Rubber bases for gel polish. Which nails should you choose?

Since gel polish conquered absolutely all manicure lovers, coating technology continues to improve. For a long time now, everyone has heard such names as rubber base and rubber top, but not everyone knows how they differ from the usual one. In this article, I propose to understand in detail all the nuances of the rubber base and will definitely do a similar review in the future for the top.

A rubber base is the same base that is applied under a colored gel polish coating in a three-phase system, but it has a number of distinctive properties and advantages over the usual one. Its composition includes, as you might guess, rubber, which makes it thicker. Actually, thanks to this, it acquires those very distinctive features:

• Simplifies the process of straightening the nail plate. This is especially useful for nails with tubercles, waves and other defects. The base fills the recesses evenly and makes further work much easier.
• More convenient to apply. Since the base is thick, it does not flow onto the side rollers, so you can apply it to four nails at once and then put it in the lamp.
• This base is recommended for brittle and thin nails. Applying a rubber base in two thin layers will significantly strengthen them.
• Rubber has special elasticity, which eliminates the appearance of cracks when the coating is worn for a long time.
• It perfectly protects nails from the coloring pigments of colored gel polish.
• Even though those perfect highlights are created with a top coat, thanks to an even layer of base, this is much easier to do and accessible even to non-professionals.
• The thick base does not shrink at the tips of the nail plate and does not leave bald spots after drying, which is typical for many regular bases when you have to apply a second coat.

As for durability, the bases here are equal: the durable coating lasts up to four weeks. Deviations may vary depending on the manufacturer. The same applies to polymerization time. For an ultraviolet lamp this is usually 2 minutes, and for an LED lamp from 30 to 60 seconds. However, there are also some nuances of working with a rubber base:

• Again, due to its thickness, the liquid tends to bubble. To avoid this, it is recommended to: close the lid tightly after use,
• do not leave the bottle open for a long time,
• take out the brush and put it back without sudden movements so that the bristles do not bend.

How to apply rubber base

I talked about the intricacies of applying and distributing a base with rubber above. And here I would like to talk about the preliminary manipulations to prepare the nail plate for gel polish coating.

They can be divided into stages:

1. Using a file, we even out the shape and length of the nails.
2. Soften, push back and remove the cuticle.
3. We remove the natural shine from nails using a polisher,
4. We use a degreaser or disinfectant.
5. Apply the base for gel polish.

Well, then the nails are usually covered with gel polish, if desired, a drawing is made and covered with a top coat.

Next, I propose to consider all this in practice using the example of several rubber bases I have: UNO, In'garden and Premiere.

Top 5. Louis Philippe Smart Base

Rating (2021): 4.28

12 reviews from resources taken into account: Ozon, IRecommend

The cheapest base Of all the Russian companies, the base from Louis Philippe turned out to be the most affordable in price.

Composed of microfiber Thanks to special fibers in the base, its coating acquires a reinforcing structure - denser, more durable and leveled.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 600 rub.

• Country Russia
• Volume: 15 ml
• Polymerization: 30 sec in LED lamp, 120 sec in UV lamp
• Texture: camouflage, plastic

A medium-thick base coat with a unique composition. In addition to the absence of harmful acids, it contains special microfibers. They provide easy leveling and a smooth protective surface. In terms of characteristics and results, Louis Philippe Smart resembles a hard base for gel polishes, while it has a plastic and not too thick structure. Before applying the product, nails must be degreased; the sticky layer cannot be removed, otherwise the quality of the coating will be significantly reduced. It is also worth considering that the base is suitable for healthy nails. The result on thin, heavily damaged and flexible nail plates may not be the best. For example, there is peeling and a short wear period.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Fast polymerization in LED lamp
• Elastic composition with microfibers
• Does not bake during polymerization
• The texture is easily evened out

• Short wear period
• Not suitable for all nail types
• There may be detachments

Rubber base UNO

Bottle volume – 15 ml.

Country of origin : Hong Kong.

The base has a very thick consistency and dense texture, is viscous and holds a drop well. However, due to its thickness, a lot of material remains on the brush stem, so you need to wipe it thoroughly on all sides in order to apply a thin layer of gel polish.

The brush is flat, made of translucent synthetic bristles and, in my opinion, a little short. It’s not entirely clear to me why they made it so short: it’s unusual in application, and I didn’t notice that it made it any more convenient.

The brush is a little harsh, so when applying gel polish in a thin layer, it leaves streaks. However, due to the self-leveling property, they disappear after some time. Therefore, before placing it in the lamp, I recommend holding the nails in the air for 30 seconds.

Polymerization time in an ultraviolet lamp is 2 minutes, in an LED lamp – 30 seconds. It has residual stickiness, which should not be removed before applying the color coating: it improves the adhesion of materials.

According to the manufacturer, the base does not require a primer and adheres well without it, even on thin and soft nails. Wearing time is from 2 to 4 weeks. Another advantage of the base is that it is based on a soluble formula, thanks to which the gel polish can be easily removed with the product in 5-7 minutes, even without filing!

The best bases for gel polish

The base is the first coating, after the primer, that envelops the nail surface when creating a manicure. The adhesion of colored varnish and the durability of the decor depend on this. A nail base can straighten a crooked nail plate. Lacquer bases, which have a slightly thicker consistency, also allow you to build up and expand the shape. The vast majority of gel nail bases regenerate, nourish and strengthen the nail plate. Compositions of this specific nature are enriched with additional elements that are distinguished not only by restorative, but also by caring, and sometimes even healing properties.

The TOP of the best bases for manicure includes:

Bluesky Rubber Base

This self-leveling base is an ideal product for weak nails that need restoration, thanks to which the manicure will last for many weeks, even on a problematic nail plate. With its help you can strengthen, level, shape and extend your nails by about 2 mm. The rubber base has a dense consistency, and its solid structure and high flexibility make it easy to apply. This is the best base for Bluesky and Gum Gel polishes that protects, increases adhesion and ensures a long lasting beautiful finish.

Pros:

• quite thick;
• makes the color of the varnish more saturated;
• excellent coating durability;
• fits easily;
• does not spread.

Minuses:

• Strong smell;
• uncomfortable brush;
• service life after opening.

Review: “The product best meets my expectations, the nails are well-groomed, long, and have a natural shape. I’ve been getting gel nails from a cosmetologist for five years now and I definitely prefer only this brand.”

TNL Professional Rubber Base Gel Polish

The gel polish base is made by a famous Korean manufacturer. Due to its properties, this product is perfectly absorbed into the surface of the plate and fills its unevenness. It has a gel-like texture, but the base is both rigid and flexible. Using a convenient applicator, the product is applied in an even ball onto the surface, creating an excellent base for coating with the following materials. The balanced composition ensures long-term durability of any coating and prevents chipping and delamination. Ideally restores and strengthens weak and brittle nails.

Pros:

• thick texture;
• long lasting durability;
• does not flow under the cuticle;
• spreads evenly;
• comfortable brush.

Minuses:

• difficult to remove;
• Bubbles may appear during coating.

Review: “The polish holds very well, thanks to this base my nails have become stronger, do not break and have the desired length. Good product at a good price.”

Runail Professional Elastic Rubber Base

The purpose of this base is to thicken and smooth the nail plane. The product provides greater durability of the coating applied to the nails. Guarantees strong adhesion to the next material, smoothes out unevenness and prepares it for the application of a colored gel coating, additionally compacts and protects the nail from external influences. The product can be used alone to strengthen nails, or as a preliminary step before applying gel polish. The base has proven itself well when working with weak, imperfect nails.

Pros:

• high-quality adhesion to materials;
• long service life of manicure;
• makes the colors of varnishes more saturated;
• wide brush;
• doesn't numb.

Minuses:

• Strong smell;
• bakes when drying.

Review: “I tried different tops and bases, but so far runail is the best. During wear, it does not crack or peel off. I've been getting a manicure for 3 weeks. Satisfied with the quality.”

Grattol IQ Rubber Base Gel

The manufacturer offers a base for gel polish with a capacity of 9, 20, 50 ml, which allows it to be used both at home and in the salon. It has a unique hypoallergenic composition that does not seep into the deep pores of the nail plate, without a pungent odor. The consistency is medium thick and does not drip, providing incredible strength and resistance to chipping. The coverage remains even after a warm bath, and not as happens with foundations with low quality indicators. The flat, short brush makes application easy, and the base formula maintains the elasticity of natural nails.

Pros:

• safe ingredients
• bottles with different volumes;
• medium thickness;
• does not spread;
• no pungent odor.

Minuses:

• does not last long on nails;
• takes a long time to dry.

Review: “It’s a good base, I’ve had it for a long time, the consumption is minimal, a little is enough to cover the entire nail. The brush is quite wide and easy to use. Also, gel polishes from different companies stick well to it. Worth a try".

Irisk Rubber Base

This base has a dense texture, designed to give a beautiful shape to flat and deformed nails. It is used not only as a pre-applied base to create a durable coating of colored gel polish, but also separately to strengthen nails. The range also includes a camouflage base for creating a French manicure. The product goes well with the natural plate - lasts up to 4 weeks. The special consistency and convenient brush make application easy; the original formula ensures durability and resistance to chipping, looks natural and helps protect nails from mechanical damage.

Pros:

• bottles with different volumes;
• high-quality coupling;
• long lasting durability;
• comfortable brush;
• optimal texture.

Minuses:

• for beginners it is difficult to apply a thick texture;
• Strong smell.

Review: “I decided to do my own manicure, and chose Irisk as a base and have never regretted it. The coating lasts for 3-4 days, then I cut it off, there were no detachments. I recommend!".

Kodi Rubber Base Gel

The flexible and crack-resistant rubber base is ideal for strengthening the natural nail. Thanks to its density, clients will no longer have problems with nail breakage when applying gel polish. The composition has a unique self-leveling texture and is applied easily and evenly in a dense layer. Provides perfect smoothness of the nail plate. After it dries, a sticky layer appears. The coating stays on natural nails for a long time, maintaining the uniformity and brightness of the color, and protects against the appearance of chips and cracks.

Pros:

• high quality coating;
• good grip;
• lasting effect;
• does not crack;
• uniform application.

Minuses:

• Strong smell;
• sometimes turns yellow.

Review: “First, I want to note that I am not a professional in the field of nails, and I learned how to do the coating myself. The store advised me to buy a Kodi base, top and polishes. Usually after 3 or 4 weeks I remove the old polish, because it grows out too noticeably, but I have the impression that if I didn’t remove it, I would wear it forever, so the durability is excellent, I recommend it!”

Grattol Rubber Base Glitter

The rubber camouflage base goes well with the plate of thin and problematic nails and perfectly eliminates all defects. The result is a completely uniform color and a completely smooth nail surface. Thanks to the innovative formula, the base does not undergo dynamic modification during wear - it does not sag and is ideal for long or curved nails. The product is economical to use, its durability on nails is 3-4 weeks without chipping or cracking. Does not require aggressive preparation of the nail plate. Comes in a stylish bottle with a convenient brush.

Pros:

• beautiful shades;
• good durability;
• does not spread;
• replaces colored gel polish;
• does not crack.

Minuses:

• very thick consistency;
• lays down unevenly.

Review: “I saw attractive bottles with a camouflage base in the store. It has very beautiful shades, I took white and pink with glitter. Difficulties arose during the application process, since I had not worked with such a thick texture before, and it was not possible to apply it evenly. Later I got used to it. The manicure lasts about 3-4 weeks, I’m happy with the quality.”

UNO LED/UV Rubber Base

This is a product with a dense, transparent texture, allowing it to be perfectly and accurately distributed over the entire surface of the nail. The product is affordable, and due to its popularity, it can be purchased in most stores. The foundation is recommended for women who struggle with the problem of brittle natural nails. Does not cause discomfort or burning when curing in a lamp. Creates the basis for the regeneration and growth of the nail plate, protects from mechanical damage. The ideal consistency is evenly distributed on the surface, does not crack or turn yellow during wear, and allows you to extend the durability of the gel polish.

Pros:

• bright bottle design;
• large volume;
• does not spread;
• good durability;
• economically used.

Minuses:

• smell;
• thick consistency;
• difficult to distribute.

Review: “Really great product, I'm glad I decided to try it. It is very durable, does not peel off, the bottle will last a long time. Next time I’ll buy more.”

KLIO Professional Rubber Base Extra

This base is presented in an extra-thick texture, quite flexible, easy to apply and self-leveling. Thanks to its dense consistency, it is economically consumed. Guarantees strength and resistance to mechanical damage. It is used to work with thin and brittle nails, as well as to strengthen and level the surface, which allows you to create ideal highlights. Experienced professionals use it to lengthen or reconstruct the nail plate. Thanks to its excellent adhesion, it can also be used as a classic base for gel polish.

Pros:

• self-leveling;
• lasts a long time on nails;
• different volumes of bottles;
• economically used;
• elastic.

Minuses:

• bakes when dried in a lamp;
• gives off a yellow tint after drying.

Review: “One of the best databases I've used. The base itself is easily distributed and combines well with products from other manufacturers. I recommend".

Nailor rubber

An acid-free rubber base from a European brand is an indispensable product when creating a manicure. Designed even for very demanding nail plates, it perfectly strengthens, and thanks to its elasticity, it is convenient to work with. The thick consistency prevents the cuticle from flooding, and a special brush makes it easier to apply the polish to the nail plate. The base formula protects and strengthens the natural nail plate and prolongs the durability of the manicure without air bubbles or peeling. When polymerized in a lamp, it does not cause discomfort in the form of burning.

Pros:

• good quality product;
• comfortable brush;
• no toxic odor;
• does not cause burning when drying;
• excellent durability.

Minuses:

• thick;
• difficult to level.

Review: “Varnishes last a long time on this base and are easy to apply. Does not change its color and condition during wear. I don’t regret the money spent.”

Rubber base In'Garden Ideal Nails

You won’t find the words “rubber” on the bottle; it simply says “leveling.”

I have a large 30 ml jar. I do not recommend using the material directly from such a jar; it is better to pour it into an empty one: if you frequently open and wipe the brush on its edges, the base will accumulate there, the lid will begin to open poorly and bubbles will appear in the base. In addition, the lid itself springs back and tends to slam shut, which is inconvenient to use. This volume is, of course, an economical option, but it is worth considering these subtleties.

As for the base itself, it is a little thinner than UNO, but it also holds a drop well and is applied thinly. But, again, I couldn’t evaluate her original brush; I used an ordinary flat one.

This is how the base shines after drying in a lamp:

Top 3. Selfie Safe RUBBER BASE

Rating (2021): 4.60

5 reviews from resources taken into account: Ozon

Best value for money This is a small price to pay for a base coat, given the decent size of the bottle and the texture features.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 1200 rub.

• Country: Korea
• Volume: 50 ml
• Polymerization: 60 sec in LED lamp, 140 sec in UV lamp
• Texture: rubbery, medium

In the Russian market, the base from the Korean company Selfie has not yet become popular. The product is mainly used by manicurists. This is due to the fact that the foundation is only sold in large 50 ml bottles and does not come with a brush. But these are still small disadvantages compared to the advantages of the base coating. Korean cosmetics this time pleased me with good quality. Selfie Safe RUBBER BASE is quite easy to apply, unlike many analogues. The base is ideal for damaged, thin and sensitive nails. It has a medium rubbery, self-leveling texture. It does not flow or thicken during application. Overall, this is one of the best models in terms of price and quality ratio.

Advantages and disadvantages

• With rubber fibers
• Reasonable price
• Self-leveling structure
• Can be used as a primer for hard bases

• No brush
• Little information and reviews
• Volume only 50 ml

Rubber base Premiere

Bottle volume – 8 ml.

I have written a lot about this brand. It is distinguished by its budget price, because of this, some may feel that the quality suffers. Yes, the label on the bottle tends to peel off, but I don’t think that because of this it’s not worthy of attention.

The base here is the thinnest of all in this review, but it is still a little thicker than usual. The brush is flat, synthetic and long. I liked it the most when applying it.

Since I have had this base for a long time, I noticed that it curls up a little and thickens on the brush. Apparently my bottle was not tightly closed. Therefore, take care of your materials and handle them carefully!

Top 4. KLIO Professional Base Latex

Rating (2021): 4.50

10 reviews from resources taken into account: Ozon, Krasotkapro

Professional line Basis has all the characteristics of a professional product. It is durable, does not roll down, aligns itself with the nail and is used by craftsmen to hide defects and add extensions.

For curling nails This base is literally created for girls with curling nails. The company made sure that its texture fits perfectly on nails with such a problem.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 1140 rub.

• Country Russia
• Volume: 15 ml
• Polymerization: 60 sec in LED lamp, 120 sec in UV lamp
• Texture: rubber, plastic

High-quality acid-free base for gel polish from the acclaimed company KLIO. The model fully complies with the parameters of the professional line. It fits well on any type of nails and has a self-leveling texture. After a month of use, there are no chips on the nails, and no shrinkage is observed. A separate plus of the base is its thick plastic consistency. Firstly, it is economical to use. And secondly, it helps to smooth out unevenness and even grow the nail plate. Thirdly, this is the best option for curling nails. Many users are confused by the price of the product, given that the company is Russian. However, after using it for a long time, most agree that it is of adequate quality.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Professional product
• Suitable for extension and repair of nails
• Doesn't chip
• Plastic self-leveling texture

• High price
• Does not apply well to loose nail plates