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Tired of discovering stained yellow nails after removing nail polish? This usually happens because you don't apply base coat nail polish. A base coat is a clear nail polish applied before regular nail paint to shield the nails from color discoloration and prolong the life of your manicure.
An effective protective layer, a base coat will stick to the nail bed all while the top coat provides adhesion to the nails. Though most nail polish lovers often forget the base coat part, it's crucial to protect and enhance the appealing look of your nails.
To help you out, we’ve curated a list of some of our favorite base coat nail polishes of 2024!
The Leading Base Coat Nail Polishes of 2024
Essie — Editor’s Choice
Free from Toluene and formaldehyde, this base coat offers a smooth surface for nail color, which gives a finishing touch to your polish and resists chipping by bonding the color with the nail surface. Applying this high-performance base coat can also extend the overall life of your manicure and pedicure!
Inspired by the latest fashion, this option comes in fourteen fabulous shades, making it an iconic and trendsetting go-to pick for salon professionals, beauty enthusiasts, and celebrities. Thanks to all these amazing features, this base coat manages to stand out among the rest and champions with its longevity.
Pros
- Dries super fast
- Adhesion-promoting ingredients
Cons
- Consistency changes quickly
OPI Natural — Prevents Staining
If you are wondering about the best way to perfect your manicure, this base coat is your way to go. Made with a gel formula, this nail polish comes with a glossy finish type and is designed to shield, condition, and protect the surface of your nails from yellowing.
Consistent use of this base coat helps you nourish and boost nail growth while giving them an absolutely brighter yet stylish look. As an added plus, this product has vitamin-enriched blends which help prevent breakage!
Apply this under your nails to get a smoother, shinier look.
Pros
- Prevents annoying staining
- Quick-drying base coat
Cons
- Less durable
Sally Hansen — Quality Ingredients
Give your nails that extra boost of care and protection with this 2-in-1 base and coat nail polish by Sally Hansen! Strengthening your nails for a stronger manicure, it has a Panthenol formula that holds onto color application by smoothing the nail's surface.
Containing an enriching formula of Nylon and Pro-Vitamin B5, it also works like a top coat that shields your nails with a hard and chip-resistant finish. To promote best application practices, just apply one or two coats before using your regular nail polish. Doing this will promote an adhesive barrier between your nails and the product.
Pros
- Works best as a base coat
- Chip-resistant
Cons
- Dries slowly for a top coat
Seche — Budget-friendly
This is another amazing option on our list. Made with the crystal clear gel formula, this base coat offers a strong bond for all color applications, making it a favorite option for nail technicians, beauty junkies, and fashion freaks. And guess what? It allows you to use your hands freely right after color application as it dries to a hard and shiny shield in just minutes.
You can also apply this base coat to a still wet nail as it does not leave that chippy, sticky feeling you would get from poorer quality polishes. Drying within minutes, it’s the perfect choice for those on the go or live a busy lifestyle.
Pros
- Fast-drying base coat solution
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Chips easily
Mineral Fusion — Lasts Longer
Give your nails a clean, beautiful look with this base coat nail polish. It has a clear, glossy finish and requires just one coat before color application and you're good to go. This would be a perfect pick for those who are constantly in and out of their space as the base coat is super durable.
This is a chip-resistant polish and comes with a thick brush, which makes the painting experience pretty smooth. Plus, it's a go-to pick for pedicures as its transparent gel texture provides a smooth surface for nail beds–which prevents them from staining.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Formaldehyde and toluene-free
Cons
- Takes time to dry
How to Purchase Base Coat Nail Polish: A Buyer’s Guide
Just like foundation primers, base coats aren't a must-have requirement but can do wonders to extend the life of your manicure and give a smoother look. Now, the dilemma is to choose the best base coat out there.Â
How does one do that? To verse yourself on the dos and don'ts, read the following buyer’s guide.
Things to ConsiderÂ
Know the types
There are two types of base coats: base coats that provide a base for the nail paint and ridge-filler base coats that fill in any lines, ridges, or grooves on nails to make them look smoother and cleaner.Â
Consider ridge-filler base coats as a form of nail foundation.Â
Check the ingredients
When buying a base coat nail polish, it's imperative to know about its formulation. Generally, a base coat is made up of a variety of chemicals, including solvents, plasticizers, cellulose compounds, and resin.
Different texturesÂ
While base coats don't have many types and go easily with all kinds of nail colors, one should know the best nail polish textures to pair up base coats with. For instance, applying a frosted top coat to your nails will give them a frosted appearance. Meanwhile, there are also metallic and matte topcoats available.Â
Choosing a Nail Polish for Your Skin ToneÂ
While you would love to wear all types of nail colors, some colors can sometimes go a bit off due to your skin tone. The key is to pick shades that complement your natural complexion. Shades of red with an orange or brownish undertone will look beautiful on you if you have a warm skin tone. Meanwhile, reds with a dash of blue are ideal for persons with paler skin tones.
You can go with blue-tinged pinks if you have a cold skin tone. On a cool complexion, most colors of blue look great. If you have a warm skin tone, opt for a blue with a hint of yellow, such as aquas and teals. Olive tones complement golden skin tones, whereas cold mint and jade complement cool complexions.
To create a classy look, use a neutral or nude that is close to your skin's natural tone. A difference between the color of your nail polish and your skin tone, on the other hand, might make your nails look more dramatic.Â
For this reason, you should make note of your skin tone and choose accordingly.Â
The Correct Way to Apply Base Coat Nail Polish
Here are some tips to get the most out of your manicure experience:
- Make sure your nails are properly cleaned before applying nail color. Dirt and old nail polish can lead to an uneven top coat, and the last thing you want is for your previous manicure to stick out.
- Remove any leftover polish on your nail bed as it can create an uneven surface after the nail color application. Also, don't forget to apply a base coat before applying your nail polish. This will protect your nails from yellowing and chipping.Â
- To promote longevity, let your color brush drip first. From there, carefully bring the brush over your nails. Each nail should not take more than three strokes.Â
- From there, wait for at least 5 minutes to achieve premium drying results. To speed up the process, you can also dip your nails in chilled water.Â
The Average Cost of a Base Coat Nail Polish Â
Though the cost of base coats can vary as per different brands, most of them do not cost a fortune. In fact, some of the best base coats can range anywhere between $8-$12.
