?

No, degreasing is only required before applying the base.

• Why doesn't the base stick to my nails?

Most often, this phenomenon can be associated with incorrect base application technique (poor “baking” of the tip of the nail), but sometimes there is individual incompatibility with a certain brand of base or components in its composition.

• Can I use base and varnish from different brands?

It is possible, but it is necessary to take into account the brand of base and gel polish, since coatings from different companies may not be compatible with each other. In this case, the coating will begin to peel off very quickly.

• Can I use a base instead of a top and a base instead of a top?

This is strictly prohibited; base and top are compositions with radically opposite functions.

• Is it possible to apply base and top without gel polish?

It is theoretically possible, but extremely undesirable - the top and base are used specifically for three-phase coating; without applying gel polish, their use is useless and can damage the nail plate.

• Does primer replace gel polish base?

No, the primer cannot replace the base, since these materials perform radically different functions.

• Can the base be replaced?

The base is designed specifically to adhere the nail to the base coat, so it cannot be replaced with anything.

• Is it possible to strengthen nails with a base?

Yes, most rubber coating bases have reinforcing properties. They must be used carefully, since the nail under this coating does not “breathe”.

• Is it possible to use a gel polish base for gel nail extensions ?

It is not advisable to use a gel polish base for extensions - these bases have different structures and functions, and therefore are not interchangeable.

• Is it possible to apply the base in two layers?

Most bases can be applied in two or three layers, especially those that have a liquid consistency.

• Is it possible to apply rubbing or glitter to the base?

Mirror rubs can be applied to the base without covering the nail with gel polish, however, colored rubs and any other design require careful selection of pigment.

• Is it possible to use a base for a single-phase gel?

It makes no sense to use a base for a single-phase gel - such varnishes do not require its application.

Primer treatment

Now it is recommended to treat the nails with a primer for better adhesion of the base to the nail plate. You can find other names for primers: Nail Prep, bond, superbond, ultrabond, bondex from different manufacturers. Sometimes confusion arises when one brand has both a bond and a primer in its line, and then the bond acts as a dehydrator, and the primer is intended to improve adhesion.

Bond is applied only to natural nail plates. If artificial nail extensions were done before applying gel polish, then there is no need to apply primer to them.

The primer can be acidic or acid-free. Acid-free will be safer and will give the desired effect. The primer is applied only to the tips of the nails, namely the edges and stress areas. There is also no need to apply it to the entire nail plate, otherwise when applying the base it will “float” along it from the edges to the center.

Make sure that the primer does not flow onto the skin when distributed in stress areas. It air dries for 20-60 seconds, and then you can start applying the base. Some primers need to be dried in a lamp, so it is better to study the instructions for the product.

Reputable brands: Fix It, Kodi, Irisk, Ibd, Grattol, Cosmoprofi, Option, Masura, Bluesky, Rio Profi, Patrisa Nail.

Top 10 best bases for gel polish

CND Base Coat

The American brand CND is the first manufacturer of gel polishes, so the base of this brand is considered a reference. The composition goes well with colored coatings and tops from any other companies.

Price: from 1,700 rub.

Pros: convenient brush for application, economical consistency, high quality.

Cons: high cost.

Buy CND Base Coat with delivery throughout the Russian Federation

Beautix UVBase

The base from the French company provides two-week coverage without chipping. The base does not peel off and gives gel polishes excellent wearability.

Price: 870 rub.

Pros: large bottle volume (15 ml), drying can be carried out in UV or LED lamps.

Cons: not suitable for leveling the nail plate.

Buy Beautix UVBase with delivery throughout the Russian Federation

KODI Rubber base

One of the most popular rubber bases from an American manufacturer has a thick structure suitable for creating perfectly smooth nails. Works well with gel polishes of any brand, holds rhinestones, “sugar” and “sand” perfectly. Available in 7, 8 or 12 ml jars. and in bottles without a brush of 14 and 30 ml.

Price: 600 rub.

Pros: availability of different volumes, the ability to dry in any lamp, high quality at a relatively low price.

Cons: uncomfortable brush.

Buy KODI Rubber with delivery throughout the Russian Federation

UNO Rubber Base

A polish base with a special formula for thin and weak nails , does not require prior application of a primer. The soluble formula allows you to remove the base without the use of a file or grinder.

Price: 650 rub.

Pros: suitable for leveling and strengthening, viscous consistency ensures economical consumption.

Cons: during drying, the base can burn, creating an unpleasant sensation.

Buy UNO Rubber Base with delivery throughout the Russian Federation

INGARDEN IDEAL

The Russian brand Ingarden guarantees uniform, blemish-free coverage that can last for three weeks.

Price: 595 rub.

Pros: comfortable brush provides long-lasting coverage.

Cons: not compatible with some types of gel polishes (Kodi and Masura).

Buy In'Garden base with delivery throughout the Russian Federation

Vogue nails

Universal rubber camouflage base for manicure with thick consistency gel polish. The product is compatible with most gel polishes.

Price: 550 rub.

Pros: suitable for creating a French manicure.

Cons: expensive considering the small volume of the bottle (10 ml).

Buy Vogue nails base with delivery throughout the Russian Federation

KLIO Base

The composition of this Russian base combines the qualities of a varnish base and camouflage. The healing properties minimize the negative impact of pigment varnishes on the plate.

Price: 650 rub.

Pros: perfectly strengthens and smoothes nails, compatible with most gel polishes.

Cons: overpriced.

Buy KLIO base with delivery throughout the Russian Federation

Bluesky Rubber Cover

The Chinese brand Bluesky has a thick and dense consistency, while demonstrating excellent wearability.

Price: 320 rub.

Pros: budget price, combination with all brands of base coating.

Cons: short shelf life of 6 months.

Buy Bluesky Rubber with delivery throughout the Russian Federation

Base Lianail SOBS-02

The easily soluble base from a domestic manufacturer has a fluid structure, so it does not peel off and does not weigh down the nails.

Price: 400 rub.

Pros: can be removed either by sawing with a machine or by mechanical soaking.

Disadvantages: for leveling it should be applied in at least two layers.

Buy Lianail base with delivery throughout the Russian Federation

What is the difference between Base and Soft Base?

The main difference between Soft base and the classic Lovely base is its more liquid consistency, which speeds up the process of the master’s work. The base is suitable for normal nail plates, short and medium length, excellent as a base for modeling nails and covering volumetric designs. Suitable for professionals with experience. Features of Soft base Lovely: - improved formula for perfect coverage - allows you to smooth out imperfections in the nail plate the first time - economical to use - protects natural nails from pigmentation - excellent as a base for modeling nails - ensures gel polish durability for up to 5 weeks There are also in 3 camouflage colors: beige, pink and milky. All bases are available in 12 and 50 ml volumes.

Premium group bases

Popular brands of the best bases:

• Beaute des ongles Protective Base Coat (Chanel, France). Convenient brush, quick to apply, not thick - impossible to even out. Does not spread, good adhesion, the varnish lasts a long time, is used economically;

Beaute des ongles Protective Base Coat (Chanel, France)

• Rubber Base (Kodi Professional, USA). Rubber makes nails elastic, strong, and evens out defects well. The thick plastic composition perfectly fills the surface; decor and sliders last a long time on it. Economical consumption, uneven protective coating;

Rubber Base (Kodi Professional, USA)

• Rubber Uno Base rubber (Hong Kong). Ideally strengthens brittle and weak nails, the special formula makes it easy to remove the base if necessary. The base coat for Uno gel polish has a thick viscous structure, so it cannot spread or flake. Firmly fixes any decor and decorations and smoothes the surface well.

Rubber Uno Base rubber (Hong Kong)

Healthy. Hong Kong brand Uno has launched the Uno Color rubber Base. Retaining all the benefits of its base coats, the company offers foundation in 6 natural color shades to better match your skin tone. This allows you to create the most natural manicure possible.

A budget option

Bases at affordable prices:

• Rubber base coat (BLUESKY, China). The rubber base easily and evenly levels the surface, does not spread, is of medium viscosity and density. Strengthens weak nails well, economical consumption, no vitamins, specific smell;

Rubber base coat rubber (BLUESKY, China)

• CND Shellac Base Coat, (USA). Does not contain aggressive substances, such as formaldehyde, hypoallergenic. The formula is suitable for everyone, applies quickly and evenly, nutrients restore the plates;

CND Shellac Base Coat, (USA)

• Base Gel Polish Rubber (TNL, Korea). The rubber base masks defects and unevenness of the coating well, is smooth, and strengthens the plates. It is thick, so it does not separate, it is applied quickly, there are no harmful compounds in the composition, it burns a little in the lamp.

Base Gel Polish Rubber

My manicure assistants, part one: base and top coats

Be careful, there are a lot of photos and text under the cut.
I’ll start with base coats, since I start my manicure with them (meaning applying a decorative/color coating). BOW nail polish Aqua Base Coat

The only base I have that comes in a box! Which, by the way, is better not to open it yourself, but to ask someone else, so as not to break your nails. In fact, it contains all the information - namely the composition, country of origin, method of use and expiration date. The packaging of the base is quite laconic - the bottle is made of durable glass without any unnecessary information that the manufacturer decided to leave on the box. The lid is not very convenient; unscrewing it once, I managed to cut myself. But it is removable, so this injury can still be avoided.

The brush is not too long and wide, but beveled.
I don’t know if this should be the case, but I don’t see this with colored varnishes from this company. Maybe it's a feature of the baseline. The consistency is medium thick, in the bottle it has a pinkish tint, but on the nails the base becomes transparent. The aroma is very weak and quickly disappears from the nails. The base itself is water-based, and according to the manufacturer, it also does not contain microcellulose (this is in addition to the fact that Dance Legend varnishes are big5free). It dries quickly on the nails and significantly extends the durability of the manicure. My color coatings from the same company last on this base (!) for a week. Despite the fact that it is mostly used to enhance the effect of multichromes and holographics, the base is also suitable for ordinary colored varnishes. Volume:

11 ml.
Price:
250 rubles on the official website.
Rating:
5+

Dance Legend Elastic Base

I bought this base when I was looking for a gentle base for varnish when my nails went on strike - the varnish did not stick to my nails at all, the tips rubbed off by the evening, or peeled off along with the top layers of the nails (it should be mentioned that I did not use the base at that time , mainly medicinal coatings). Honestly, at first I didn’t understand her at all: the varnish lay on her in some kind of bald spots, bumps, the whole thing looked simply terrible. Then I just threw it into a corner, without even giving it a chance to apply a second layer of decorative coating. But! Soon I realized what my mistakes were in application and only after “correcting” was I able to appreciate this miracle. So, the bottle is quite weighty and rough to the touch. The only disadvantage of this base is the opacity of its packaging - it is difficult to determine how much product you have left.

The brush is long and thin, the cut is even - it perfectly paints the cuticle line. The consistency is liquid, as if it spreads itself over the nail. The smell is quite strong, but it dissipates quickly. The base performs its functions perfectly: the manicure actually lasts longer than usual - about 4-6 days, and not 1-2 as it was before, before using it. The ends do not rub, the varnish does not chip or crack towards the end of wear. But I think it is necessary to warn that the varnish on the base must be applied quickly, and preferably in two layers, because the first layer can streak. For me personally, this is not a minus, since I always apply the varnish in two thin layers.

Volume:

15 ml.
Price:
5 and a well-deserved place in my heart!
Rating:
250 rubles.

Severina Vinyl Formula Base Ridge Filler Gel Effect

I purchased it “to pair” with the top coat, which I will talk about below. And I honestly admit that she disappointed me a little. The base is packaged in a massive glass bottle with a rubberized cap.

The brush is short, of medium width. The texture is viscous and viscous, but it is distributed evenly over the nail, hiding all the unevenness due to the stated effect. In the bottle the polish has a lilac tint, but on the nails it is invisible. Dries quickly, in about a minute. The smell is like any regular varnish, it disappears when completely dry. I can’t bring myself to say that the base prolongs the durability, because without using a top the polish comes off in chunks, that is, if you pick it up a little, you can simply pull it off the nail. Yes, the surface becomes smooth and the varnish lies on it evenly and without bald spots, but is it worth it for you to “tighten” your manicure by the evening? However, the behavior of the base changes if a top coat is applied.

Volume:

15 ml.
Price:
200 rubles.
Rating:
objectively - 4+, since the base fulfills the declared function of a filler; subjective - 3.

ORLY Bonder Rubberized Basecoat

The sensational but controversial bonder is packaged in a matte bottle with a rubberized cap. It has a watery consistency with a reddish color, which is slightly noticeable on the nail. The base does not protect nails from staining with varnish pigments. It is applied evenly, in a thin layer, and has a “rubbery”, sticky finish (I know, I know that you shouldn’t touch the base with your fingers to avoid peeling and uneven coverage, but my curiosity got the better of me). The colored coating seems to be glued to the base, but (!) provided that it is from the same company. I tried to apply varnishes of other brands to the bonder, but they simply crawled over the nail. Apparently, this was the manufacturers’ idea - for people to use the base only with Orly varnishes. I thought about this too late and I won’t lower my grade for it.

The brush is thin and long - easy to use. The varnish dries quickly, becomes matte, without leaving an unpleasant odor. It does not thicken for a long time in the bottle and does not spoil. It works great with varnishes of the same name, extending durability up to a week. In principle, a worthy product, but for me personally, it is unreasonably overpriced.

Volume:

18 ml.
Price:
495 rubles.
Rating:
4 for painting the nail plate.

NailLook Complete Care 2 in 1 base & top coat 30301 base & top coat

It has always been a mystery to me how manufacturers manage to make a base and top in one bottle. After all, the varnish base is designed to “adhere” only to the nail, the color coating, in turn, is intended to adhere only to the varnish base, well, the top coat “clings” only to the colored varnish, respectively. It turns out that this varnish performs neither the function of a base nor a top. So, the varnish is in a bottle standard for the brand, which is convenient to hold in your hand. The handle is white, unlike the main series varnishes, but still rubberized.

The varnish has a very comfortable, moderately wide brush (one of the reasons why I love varnishes of this brand). The consistency is medium thick, spreads evenly over the nail, dries quickly. Can highlight existing irregularities on the surface of the nails. As a base coat, it doesn’t particularly affect the durability of the manicure; as a top coat, it doesn’t reduce the drying speed of the varnish. I can only note that the varnish gives more gloss. In general, this turned out to be a useless product for me, although I am a big fan of the NailLook brand and have quite a large number of their varnishes in my collection.

Volume:

8.5 ml.
Price:
170 rubles.
Rating:
2+ (plus for gloss).

Now let's move on to top coatings.

OPI Top Coat

I got this little one in a set, but I will definitely be purchasing the full size product once I finish using this one. Well, probably only the lazy have not seen what OPI polishes look like - a large pot-bellied glass bottle with a rough lid. The copy I have is a reduced copy)

The brush is quite wide and transparent, which is convenient for application, but inconvenient for shooting. The varnish itself is liquid, easy to apply, and does not drag on colored varnish. The smell is like other varnishes, but less pronounced. As for longevity, I can say that this top can be classified as “set it on and forget it for a week.” Yes, yes, he is that good! The only downside for me is the length of time it takes to dry (you have to wait a good 20-30 minutes without doing anything with your hands). The varnish gives a beautiful shine to your manicure and prevents chipping and scuffing. For myself, I have learned two rules for the perfect application of this top: 1) you must wait until the colored varnish has completely dried, since if this is not done, small bubbles may appear; 2) you need to put a decent amount of varnish on the brush so that a small drop hangs down, then when “sealing” the ends the varnish will lie flat and neat.

Volume:

3.75 ml.
Price:
about 800 rubles for a set of 4 mini-versions.
Rating:
5 - still takes a long time to dry.

NailLook Miracle Top 30686 Bright Like A Diamond

I ordered this top on the eve of the New Year and with a great desire to shine bright like a diamond. The packaging has already been described above, this one differs only in the color of the handle.

The brush, again, is standard for the brand, the cut is even, nothing bristles. The dryer itself is a clear liquid with glitter at the bottom. When shaken, these particles mix with the liquid and turn into unicorn tears in an incredibly beautiful coating. Drying has a pungent odor, characteristic of most products aimed at accelerating the drying of the varnish coating. Due to its liquid texture, the top spreads easily over the nail and the polish actually dries faster. The glitter is so small that the finished manicure does not turn out “rough”. The top doesn't add durability, but that's not what it's aimed at. And this is what this miracle looks like in a mixed state, in the sun.

Swatches (decorative coating):

Volume:

8.5 ml
Price:
170 rubles.
Rating:
5.

NailLook Trends Miracle Top Matte Top Coat 30683 Velvet Matte Top Coat

The top was purchased because I did not want to spend money on matte varnishes separately - my inner toad can be calm. The same bottle with a rubberized handle, but made of frosted glass, imitating the coating itself.

The consistency is thick, opaque. It is better to apply the top in a thin layer, otherwise you risk getting the effect of plasticine nails. The varnish dries quickly, does not distort colors or make them dull. But I noticed one strange thing - I didn’t notice any chips after using it, but the ends begin to rub off quite quickly, for which I’m deducting half a point. Overall, I think that if you want something new, but don't want to give up your favorite glossy polish color, then this polish is a godsend, especially for the price. Swatches:

Volume:

8.5 ml.
Price:
150 rubles.
Rating:
5-.

Severina Vinyl Formula Glossy Top Coat Gel Effect

Unlike the base mentioned above, this polish has been my “must have” for a long time. I love it immensely and am already eager to buy a couple in reserve. The packaging is still the same - a large glass bottle with a comfortable handle and brush.

It was this polish that saved me from the desire to try gel polishes! The consistency is very thick, gel-like, due to this the consumption is not very economical. The top prolongs the life of the manicure - varnishes that lasted 2-3 days last a week or more with it. The nail visually looks thicker, coupled with the crazy gloss, the manicure looks like it came from a salon every day. Plus, it performs a drying function, although this is not stated by the manufacturer, which is undoubtedly a plus. It does not pull colored varnish along with it, even if you have not dried it well; does not smudge anything (including slider designs). You can see how this top transforms matte polishes here and here.

Volume:

15 ml.
Price:
200 rubles.
Rating:
5++ Highly recommend!

Super Drying Dance Legend Go Fast

I bought what was stated, but it left me with a very mixed impression. I cannot agree that it dries very quickly - the coating dries on top, but does not dry out on the inside. That is, you have to sit for 10 minutes, trying not to touch anything with your hands. But on the other hand, the gloss after it is like that of a full-fledged, separately directed topcoat. So, the bottle of the polish is very stylish - black and gold; the shape is familiar to DL.

Still the same standard, moderately wide brush, which for me is one of the most convenient to use. The smell is strong, but it doesn't last long. The consistency is not thick, but not thin like water. When applied to the nail, the dryer does not dry instantly, so there is time for even distribution. The previous layer of varnish will not stick with itself, but if you have poorly dried, so-called “layer cake” nails, then the drying may begin to bubble. If you apply colored varnish in a thin layer, it will do a great job and will also give it a beautiful gloss. The durability of the manicure is extended for a couple of days. Drying copes with its direct task if you dance a little, just a little, around it with tambourines.

Volume:

15 ml.
Price:
250 rubles.
Rating:
solid 4.

Dance Legend Binary Top Coat

Another favorite of mine. The decisive factor when purchasing it were the words “+ 3 days of durability and shine,” and the fact that it is suitable for all types of varnish, and not just for representatives of the collection of the same name. I have never regretted this purchase! The packaging is a black and white weighty bottle that is pleasant to hold in your hand.

According to the manufacturer, thanks to the monomers and photoinitiators contained in the composition, the coating becomes more durable when exposed to sunlight. I applied the top coat to the completely dry polish and just put it in the sun to check if this was true and I was pleasantly surprised. I don’t know whether it was my self-hypnosis or the top coat itself that worked, but I felt a subtle tingling sensation in my nails, similar to what is felt when using a gel polish lamp. Having touched the nail with my finger, there were no dents or traces of my intervention left on it, despite the fact that I only kept my nails under the sun for a couple of minutes. But that's not all - the varnish has a thick texture, due to which it completely “envelops” the nail, as if sealing it. The gloss is beautiful, it does not fade over time and does not become “dirty”, you know what I mean? The varnish covers all the unevenness and sagging on the nails, creating the effect of a gel manicure. It dries, as I already said, very quickly even without “solar intervention”. Durability deserves special attention: it happened that I had a manicure without chips or cracks for a week, but most often after 4-5 days I get bored and repaint my nails. By the time the polish is removed, there are not even worn ends on the nails (if you seal the end).

Volume:

15 ml.
Price:
250 rubles.
Rating:
5+.

Do you have any absolute favorites among bases and tops?

I'm Masha, on a first-name basis with me. Thank you for stopping by and reading to the end!

Increase

Bases with additives

Let's note the brands offering the following compositions:

• Beaute des ongles (Chanel, France). Special formula with anti-yellowing function, camellia oil for strengthening, does not cause yellowing from varnishes, suitable for permanent use;

Beaute des ongles (Chanel, France)

• All in one base (Essie, USA). It is used at all three stages - as a base, finish and gel polish. Dries quickly, strengthens and restores tissue. The composition contains argan oil, as well as vitamin A;

All in one base (Essie, USA)

• Vitamin Base Coat (Kapous Lagel, Italy). It contains vitamins B5 and E, retains its properties for a long time, makes nails strong and elastic. Does not spread, levels the plates well with the help of vitamin B5, thin but durable coating.

But what about the healing effect?

It is worth special mentioning protective bases with a “healing” effect. According to manufacturers, they can be moisturizing, nourishing, strengthening, and contain various beneficial substances, vitamins and microelements. And, of course, they are absolutely necessary for problem nails.

In fact, not a single cosmetic product can significantly improve the condition of nails. It is almost impossible to accelerate the growth, strengthen and improve the health of nails with their help. Only three factors can influence the condition and health of nails - genetics, general health and hormonal stability. The shape and length of the nail bed, the rate of nail growth and their strength are initially determined at the genetic level, and it is unlikely that it will be possible to change anything radically. Proper nutrition, taking vitamins and microelements will help to improve and strengthen them a little. Hormonal levels are also important - the more stable it is, the stronger and healthier your nails are.

Some “medicinal” bases may also be positioned by manufacturers as stimulants that accelerate nail growth, and in this case, they are not recommended for use for more than two weeks. Over time, such a base is replaced with a regular one.

From the use of such products, nails actually begin to grow much faster than usual. Most often, this occurs due to the formaldehyde they contain, a highly toxic toxic substance. Penetrating deep into the structure of the nail plate, it forces the keratin scales to renew themselves again and again, making them denser and harder.

Formaldehyde is a highly toxic, colorless gas with a pungent odor. Negatively affects the reproductive organs, respiratory tract, eyes, and skin. Has a strong effect on the central nervous system. The permissible amount of formaldehyde as a preservative is no more than 0.1% in cosmetic products intended for the oral cavity, and no more than 0.2% in other cosmetics.

The resulting effect is impressive. Unfortunately, it is temporary. In the future, the condition of the nails gradually deteriorates, they become fragile and brittle. Often, they begin to peel off from the bed in places - onycholysis develops. As a result, instead of the expected therapeutic effect, you can get seriously injured nails.

However, there are also benefits from certain types of “therapeutic” bases. Under the protection of the base coat, nails are less likely to break, and the length of the free edge increases every day. As a result, it seems that nails covered with a base grow faster than without it. Although, in fact, the speed of their growth remains unchanged, and the effect is manifested only in the fact that you have to file and shorten the length less often due to an unexpectedly cracked corner or broken off tip.