Every girl wants to look good and for this she does many different procedures, one of which is manicure. Previously, I had to paint my nails almost every three days, but time does not stand still, and everyone’s favorite gel polish appeared. Thanks to a special base coat, the varnish lasts 2-3 weeks. But here’s the problem: which base is suitable for brittle nails, and which for peeling nails? This article contains a rating of the best bases based on urethane rubber.
What is a base?
This is a coating that is applied for better adhesion of colored gel polish and the nail plate. In addition, this is a kind of protection of the nails from the harmful effects of other materials.
There are only three types of base:
- regular;
- rubber;
- camouflage.
The rubber coating is especially popular, since the rubber strengthens the nail, and the coating itself fits tightly onto the plate and facilitates the leveling process.
Let's consider the rating of quality products that are used as a base coat.
Why does gel polish chip at the tips of my nails?
Base and top coats can be flexible or hard. This criterion affects the wearability of the coating, since the wrong combination of base and top can lead to cracking and chipping. Let's take a closer look at why this happens.
As we already said in the article “Base for gel polish - which is better?” Elastic bases are great for soft, thin nails. Such nails are movable, and the elastic base “moves” with them. When covering a soft, elastic base with a hard top, the following effect is obtained: under a layer of thin, fragile glass, we put a material that pulls this glass in different directions. As a result, the hard top cracks. Therefore, an elastic top must be applied to the elastic base.
At the same time, you can apply an elastic top to a hard base!
How to determine the hardness of a top? You can do the following: apply a small drop or strip of topcoat to the surface of a transparent plastic bag and let it polymerize in a lamp. If after polymerization the drop (strip) bends, it means you have an elastic top in your hands. If you can’t bend the drop and it cracks, then the top is hard. The same rule applies to base coats.
What are other causes of cracking?
- The elastic properties of the top were “burnt out” because the top layer was too dry in the lamp;
- The nail “walks” because too thin layers of elastic base and top were placed on it.
Top 4 rubber bases for brittle nails in 2022
Bluesky Rubber Base
1 place
The product is easy to apply with a flexible brush, does not flow under the cuticle and perfectly self-levels along the nail plate.
| Options | Characteristic |
| Volume | 10 ml |
| Consistency | thick |
| Polymerization time | UV – 2 minutes; LED – 1 minute. |
| average price | 100 rub. |
Bluesky Rubber Base
Advantages:
- does not spread;
- economical consumption;
- versatility (combinable with all types of gel polishes);
- price.
Flaws:
- Strong smell;
- lack of vitamins in the composition.
A Chinese-made product that is evenly distributed over the nail plate. The ductility of the product allows you to fill all the cracks. Some masters use the coating as an independent strengthening for brittle nails.
Uno Lux Rubber Base
2nd place
The coating adheres well to the plate and does not require prior application of a primer. Craftsmen fell in love with “Uno Lux” because it is easy to apply, hides all defects and does not cause peeling.
| Options | Characteristic |
| Volume | 15 ml |
| Consistency | moderate viscosity |
| Polymerization time | UV – 2 minutes; LED – 30 seconds. |
| average price | 690 rub. |
Uno Lux Rubber Base
Advantages:
- no bubbles;
- durability;
- the smell does not “hit” the nose;
- no detachments from the edge;
- ergonomic elastic brush.
Flaws:
- difficult to remove when soaked;
- price.
This product is classified as a hypoallergenic base coat. Allergies, of course, can occur in a few, but this material in most cases reduces the likelihood of an allergic reaction in people.
Impuls kauchuk Base Liquid
3rd place
The unique coating does not sag, even keeps the unfortunate corners in a square shape. For brittle nail plates, it is recommended to also use acrylic powder for greater strength.
| Options | Characteristic |
| Volume | 12 ml |
| Consistency | medium viscosity |
| Polymerization time | UV – 2 minutes; LED – 30 seconds. |
| average price | 590 rub. |
Impuls kauchuk Base Liquid
Advantages:
- medium viscosity;
- faint odor;
- non-conflicting, works well with other colors;
- comfortable brush for use;
- self-leveling consistency;
- no bubbles.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
A slightly acidic coating is suitable for brittle nails. This product levels well, no special effort is required; but it looks natural, and the nail does not look like a “pie”.
Premiere
4th place
Self-leveling base, evenly covers the nail plate, does not flow under the cuticle. The coating remains durable for 3 weeks without chipping.
| Options | Characteristic |
| Volume | 8 ml |
| Consistency | thick |
| Polymerization time | UV – 2 minutes; LED – 30 seconds. |
| average price | 200 rub. |
Premiere gel base
Advantages:
- The brush is easy to use, no lint gets in;
- no nasty chemical smell;
- budget;
- economical consumption;
- easy application;
- persistent.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
The coating lays down in an even layer, hiding any unevenness, hardens firmly and strengthens the plate.
Brittle nails are the most common problem for most girls. It is very difficult to grow the desired length with such features or to go through at least a week with a “whole” manicure. Special bases for brittle nails come to the rescue. Manufacturers make a hard, glass coating that does not bend, which ensures longer wear of the varnish.
Leaders among matte topcoats
Top Gel Polish Velvet by ADRICOCO
This matte sealer applies without forming a dispersion layer and provides a soft corduroy effect. It radically transforms the appearance of the colored coating, making it softer and more mysterious. Combines amazingly with a glossy finish, creating an interesting play of contrasts. It is easy to work with, even for beginners. The protective characteristics of this finish are not inferior to its aesthetic qualities and ensure its confident inclusion in our rating.
Matte Top Gel from Grattol Professional
This velor finish with a sticky layer is flawless in all respects:
- creates a charming satin effect;
- has optimal density;
- thinly and evenly applied to nails;
- does not flow onto the cuticle;
- Suitable for full nail coverage and for creating accents;
- securely fixes volumetric decor;
- suitable for working with flakes, pigments, rubs and other types of dry decor;
- polymerizes quickly in a lamp;
- increases the strength and durability of gel coatings;
- protects them from damage;
- maintains lightness, elasticity and flexibility of manicure;
- can be removed without any problems.
Top Gel Polish Velvet from TNL Professional
This finish creates a long-lasting velvet coating that protects the design from damage and stays firmly on the nails for up to 4 weeks. It is applied without a sticky layer, easily and economically. A dense and flexible brush allows you to evenly distribute the material over the surface, and a fairly thick consistency makes it possible to smooth out the unevenness of previous layers.
Once applied, Velvet topcoat creates a beautiful effect and visually softens the design. Its protective properties are also impeccable, and removal does not require lengthy filing. The harmless composition allows you to apply such products even to sensitive and weak nails.
In addition to matte tops with a corduroy effect, other TNL Professional finishes are also popular, including the Smuzi series fixers. They contain glitter of different sizes and colors, allowing you to create interesting designs.
Matte Top Patrisa Nail
The matte top coat for Patrisa Nail gel polish has an optimal consistency and a flawlessly working formula without a sticky layer. This finish is applied thinly and evenly over the color coating, creating a transparent matte protection with a refined satin effect. The finishing layer it creates not only looks luxurious, but also confidently protects the manicure from any damage. In addition to gel polishes, it can be applied to gels and bio-gels.
Velvet Top Coat by UNO Lux
Another wonderful finish with a velvet effect. It does not have a sticky layer, is applied thinly and uniformly to the surface, giving the design an exquisite matte and pleasant silkiness. Its protective characteristics are also excellent: the manicure retains its integrity, color saturation and pristine beauty for up to 4 weeks!
Top – 4 rubber bases for soft and thin nails
Kodi Rubber Base
1 place
Due to its thickness, the material does not flow under the cuticle and does not spread over the side rollers if you work with it for a long time. In addition, it can also be used in design: reliable fixation of any rhinestones of various sizes.
| Options | Characteristic |
| Volume | 8, 12, 35 ml |
| Consistency | thick |
| Polymerization time | UV – 2 minutes; LED – 30 seconds. |
| average price | 600 rub. |
Kodi Rubber Base
Advantages:
- smooth cut on the brush;
- there is a choice of the required bottle volume;
- no pungent odor;
- economical consumption;
- increased adhesion.
Flaws:
- It bakes a lot during polymerization.
A good remedy. Just one layer is enough for the nail to become harder, stronger like glass. It is very important that after removal the plate looks healthy and not dried out. Please note: the coating has a sticky layer.
Bloom Rubber Base
2nd place
Suitable for both professionals and beginners, since due to the thickness there are no streaks, you can easily smooth everything out with a thin brush. Can be used as a primer when using hard gels.
| Options | Characteristic |
| Volume | 15 ml |
| Consistency | moderate viscosity |
| Polymerization time | UV – 2 minutes; LED – 1 minute. |
| average price | 390 rub. |
Bloom Rubber Base
Advantages:
- plastic;
- efficiency;
- durability;
- price;
- easy to apply;
- no chips.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
The Russian-made material holds firmly even on the thinnest nails. It can be used to repair the length of the nail plate (extension), and the product also strengthens, makes the nail tougher and evens out well.
Nano Professional NANLAC GUM
3rd place
The material does not flow from the brush when applied, it is very convenient to distribute over the nail plate. It is also very easy to create the right highlights due to its self-leveling ability.
| Options | Characteristic |
| Volume | 15 ml |
| Consistency | very thick |
| Polymerization time | UV – 2 minutes; LED – 30 seconds. |
| Average price: | 1000 rub. |
Nano Professional NANLAC GUM
Advantages:
- elasticity;
- acid-free;
- easy to distribute;
- a short brush that is convenient to use;
- harmless;
- you can extend the nail;
- self-leveling.
Flaws:
- price.
The German product is particularly durable. It seems to stick tightly to the nail, there are no chips, no detachments, not even shrinkage. The brand even has a whole system designed for soft and thin nail plates (bonder, primer, base).
Rio Profi Rubber
4th place
In addition to the transparent coating, the manufacturer also produces several camouflage colors.
| Options | Characteristic |
| Volume | 15 ml |
| Consistency | very thick |
| Polymerization time | UV – 2 minutes; LED – 30 seconds. |
| average price | 300 rub. |
Rio Profi Rubber
Advantages:
- brush;
- durability;
- versatility;
- price.
Flaws:
- on some nails it shrinks after a couple of 2-3 weeks;
- difficult for beginners to work with;
- small bottle.
The product hides absolutely all the irregularities on the nail; applying it is not at all difficult due to its excessive thickness.
All coatings in the rating serve as a strong reinforcement for soft, thin and bending nails.
Which is better: with or without a sticky layer?
There is a lot of controversy about the effect of stickiness on the durability of a coating. In fact, the choice should be based on the condition of the nails and the materials used in the design. For example:
- If you are lucky and your nails are strong enough without any additional procedures, then you can save money and use a topcoat without a sticky layer: it will not chip or crack.
- If your nails are brittle, then a sticky top is recommended: it is more elastic and softer, and therefore more resistant to mechanical stress.
- When using rhinestones, bouillons, Pixie crystals and other small details in nail decoration, it is better to give preference to a topcoat without dispersion, since the sticky layer will be difficult to remove with a napkin without leaving lint on them.
- If you are making a three-dimensional design, then apply a topcoat with a sticky layer before creating a 3D design - this way it will stick better. Whether to cover the volume itself or not is all at your own peril and risk, but if you do this, then use a very thin layer and also finish with a dispersion layer.
In some cases, when removing the stickiness, the top may slightly lose its shine - pay attention to this when choosing a brand.
Top – 2 rubber bases for normal nails
Olea Nail Rubber Base Premium
1 place
One of the few bases that does not smell of toxic chemicals, the smell is unobtrusive and pleasant.
| Options | Characteristic |
| Volume | 15 ml |
| Consistency | low viscosity |
| Polymerization time | UV – 2 minutes; LED – 30 seconds. |
| Average price: | 500 rub. |
Olea Nail Rubber Base Premium
Advantages:
- easy-to-use brush;
- pleasant aroma;
- keeps corners square;
- durability;
- price;
- quality.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
The products of the Russian manufacturer (but the raw materials are produced in Germany) are of very high quality. But beginners should wait to use it, as the material spreads quickly.
Fiore Gel Polish Rubber Base Coat
2nd place
A good option for normal nails, it is also suitable for those with overly sensitive nails, but without other damage. The material can also be used for design: it firmly holds all decorations of any size, except for the overly bulky ones, of course.
| Options | Characteristic |
| Volume | 8, 12 ml |
| Consistency | moderate viscosity |
| Polymerization time | UV – 2 minutes; LED – 30 seconds. |
| Average price: | 400 rub. |
Fiore Gel Polish Rubber Base Coat
Advantages:
- price;
- elasticity;
- long wear;
- no bubbles during application;
- does not spread prematurely.
Flaws:
Not detected.
There are two ways to use this product: it can be applied in a layer, provided that a primer is used, or applied in two layers without a primer. It will last for the same long time (3-4 weeks). After application, the nails look natural without a yellow tint, but in a lamp, for example, it may seem that the product still gives off a yellowish tint (this will disappear after polymerization).
Surprisingly, absolutely any base is suitable for normal nails, because you don’t have to additionally strengthen the plate or smooth out the bumpy surface.
Top – 4 rubber bases for damaged nails
Base Gel Polish Rubber (from TNL)
1 place
The composition is completely harmless. Perfectly hides all defects, irregularities and cuts.
| Options | Characteristic |
| Volume | 7.15 ml |
| Consistency | thick |
| Polymerization time | UV – 3 minutes; LED – 60 seconds. |
| average price | 300 rub. |
Base Gel Polish Rubber (from TNL)
Advantages:
- easy to operate;
- budget;
- elastic brush;
- durability;
- quality;
- even a beginner can handle it.
Flaws:
- may begin to bubble;
- causes a burning sensation in an ultraviolet lamp;
- take a long time to remove using a solution.
Pliable material, does not spread, is easy to apply and level. Strengthens damaged nails, does not harm them and lasts for a long time without peeling.
Diva Rubber Base
2nd place
The material is comfortable to work with; it will never flow where it is not needed. Lumps and irregularities are hidden by the product itself in a matter of seconds. The master can only slightly correct some defects with a thin brush.
| Options | Characteristic |
| Volume | 15, 30, 50 ml |
| Consistency | moderate viscosity |
| Polymerization time | UV – 2 minutes; LED – 30 – 60 seconds. |
| average price | 700 rub. |
Diva Rubber Base
Advantages:
- durability;
- obedient;
- easy to apply;
- with self-leveling effect;
- does not harm;
- smooth highlights;
- no detachments;
- soft brush with an even cut.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
Experts recommend applying this product in two layers for better durability. In addition, many note that no one has yet had an allergic reaction.
In`Garden Rubber Ideal Nails
3rd place
In`Garden helps create a perfectly smooth surface and a beautiful, correct highlight. In addition to transparent colors, the brand offers two more camouflage colors: beige and pink.
| Options | Characteristic |
| Volume | 11.30 ml |
| Consistency | thick |
| Polymerization time | UV – 1 minute; LED – 30-60 seconds. |
| average price | 600 rub. |
In`Garden Rubber Ideal Nails
Advantages:
- strengthens;
- no bubbles;
- does not burn;
- durability;
- versatility;
- does not spread;
- economical consumption;
- there is no sharp specific smell of chemicals;
- natural composition.
Flaws:
- None.
The base has good adhesion to the natural nail and does not conflict with gel polishes from other companies. After removal, the plate looks strong, healthy and well-groomed.
Damaged nails require especially careful attention, since in addition to the base, they also need other compounds as strengthening that will maximally protect the plate from the harmful effects of varnish.
Top – 3 rubber bases for peeling nails
Masura Basic
1 place
The coating does not conflict with other gel polishes, lays down evenly, and hides all defects.
| Options | Characteristic |
| Volume | 11.35 ml |
| Consistency | average viscosity |
| Polymerization time | UV – 2 minutes; LED – 30 seconds. |
| average price | 400 rub. |
Masura Basic
Advantages:
- no chips;
- long wear;
- self-leveling effect;
- no shrinkage (even when worn for more than 4 weeks);
- does not become covered with cracks;
- durability (longer than usual);
- faint odor;
- does not bubble;
- no sticky layer.
Flaws:
- None.
Masters claim that Masura lasts for a long time even without first applying a primer. The product can also be used as a stand-alone coating due to its light beige tone.
Runail Elastic Rubber Base
2nd place
The material has a fairly elastic structure, perfectly hides all defects and provides protection from further delamination.
| Options | Characteristic |
| Volume | 10 ml |
| Consistency | thick |
| Polymerization time | UV – 2 minutes; LED – 30 seconds. |
| Average price: | 300 rub. |
Runail Elastic Rubber Base
Advantages:
- ease of application;
- quality;
- price;
- You can increase the corners.
Flaws:
- pungent smell.
The coating is very convenient to work with: it does not spread, it is applied in an even and thin layer (there is no excess volume). In addition, after drying, the coating leaves a sticky layer that can be removed with a regular degreaser.
Which consistency is best?
Finish coatings for gel polish come in different thicknesses - from liquid, like water, to stretchy, like chewing gum. Both extremes are undesirable, because a liquid finish flows behind the cuticle, and a very thick finish thickens the plate too much and complicates the creation of an elegant manicure.
Therefore, the best top coat for gel polish is not too liquid and slightly viscous, creating a thin and durable coating without spreading over the plate. The consistency of the fixative can be determined visually - by how quickly it flows from the brush into the bottle.
