Now on the shelves of cosmetic stores you can find dozens of a wide variety of nail bases from a variety of manufacturers. It is on the transparent base that the colored varnish is applied, and then the topcoat. It protects the nail plate from the harmful effects of the polymer material, smoothes and strengthens it, and also saves it from staining and yellowing. It also ensures strong adhesion of the nail to the artificial material, which avoids chipping and cracking.
The base is applied to a thoroughly cleaned and degreased surface in a thin, even layer. Thanks to its self-leveling property, the high-quality coating will automatically distribute itself over the surface of the nail plate without bubbles or streaks. Together with an expert, we have compiled a rating of the best nail bases for 2022.
How to choose a base for gel polish
To ensure high quality manicure and extend its service life, you should choose a base based on the following criteria:
- Consistency. The product can be liquid or thick. In the first case, it will reduce the time of work; in the second, it will make it possible to more carefully model the nail plate.
- Type. For beginners, it is important to select self-leveling products; experienced professionals can order strengthening bases for additional extensions. For some girls it is important to tint their nails, for others it is important how easy it is to remove the coating. Based on the goals, the type of means is selected.
- Compound. Many liquids contain hydrolyzed keratin. If the service life of the coating is of paramount importance to you, choose these bases.
- Manufacturer. Experts say that it is best to do a manicure using products from the same brand. At least the base and top must be from the same company, otherwise the result is unpredictable.
Regardless of which base you decide to buy, you should follow the application technique. It is important to carefully prepare the plate on all sides. The product must be applied in a very thin layer, especially if you decide to order a rubber base. The first layer is always applied with rubbing movements, the second serves for leveling.
What is the difference between a rubber base and a regular base in gel polishes?
All bases of this type are distinguished by a thick consistency due to the fact that they contain rubber. With its help, more effective alignment is ensured, thereby simplifying the further process and improving the appearance of the manicure. It also provides proper strengthening, so it is recommended for owners of brittle and thin nails. The product does not roll down or form holes, as happens with conventional coatings.
Based on reviews from real people and the opinions of experts, we have prepared a list of the most popular products with descriptions, photos and main characteristics. Also, when creating the review and ratings, the prices of the bases, the degree of alignment, the compatibility of the bases with other companies and other parameters taking into account the characteristics of a particular category were taken into account. We present to you the top 10!
Differences between liquid and thick bases
Liquid bases are highly durable. They practically do not shrink on long nails. Suitable for craftsmen with experience, because... Due to its liquid consistency, the nail plate must be leveled quickly, otherwise streaks cannot be avoided.
I remember how freaked out I was when I just started working, and not yet understanding the intricacies of choosing a base. I bought something cheap, very liquid and smelly. Later, I learned to work with liquid bases, and realized that they are not suitable for all types of nails. A strong smell is a sign of a not very good base.
Liquid base is good for strong, healthy nails. With a pronounced apex. On bendable, soft nails, the base can cause detachments and chips.
And yes, you cannot extend your nails with a liquid base.
Thick bases - they are also called Rubber (which is translated from English - eraser, i.e. these bases are elastic), and not rubber, as many masters like to call them. Due to their thickness, they are easy to work with and the leveling is perfect. Also, with the help of a thick base, you can extend your nail without any problems. Great for weak, easily bending nails. The only disadvantage of this base is that it shrinks on long nails, and the longer the nail, the more it sinks. This feature must be taken into account.
After the second week of wear, the coating begins to sag, and the architecture of the nail is disrupted.
Manufacturers rating
Among the many companies, different companies occupied leading positions. Some of them lost their leadership, others consolidated it, and others took the lead. In 2022, the most popular brands are:
- 1 CND is a brand from the USA that has been occupying a leading position for several years now, and this is not surprising, because with the help of its products, the best masters create incredible nail designs, high-quality and durable manicures.
- 2 In'Garden is a domestic brand that has won the trust of users due to the fact that it offers quality products at affordable prices. All products are easy to use and absolutely safe.
- 3 Entity is an American company that has been using the latest technology for 30 years. The brand's line includes more than 200 shades of varnish and several types of coatings, each of which provides the perfect manicure.
- 4 Vogue Nails is a Russian brand that has become a leader in a short time. Its products have a good quality-to-price ratio and include a wide range of gel polishes and modeling products.
- 5 TNL is a company from South Korea that offers more than 20 different bases, each of which performs its own function. The brand has its own laboratories, where it regularly tests products to improve their quality.
Products from Patrisa Nail, UNO, Beautix, Klio Professional and FOX are slightly less in demand.
The best bases for gel polish price / quality
Beautix Royal UV base gel
- Better grip
- Country: France
- Price: 890 RUR
- Rating (2021): 8.3
The base ensures durability. It does not bake when drying and does not cause allergies. The consistency is quite liquid, so to even it out, you should apply not one layer, but two. For the same reason, you should carefully apply the product so that it does not flow onto the cuticle. The product is easy to remove and dries quickly, saving you time.
Advantages
- Doesn't bake
- Good polymerization
- Doesn't roll down
Flaws
- A little runny
UNO Base Gel
- The optimum ratio of price and quality
- Country: Hong Kong
- Price: 590 RUR
- Rating (2021): 8.6
The base is easy to apply to the plate and shows off beautifully when worn. Even if you have thin and soft nails, this coating will not cause peeling. Thanks to innovative technology, there is no harm to nails. You can dry it in an LED lamp for just 30 seconds. The small brush has short bristles, making it easy to level with the product.
Advantages
- Hypoallergenic
- Acceptable price
- Convenient brush
Flaws
- Hard to soak
CND Creative Play Base Coat
- Best quality
- Country: USA
- Price: 765 RUR
- Rating (2021): 9.0
The base is applied quite easily, despite its thick consistency. On the contrary, it provides effective alignment, making the nail look neater. Depending on the type of lamp, the polymerization time ranges from 1 to 2 minutes. You can do without a primer if the artificial turf holds up well.
Advantages
- High quality
- Economical
- Compatibility with other companies
Flaws
- May cause allergies
Base and top coat
Orly nail care product is universal. This is both a base for varnish and a topcoat. Decorative varnish fits well on it, and the nails themselves are not painted. The polish dries faster and lasts longer, and the nails themselves become glossy. This remedy is praised by many women. Those who have already tried coverage from Orly once do not want to go back to cheaper (although the base is quite budget-friendly, especially considering that this is a two-in-one product) bases.
The best rubber bases for gel polish
Regular bases are applied to one nail and then dried. With this type of coating you will save time due to its thickness. It can be applied to four nails at once, and then dried in a lamp: from 30 to 60 seconds in an LED device, and about 2 minutes in an ultraviolet model. Before drying, you need to wait a little for the product to level on its own.
Klio Professional Extra Rubber Base
- Maximum protection
- Country Russia
- Price: 650 RUR
- Rating (2021): 8.3
Here is an elastic base that levels itself. User reviews confirm that the product is suitable for extensions. It also has good protective functions. The extra-thick consistency allows you to work with problematic nails, achieving beautiful highlights even on such a surface. The product can also be used to fix stones.
Advantages
- Firming effect
- High level of protection
- Comfortable brush
Flaws
- Not recommended for use in 48 W lamps
In'Garden “Perfect Nails” Rubber
- Better alignment
- Country Russia
- Price: 595 RUR
- Rating (2021): 8.6
This is a single-phase product, which means that it is enough to apply it in one layer, which saves time and product consumption. The high quality ensures good adhesion as well as protection against pigmentation. Some people think that the base is too thick, but this is precisely the quality that all rubber coatings have, which is a definite plus. You need to get used to using the product.
Advantages
- Protection against color pigment
- Efficient Leveling
- Uniform application
Flaws
- Not compatible with KODI products
TNL Rubber Base
- Optimal price
- Country: South Korea
- Price: 300 RUR
- Rating (2021): 9.6
Inexpensive, but very high quality base that has earned the trust of many users. It does not flow, which allows you to make the plate even without any effort. Consumers note that in 48 W lamps the product can bake a little, but only in powerful devices. Repeated application does not create lumps or voids.
Advantages
- Easy to apply
- Low cost
- Doesn't chip
Flaws
- Can bake when drying
Nail surface corrector
Based on the results of application, the OPI corrector fully complies with the properties declared by the manufacturer. The product is translucent, slightly milky in color. The corrector mattifies, but it is not recommended to use it without colored varnish, because while filling all the unevenness efficiently, the product only emphasizes them. But when applying a layer of colored coating on top, the nails look perfect.
The best bases for gel polish from Aliexpress
Belle Fille base
- The most popular
- Country: China
- Price: 150 RUR
- Rating (2021): 8.3
This product does not have a pronounced chemical odor and is sold in a 10 ml bottle. On the Chinese site, the product is in demand due to its easy application, lack of yellowness and good leveling effect. The base can be combined with products from other companies and dried in any device.
Advantages
- Lasting results
- Versatility
- Cheap
Flaws
- Not a very comfortable brush
Danchel Gel Base
- Large palette, safest
- Country: China
- Price: 120 RUR
- Rating (2021): 8.6
If you want to purchase a completely safe base at an affordable price, find this product on Aliexpress. The product is enclosed in a bright bottle and has the most natural composition. It works well because the consistency is very thick. Bubbles may appear during application, but they disappear after distribution.
Advantages
- Many shades
- Uniform distribution
- Low price
Flaws
- Sometimes air bubbles form
Lily angel professional nail base coat top
- Better grip
- Country: China
- Price: 250 RUR
- Rating (2021): 9.0
Professional base at a very low price. Lily angel base has a thick consistency and large volume, so you can use the base for a very long time. Delivery takes 30-40 days.
Advantages
- Levels
- Large volume
- Professional quality
Flaws
- Long delivery
The best camouflage bases for gel polish
Naturalness is in fashion, so nude tones are at the peak of popularity. This type of base can hide plate defects and is ideal for creating a gentle French manicure. You can also choose a multi-functional product that contains rubber, which will allow you to even out your nails. Manufacturers offer translucent, matte and transparent options.
Vogue Nails Ultra
- The most beautiful design
- Country Russia
- Price: 550 RUR
- Rating (2021): 8.6
This camouflage base has optimal density, so you can get by with just it and not apply additional gel polish, which will save time. Many women note the increased thickness of the product, so beginners should adapt; it may not be possible to apply it the first time without defects.
Advantages
- Design
- Design
- Natural shades
Flaws
- Almost does not drip from the brush
Runail Elastic base
- Optimal durability and price
- Country Russia
- Price: 280 RUR
- Rating (2021): 9.0
The domestic production base is a real boon for those who care about the family budget. Despite the low price, the product has increased durability. It can be dried in any lamps.
Advantages
- Reasonable price
- Excellent durability
- Very easy to use
Flaws
- May cause cracking when combined with products from other brands
POLE Color base
- The most pleasant smell
- Country Russia
- Price: 350 RUR
- Rating (2021): 9.3
The rating of the best bases for gel polish is completed by a product with an amazing banana scent. The manufacturer's palette includes fashionable pastel shades. The base is quite dense in terms of pigment, so it can be applied in one layer; when creating a French coat, it is better to apply two. The product has a medium consistency, which eliminates spreading and ensures ease of application.
Advantages
- Pleasant aroma
- Nude tones
- Optimal viscosity
Flaws
- Not suitable for everyone
The best fortified bases for gel polish
Any gel polish harms the nail plate, so you should take care to protect it. To ensure care, manufacturers add vitamins to such products. The main ones are panthenol and vitamin E, which are designed to strengthen nails naturally. If your nails are too weak, you can fix the effect with powder, achieving greater strength.
In'garden Base-Hybrid So Naturally
- Care without chips and cracks
- Country: USA
- Price: 536 RUR
- Rating (2021): 8.3
This fortified base for gel polish, in addition to prolonging the manicure, provides care for your nails. The bottle is made of dark glass, which does not allow rays to penetrate inside. The base is equipped with a comfortable brush and contains vitamin E and D-panthenol.
Advantages
- Quality
- Long wear
- No chips
Flaws
- Thin consistency
MASURA Vitamin Base
- Does not harm nails
- Country Russia
- Price: 239 RUR
- Rating (2021): 8.6
The vitamin base contains vitamins E and Panthenol and has a liquid consistency, which makes it possible to apply the product in a very thin layer. After removing the gel, your nails look neat and well-groomed. Some note the fragility of the base, but for most, 10-14 days is enough.
Advantages
- Without smell
- Large volume
- Easy to take off
Flaws
- Durability about 10 days
TARTISO Vitamin Base Gel
- Ideal compatibility with varnishes
- Country: China
- Price: 349 RUR
- Rating (2021): 9.6
The base is compatible with any other brands, which makes it almost universal. All the time you wear it, no clouding occurs, and the manicure can last about 2-3 weeks. The product is recommended for brittle nails, but for greater strengthening it is worth applying acrylic powder.
Advantages
- Compatible with other brands
- Medium thickness
- Saves on budget
Flaws
- Not a very comfortable brush
The best leveling bases for gel polish
Not all women's nails have the correct and beautiful shape. If you are one of them, give preference to leveling bases. Most often they contain rubber, therefore they are characterized by thickness. For some, especially beginners, this causes problems. With the help of such bases, you can model and build the architecture of the plate, making your manicure even more beautiful.
In'garden Base gel Super easy off
- Very easy removal
- Country: USA
- Price: 555 RUR
- Rating (2021): 8.0
This leveling base for gel polish saves you time, it provides long-lasting coverage and is extremely easy to remove if necessary. From the first layer it is applied simply and evenly.
Advantages
- Quickly deleted
- Worn more than 2 weeks
- Levels well
Flaws
- Light scratches may appear on the nails
Patrisa Nail Kautschuk-Basis
- Not only aligns, but also strengthens
- Country: Germany
- Price: 380 RUR
- Rating (2021): 8.6
The base not only levels the plate well from the first application, but also ensures high-quality adhesion. It contains rubber, so the consistency is thicker. The product also has a strengthening effect.
Advantages
- Rubber included
- Efficiency
- Does not require cutting
Flaws
- Relatively small volume
Grattol IQ Rubber Base Gel
- Designed specifically for allergy sufferers
- Country: Germany
- Price: 385 RUR
- Rating (2021): 9.6
The product quickly levels the plate due to the presence of rubber. With its help, you can securely fix not only the gel, but also the decor. Given the thick consistency, it is better to apply with a special brush. But the main feature is that it does not cause irritation.
Advantages
- Quality
- Hypoallergenic
- Strength
Flaws
- Suitable for some, not for others
Compatibility of color bases with other coating materials
Since the color base, although it is a type of camouflage, appeared recently, until everyone had time to test the new product in tandem with other materials. At the same time, there is already reliable evidence that the color base coat works great with:
- With any classic transparent bases;
- Almost all topcoats, including matte ones;
- With all types of nail design products - from stamping and sliders to gel paints;
- Primers.
If in your work the color bases turned out to be incompatible with some material, write about it in the comments to help other readers avoid mistakes.
Which gel polish base to choose?
Each product has its own characteristics. Try to first think about the condition of your nails and the result you want to get. And only lastly about the cost. Often expensive gel polish bases are very economical.
5 questions to ask yourself before buying
- What effect do you want to achieve? Level the plate and fill in uneven spots, save time by doing without gel polish, strengthen your nails or ensure maximum durability of your manicure.
- Is the base compatible with other brands? One of the main parameters, since if the answer is negative, the manicure may lose its original appearance in just a few days.
- Do you need to maintain a budget? Too cheap products do not always ensure the durability of the coating, although they can be used if the coating is changed frequently.
- What is the level of trust in the brand? World-famous companies take good care of their reputation, so they monitor the quality of their products, although worthy competitors can be found in new products.
- How easy is it to apply? If you are a beginner, choose medium consistency products. Thick bases have their own application specifics and require experience.
We recommend watching the video
What is applied first, base or top?
When it comes to application, the base coat is the most important because it is applied first.
The base coat is applied to a previously cleaned nail plate. The nail technician pays great attention to the process of applying the base: he first cleans the surface and applies a degreaser. Using a special buff, the master gives the nail roughness. This is done to ensure better adhesion between the nail plate and the base.
The top coat is applied at the last stage. It gives the manicure durability and a defined finish.
Step-by-step application of gel polish
