The best base for nails: how not to get confused when choosing

Nail base is a product applied first after a degreaser or primer to strengthen and align the plates, protect them and extend the life of the manicure. The bases contain polymers; depending on the type, there are rubber, acrylic, and silicone. They can also be transparent or camouflage, thick, liquid, hard after drying or elastic.

The choice is determined by the quality of the nail plates, but the best products are CND Creative Play Base Coat, UNO Base Gel, Beautix Royal UV base gel. There are also more affordable, but also durable products from the brands TNL, UNO, Kodi, Oxxi and many others. You can buy a base at a price of 150-1500 rubles, but it is more reasonable to choose those that cost 350-600 rubles. per bottle.

Why do you need a nail base, what is it?

Nail base is a product that is applied first to a plate treated with a file and a buffer when performing a manicure with gel polish, followed by drying in a special lamp. Sometimes a primer must be applied before using it. The product looks like a transparent thick liquid, the texture varies depending on the purpose, type of nails and many other factors.

The base for gel polish is sold and stored in a bottle with a screw cap, to which an application brush is attached.

Nail base is a product that can not only make the coating more “long-lasting”, but also protect the plate from negative influences. In order not to confuse it with other liquids used in professional manicure, on the packaging you should look for the designations basec oat (regular substrate) or rubberbase (rubber), UV/LED Base, liquid polygel, UV gel polish, pale base, etc.

Applying the base

The base coat for nails is selected according to their type; it should also not conflict with the polymerizing varnish. Apply with a brush to the prepared plate, then dry in a lamp.

Compound

The exact composition depends on the type of product, but each contains keratins, polymers, vitamins, and a small percentage of water. Additional components are available in the following databases:

• rubber contains rubber, which provides it with elasticity, thickness, and the absence of involuntary flow onto the skin when applied;
• gel contains more polymers of different types, making the product durable after drying, glossy, and universal;
• acrylic contains acrylic, which provides nail plates with hardness and strong adhesion of the base and gel polish to the surface;
• silicone is characterized by the presence of silicones, which provide softness, elasticity, reliability, a gentle effect on nails, and easy removal.

Composition of the base for gel polish

What is it for?

A base is needed for professional manicure to ensure:

• strong adhesion of gel polish and nail plates, that is, necessary for long-term wear of the design without chipping or peeling;
• nail care, protection from penetration of the coloring components of the varnish;
• strengthening the plates if they are prone to brittleness or are too flexible or soft;
• straightening nails, hiding defects in the form of pits and bumps, cuts, microcracks, which also ensures long-term wearing of manicure;
• painting over external imperfections of the plates, for example, stains and uneven color or overgrown free edges;
• strong connection between the artificial material and the nail itself when performing extensions.

In addition, applying gel polish to the base makes the color brighter and more durable throughout the entire period of wearing the manicure.

Top or base first

It’s easy to guess from the names whether the top or base is applied first during a manicure - this is, of course, the second product. The base has more pronounced adhesive properties and less harmful effects on the nails. The final coating does not provide the necessary care, strengthening, or leveling.

And with shellac, first the base is applied to the treated plate, then the top comes. This type of decorative product also needs to strengthen the adhesion to the nails, despite its lightweight composition compared to gel.

Misunderstanding whether the first layer should be top or base arises from the external similarity of the products: both are transparent and have a thick consistency. But after application, the difference becomes obvious - the base looks less glossy. In addition, it can be laid in a thicker layer than the top coat.

Is it possible to use a base instead of a top?

You can use a base instead of a top, but you need to be prepared for the fact that such a manicure will deteriorate faster. The base will not provide the protection of gel polish from external influences that the top coat provides, because it is intended for something else. In addition, the glossy top shines brighter, and this property remains throughout the entire wearing of the design. And the matte top coat will provide the necessary dull texture longer. The top will protect the color of the varnish from fading, which cannot be said about the base.

True, recently “two-in-one” products have appeared, that is, combining a base and a top coat. They can be used simultaneously as a gel base and finish.

Manicure or nail treatment

The first thing you should clarify for yourself is that manicure is not about painting your nails. This is a hygienic procedure for treating nails and the skin around them. This process includes:

• free edge length correction,
• removal of cuticle and pterygium (thin skin near the cuticle),
• processing of side rollers.

Additionally, caring procedures can be added here: moisturizing and nourishing the cuticle with oil, rubbing wax or sealing to strengthen the natural nail, massage (if in a salon), but all this is done only if extensions or other coating are not performed, otherwise this care goes after all manipulations with nails.

Manicure is the first step in preparing nails for gel polish coating or extensions, since without removing the cuticle and all growths on the nail it is simply impossible to do this efficiently.

The methods of doing manicure also differ. It could be:

1. European is the safest, as it does not involve the use of cutting tools. You will find complete instructions from me here.
2. Classic , when the cuticle is soaked in warm water or remover, and then cut off with scissors or nippers. Read more here.
3. Hardware is the most popular in salon care. It uses a machine with cutters to lift and cut cuticles. Popular for its speed of execution and good results that last a long time. But it requires special training; without it, such a manicure is fraught with injury. Here are the details.
4. File - the latest know-how, when all manipulations with nails are done only with the help of files. Not that popular yet, but judging by the reviews, it will definitely be soon (my experience of using it)!

How to apply under gel polish: technique

Apply the base under gel polish, if it has a thick texture, as follows:

1. Prepare your nails, that is, perform a hygienic manicure. Then you need to brush off the sawdust with a brush, go over the plates and ends with a buff, and degrease them.

2. Apply the product to the nail in three parallel strokes from the base to the free edge. You need to take a little base.

3. Then add more product to the brush so that a drop forms at the tip. It is placed in the center of the plate at a distance of 4 mm from the base. And they lead this drop, without touching the nail with a brush, to the free edge.

4. The finger is turned over with the pad facing up. The droplet formed in the center is distributed more evenly by moving from it to the free edge.

5. The finger is returned to the reverse position. Now you need to remove the existing defects, that is, just lightly walk over them with a brush. After this, you can dry the layer in a lamp.

For nails where the manicure wears off quickly, you can also use a primer. It is applied after the degreaser has dried. There is no need to dry the primer in a lamp; just wait 2-3 minutes to apply the base.

Watch this video on how to apply a thick texture base under gel polish:

For medium consistency

The technique for a medium consistency foundation is slightly different:

1. The finger is tilted slightly downwards, the brush with the material is placed on the midline and the tool is pushed towards the cuticle.
   Read also:  How to remove gel polish with a machine: instructions and recommendations
2. Then they return to the free edge, thus drawing a line to it from the base of the nail.

3. Place the brush slightly to one side and coat the sinuses one by one, turning it so that you can also go along the end.

4. Take a new portion of the product and place a drop on the highest point of the nail, then lead it to the free edge.

5. Then they help the formed tubercle to be distributed more evenly by zigzag movements of the brush along the plate.

6. The nail is turned down and helped to level the material with an orange stick or a hair tool.

7. Then evaluate the glare under light, if it is smooth, ellipsoidal, and dry the product in a lamp.

For liquid base

Liquid base is applied faster:

1. Paint the center line from the cuticle to the free edge.

2. Then they pass along both sinuses, turning the finger in the desired directions and placing the hand at an angle.

3. Take a new drop of material, place three points on the cuticle with it and draw a line to the free edge.
4. Additionally, the sinuses are stained with the product, taking a little more of it each time.

5. The finger is turned down briefly, then sent to dry.

Correct application of the base is indicated by a uniform oval highlight, which is clearly visible under the lamp. If you can see that the product is not lying quite evenly, you can remove the sticky layer and file the surface to the desired thickness.

Watch this video on how to apply a medium and liquid texture base under gel polish:

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!

What to replace with gel polish

The product can be replaced for gel polish if you have an allergy or the required material is missing:

• acrylic powder, which has a strengthening effect;
• colored biogel, which is applied to the primer in 1 layer and polymerizes;
• a biomix designed to strengthen brittle and peeling nails and works like double-sided tape.

Strengthening nails with acrylic powder
You can do a manicure using single-phase gel polish that does not require a base coat. It contains substances responsible for adhesion to the surface of the nails and protection from external influences. That is, you won’t need a top either. The brands Haruyama, CND, Patrisa Nail and others have such products.

How to remove polygel?

The polygel is easily cut off using hardware or dissolution.

To speed up removal, it is recommended to cut off the volume a little. For gentle removal, use good quality liquids, such as remover from LOVELY. It will take 15-20 minutes and the coating will be softened, you can remove it in a way convenient for you. With the correct use of all materials, the nails will be in their original form.

Strengthening nails with a certain skill takes up to 30 minutes. We wish you good luck!

What is the base for gel polish: main types and recommendations for choosing

The base for gel polish can be liquid, thick in consistency and medium in texture. This indicator depends on the purpose of the product - whether it was created to strengthen, more firmly fix the flower garden, hide defects, level, etc. There are the following types of bases for gel polish of different thicknesses:

• regular or gel, liquid texture, it has the designation base coat;
• rubber rubber base, thicker, laying down in a noticeable layer;
• self-leveling, that is, it does not require much effort to distribute on the plate;
• camouflage – hiding defects and the free edge of the nail;
• silicone, necessary for uneven plates, is gentle on them and can be easily removed;
• acrylic, that is, intended for nail extensions with gel or used for soft ones that are prone to breaking off.

They all have pros and cons regarding both applying and wearing manicure. You should choose according to the characteristics of your nails. For example, silicone is suitable for leveling out bumps and pits on them; it is also hypoallergenic. Rubber will help with short, chewed plates, “springboards”, and will not bake in a lamp. The regular one is good for healthy and even nails, but it spreads and causes discomfort when drying.

Watch this video for a review of base coats for gel polish:

Dairy

The milk base belongs to the category of camouflage, that is, it reliably covers stains on the plates and gives them a fashionable shade. Therefore, it can be used without subsequent coating with gel polish, and also as a base color for a nude manicure. Usually it is rubber. Therefore, to improve adhesion under the base, a substrate is often made from a regular base.

This type of product can be hard, soft, or flexible. The first subtype includes:

• Grattol Base 01,
• Envy Base 04,
• Beautix Milk,
• One Nail White.

Softer and more elastic:

• UNO R7,
• Klio Natural White,
• Nail Passion,
• Ju. Biley White.

Nail Passion Ju. Biley White Klio Natural White

Camouflage

The camouflage base can be one-, two- and three-phase, respectively thick, medium and liquid texture. Its difference from other types is that the product contains a tint, so it:

• perfectly masks stains on nails;
• closes the boundary between its base and the free edge.

Camouflage base
Therefore, the colored base for gel polish can be used independently without a second tint layer. This material is beige, pink, latte, peach, very delicate tones and translucent. It can be used to create a French or nude manicure, and is also used as a substrate for light-colored flower beds. Thanks to the base they become brighter.

Acidic

The acid base means that the gel polish is firmly fixed on the nails, even without the use of a primer, but in the absence of length. This occurs due to drying the surface of the plates and loosening. After all, the composition contains a large percentage of methacrylic acid, which gives the product a pronounced smell.

This base is not suitable for damaged and fragile nails. It is suitable for healthy and short ones, since with long ones the free edge will “walk” under it. After all, this product is elastic. Another disadvantage of high acidity is the rapid loss of brightness of the shade of the varnish. Acid types include:

• Tartiso Base Coat,
• NeoNail,
• In Graden Ideal Nails,
• Diva Rubber Base.

Thick

The thick base is usually rubber, it can be hard, soft or elastic, that is, among this type you can find a product for any type of nails. This texture is good because it does not spread. But there is a danger of laying it in too thick a layer, and the nails will be “potbellied.” In such cases, the solid base can be partially sawed off. There are two more problems - it can bubble and take longer to polymerize. Among the thick foundations of different companies, the following deserve attention:

• Extra Clio,
• Supernail Arnelle,
• Kodi Ruber Base,
• Rubber Diva,
• Rubber UNO.

Kodi Ruber Base Supernail Arnelle Rubber UNO

Solid

A solid base is needed if your nails are long or break frequently. It will come in handy short and soft, thin. Do not use the product if there are uneven surfaces on the plates. Hard bases are acrylic or rubber:

• UNO Rubber Base,
• Rio Profi,
• Oxxi Ruber base coat,
• Proffessional Nail Boutique from PNB (biogel).

Solid Base
This type of product may be labeled structure or builder.

Liquid

Liquid foundation or base coat:

• applied in a thin layer, that is, there will be no “pies” on the nails;
• does not sag during polymerization;
• dries quickly in a lamp.

Liquid base for gel polish
Usually it does not have any special qualities; it is applied only for adhesion of the plate and varnish. But it also helps strengthen the coating, allowing you to wear your manicure longer. This type of product is suitable for problem-free nails, short or short in length. It can be difficult to apply; you have to do it quickly, otherwise the product will spread. Most popular in category:

• Bluesky,
• CosmoLac
• Dia D'oro.

Silicone

The silicone base is intended for brittle, thin nails; they do not need special preparation for its use. It is a viscous liquid that dries in air in a couple of minutes. The surface is thus protected from any negative influence; the base does not even need to be dried in a lamp.

Gel polish is applied over it and polymerized. The design will last up to 2 weeks. And you can remove everything in one motion: pick up the film with tweezers and pull it off the nail. The following product brands are used:

• Irisk Peel off base,
• Kodi Easy off base,
• Naomi Silicone base,
• Fresh Prof Silicone base.

Irisk Peel off base Naomi Silicone base Kodi Easy off base

Matte

A matte base for manicure design has not yet been invented. All bases give a glossy effect, some to a greater extent, others less noticeable. The top coat gives the nails a matte finish. This is for example:

• Bluesky Top Coat Matte,
• TNL Top Coat Matte without sticky layer,
• Rio Profi Matte Top,
• Lianail Matte Top.

Self-leveling

The self-leveling base is easy to apply, effortlessly models the smooth surface of the nail plates, but does not spread. It's important not to use too much of it. Among these products there are also caring ones, that is, containing vitamins, therefore suitable for weakened nails and easy to remove.

Self-leveling bases usually have a thick or medium-density texture because they contain rubber. Popular:

• UNO Rubber Base,
• Nano Profassional NANLAC Gum,
• Runail Elastic Rubber Base,
• In'garden Base gel Super easy off,
• TNL Rubber Gel Polish.

Hypoallergenic base and top

Hypoallergenic base and top are necessary for those who are intolerant to formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate and other rather aggressive components found in the composition of the products. They must be marked 3-Free or 5-Free, 7-Free, 9-Free, indicating the absence of allergens. The properties of the products are different: they can be thick or liquid, strengthening, elastic, hard. Allergies are not caused by the following bases:

• UNO Lux,
• Rio Profi Hypoallergenic,
• Grattol IQ Rubber Base Gel,
• CND Base Coat
• ONIQ Odissey Strong adhesion base,
• ONIQ Grand Strong adhesion base.

CND Base Coat Rio Profi Hypoallergenic Grattol IQ Rubber Base Gel
Hypoallergenic tops:

• CND Creative Top Coat,
• Grattol No Wipe UV Filter Top Gel,
• Rubber gel finish option.
• PUF Base Coat.

For problematic nails, for thin and brittle nails

For problematic, thin and brittle nails, rubber bases should be used, possibly with a backing made from a fortified similar product. They will strengthen the plate, make it visually thicker and denser. Among rubber bases, it is better to choose those that harden to form a durable frame:

• TNL Rubber Gel Polish,
• In'Garden "Perfect Nails"
• Patrisa Nail Kautschuk-Basis.

Patrisa Nail Kautschuk-Basis TNL Rubber Gel Polish In'Garden “Ideal Nails”
You can apply one of the following products under them in a thin layer:

• TARTISO Vitamin Base Gel,
• MASURA Vitamin Base,
• In'garden Base-Hybrid So Naturally.

Nail extension methods

For nail extensions, gel or acrylic powder is used. Forms and tips are used to model an artificial nail plate .

Nail extension process

Tips are plastic blanks, and paper or metal forms allow you to “sculpt” the nail manually using material and a brush. Extending nails using special templates is more difficult, but this method is considered more professional and opens up wide possibilities for modeling nail plates.

It is impossible to say for sure which material is better: gel or acrylic, since each material has its own characteristics and advantages. Mixed gel-acrylic extensions are considered the most successful: the first layer is made of durable acrylic, and the second is made of shiny gel, because acrylic nails do not look so attractive.

Rubber base: characteristics and application features

The rubber base is thick or has a medium texture due to the liquid rubber contained in the composition. It is also made self-leveling, transparent or colored. This type of product almost does not spread when applied, gives nails strength, and protects against chipping of varnish particles and peeling.

Another advantage of many products in the range is comfortable drying in a lamp, without pain. The main thing is not to overdo it with the amount, apply the product evenly to all nails, which is easy to check by looking at the glare. And with the help of a rubber base you can perform extensions.

Additional conditions for high-quality application of the base:

• the end of the nail should be thin, especially if the previous coating was removed;
• the correct architecture of the plate, that is, its highest point is in the central part, neither higher nor lower;
• the right choice of the product itself - for beginner nail artists, thick is better, experienced ones need to focus on their own speed of work;
• the amount of material should be optimal so that it is enough for the entire plate, but it does not lie in a lump;
• covering the entire nail area, but not under the cuticle.

How is it different from the usual

Rubber base and regular base are incomparable; what the difference is is easy to understand by assessing each according to several criteria:

• The first is used for different types of nails, including wavy, “rag”, prone to brittleness. With its help you can level their surface. The second one will be useless for problematic nail plates. It is more suitable for healthy, strong, smooth surfaces, as it does not have leveling properties.
• The rubber base not only holds weak, bendable nails well, but also allows you to wear long-lasting manicures for a long time. The regular one does not provide such support. The length may break with it.
• The texture of the rubber base allows it to be applied quickly in 2-3 strokes. The usual one needs careful even distribution with a brush; often you need to apply two layers.
• Rubber takes longer to dry in the lamp, but many products in this category eliminate discomfort during the procedure. Most regular bases cause a burning sensation when drying.
• Some types of rubber base are suitable for extensions. A regular substrate will not perform this function.

Will nails be strengthened?

Strengthening nails with a rubber base occurs due to strong adhesion to their surface. The product becomes like another layer of plates. The flexibility of the base allows them to avoid breakage under impact loads and during growth. This is a durable but gentle frame for marigolds.

How to use

Using a rubber base is also more convenient than a regular liquid one:

1. First, take a small drop of the product, and shake off the excess back into the bottle.

2. Coat the plate with a thin layer over the entire surface, that is, make 3 strokes.

3. Then you need to take another drop of material and place it in the middle of the nail.

4. All that remains is to distribute it evenly over the entire area with quick wave-like movements and send your hand into the lamp.

The rubber base should be applied to buff-treated and grease-free nails.

Watch this video on how to use a rubber base for gel polish:

Is it possible to extend nails

You can use a rubber base to extend your nails if you want to make them a little longer. The product must be hard when dry, that is, from the structure or builder series. The process consists of the following steps:

1. A form for extension is placed on the prepared nail.

2. A primer or dehydrator is applied to half the plate and allowed to dry.

3. Use a thick layer of base on the free edge of the nail, modeling its continuation (put a drop in the middle and smear it on the sides).

4. The hand is placed in a lamp to polymerize the composition.
5. After it dries, remove the form.

6. The base is applied in a thin layer to the entire surface of the nail.

7. Then take another drop of the product and make an additional, denser layer, without lifting it, moving the brush from the center to the right and left.

8. The product is polymerized again in a lamp.
9. After removing the sticky layer, the extended nails are filed to give the desired shape and remove defects.

Watch this video on how to extend nails with a gel polish base:

Consumables and necessary materials, tools

To grow nails, you need a fairly large number of different materials. However, you shouldn’t despair, because you can simply purchase a ready-made starter kit so that you can do gel nails yourself, following the step-by-step instructions.

A ready-made starter kit is quite expensive, so professional craftsmen recommend that beginners collect consumables separately. Gel nail extension technology involves the following materials:

• Ultraviolet lamp;
• modeling gels (three-phase or single-phase);
• brushes for laying out material (classic square and beveled);
• acid-free primer;
• degreaser;
• top with or without a sticky layer;
• liquid for removing the dispersion layer;
• orange sticks;
• files of different abrasiveness;
• grinding buffs (one four-sided one is possible);
• forms;
• tweezers;
• tubes for C-bend.

Extended nails in the form of a soft stiletto
Gel nails in the modeling process cannot do without these tools and materials. They can be purchased in a ready-made set, which, in addition to the minimum list, also contains additional, not always necessary materials, which still increases the cost of the set.

The technique of nail extensions is studied in special courses; mastering it on your own using only video lessons and advice from experts is problematic and sometimes completely unrealistic.

Nail base: which is better, rating based on artists

The ranking of the best databases is presented in the table.

Which nail base is better in a particular case should be looked at by their condition, that is, strength, presence or absence of defects, length, ability to keep the coating on for a long time. Even how wet your hands are matters.

Types of polygel from Lovely

The Lovely brand offers 7 most popular shades:

001 Clear - transparent like glass (does not leave bubbles, has crystal transparency).

002 white - white, very snow-white with a blue tint. Not every material can boast such whiteness. The color lasts throughout the entire wear, as well as after correction.

Camouflage shades:

003 light Pink - translucent natural pink. The shade adjusts to the color of the nail plate and skin.

004 Pink is a delicate pink shade with a warm undertone, suitable both for creating a French jacket and for an independent strengthening coating.

005 Rose is a powdery pink polygel shade with a slight lilac undertone.

006 Natural is a universal natural beige shade, ideal for all skin types.

007 Bronze is a warm beige shade, ideal for tanned skin, for girls of the “summer” type.

Colors can be mixed with each other. The shades are universal and depend on the thickness you apply.

Tubes of different volumes: 30 ml and 60 ml. The first and second numbers are used more for modeling.

Modeling brushes may not be made of natural bristles - synthetic, nylon. A square brush should be tight, flexible and elastic. Oval brush 5-10-17. Or any flat brush. Before applying the polygel, we prepare the surface of natural nails in the same way as before applying gel polish, carefully remove the oily sheen with a buff.

In order to avoid detachment of the material, the pterygium should be especially carefully cleaned.

The best bases for gel polish in terms of price and quality

The best, strongest base is selected from the following list:

• UNO Base Gel. The product does not cause peeling, is easy to apply, rarely causes allergies, and does not harm the nails. You can use it for weak, thin and brittle ones. In addition, the product dries quickly, which saves time. But it is not removed instantly, and it is better to do this with a milling cutter rather than by soaking it.
• CND Creative Play Base Coat . It can also be used by a novice master, thanks to the possibility of quick and easy application. The product strengthens nails well, wears for a long time, does not yellow, and is used sparingly. It can be used with varnishes from any brand. Disadvantage: polymerization takes 1-2 minutes.
• Beautix Royal UV base gel . Quite liquid, you need to apply it in 2 layers, carefully. The product levels the plate well, does not yellow it, dries quickly, and does not bake. It also does not eat away the color of the varnish and is easily removed.

Beautix Royal UV base gel UNO Base Gel CND Creative Play Base Coat
In the same category you could include the Foundation gelish gel polish, it is almost perfect, but costs from 1000 rubles. for 10 ml.

Rubber

Among the rubber bases, the best are:

• TNL Rubber Base. It spreads well and allows you to wear your manicure for a long time without chipping. When growing, it does not tighten the nails, does not provoke their weakening or cracks. The product is easy to buy and widely available. The only drawback is that if you have sensitive nails, you may feel a burning sensation while drying.
• In'Garden Ideal Nails. Applied in one layer, it prevents pigment from penetrating deep into the nails. The product eliminates unevenness and is well distributed over the surface. But it should not be used with Kodi polishes.
• Klio Professional Extra Rubber Base . It is elastic, but can be used for extensions. It has self-leveling properties, does not yellow the plate, and does not change the color of the varnish. The product is suitable for wavy nails and provides good protection. And its strength makes it possible to use it for fixing decor.

TNL Rubber Base

Regular

If your nails are problem-free, the following products will help you keep them that way and perform a quality manicure:

• Lily angel professional nail base coat top . It has high adhesion, so the manicure can be worn for a long time without chipping or peeling. The thick texture also allows for leveling. The product is also sold in large bottles.
• Danchel Gel Base. The product has established itself as one of the safest among the cheap ones. It has a thick texture and natural composition. Bubbles that appear during application are easily eliminated.
• Belle fille base . The base applies well, despite the inconvenient brush, has almost no smell, does not turn yellow and does not destroy the tone of the varnish. It combines with products from other companies and makes the manicure long-lasting.

Danchel Gel Base Belle Fille base

Camouflage

Among the camouflages, the ones that get the most approval from the masters are:

• POLE Color base . The line includes many pastel shades; the products can be applied in one layer. The texture is medium thick, so it is easy to apply and smooth out.
• Runail Elastic base . Very durable, cheap and easy to use. This is a Russian product, so it is very affordable. But it is better to combine it with varnishes and topcoat from the same company, otherwise cracks may occur in the coating.
• Vogue Nails Ultra . Dense beautiful shades, medium thickness texture. This makes it possible to use it without gel polish. The material is a little difficult to level.

Vogue Nails Ultra Runail Elastic base

Fortified

Among the vitamin bases that deserve attention:

• TARTISO Vitamin Base Gel . Takes care of nails and provides long-lasting manicure for 3 weeks. The product can be combined with any gel polishes. It is very good for brittle nails, but needs to be supplemented with acrylic powder.
• MASURA Vitamin Base . This is a liquid foundation so you have to manage to apply it thinly. Otherwise you will have to remove the streaks. But the product nourishes the nails well and is easily removed from them. Lasts up to 10 days.
• In'garden Base-Hybrid So Naturally . This most natural composition provides care and long-lasting manicure. You need to know how to apply it, as the consistency is liquid. But the product is easily and evenly distributed.

In'garden Base-Hybrid So Naturally MASURA Vitamin Base

Self-leveling

The best self-leveling bases:

• Grattol IQ Rubber Base Gel . The hypoallergenic base firmly fixes the manicure, strengthens and smoothes the nails well. To apply it, it is better to use a special tool rather than a brush from the bottle. Then the manicure will last a long time.
• Patrisa Nail Kautschuk-Basis . It has excellent adhesive properties and is easy to apply despite its thickness. Nails with this base become strong even if they are long. It gets used up pretty quickly.
• In'garden Base gel Super easy off . It is gentle on the nail plates and easy to apply. It is also possible to remove the product without much effort and risk of damaging them. But the base lasts a long time, however, by the 2nd week, cracks may appear in the coating.

Patrisa Nail Kautschuk-Basis Patrisa Nail Kautschuk-Basis

How to choose a template

Choosing the right template for extensions is the key to a beautiful, sophisticated manicure. Focus on the manufacturer, the material used to make the blanks and, of course, the shape of your own marigolds. The recommendations below will help you avoid making the most common mistakes:

Extended nails of different shapes

1. Oval and almond are the ideal choice for full, short fingers.
2. Rectangular and square are suitable for those with long, thin fingers and beautiful nail plates; on other fingers, this shape will visually shorten the nails.
3. Pipe and stiletto are done on long nails, and edge is suitable for both long and medium-length nails.

A correctly selected template shape guarantees the most accurate modeling result and, as a result, a flawless manicure.

Watch the video for a review of disposable paper forms for extensions and professional tips on their use:

How much does nail base cost?

Nail base costs from 150 rubles. up to 1500 rub. per bottle of 7-15 ml. The price depends on the quality and brand. The most expensive ones are foundations from Foundation, Orly, CND, Beautix, Entity, Oniq, Gloss, Nano Professional, they cost 800-1500 rubles. The middle segment and the most used - Kodi, TNL, UNO, RuNail, Sophin, Klio, Vogue, Kapous, Grattol, it’s 500-600 rubles. Cheap, but of acceptable quality - IRISK, Bluesky, Domix, Rio Profi (15-350 rubles).

We recommend reading the article about the difference between gel polish and shellac. From it you will learn what is the difference between gel polish and shellac, what is better and what is more harmful, and also how to extend the wearing period. And here is more information about how to remove shellac at home.

The variety of bases for gel polish makes it possible to choose, but also makes it difficult. Sometimes you find your remedy through trial and error. And yet, if you are unsure of the choice, you should use rubber bases; they are suitable in most cases.