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A fresh manicure, especially one with eye-catching nail art, looks great and is immensely satisfying. But what if your nail paint starts chipping off after application? This can not only ruin your day but will mean you have to remove and re-apply a new coat of nail polish.
Don’t worry, though; now you can use a top coat nail polish to make your manicure last longer. It helps seal the polish with a protective layer and gives your nails the perfect finish. There are a lot of brands selling top coat nail polishes with outstanding features. Some have a high-quality gel and dry quickly, while others keep stains at bay. Below, we rounded up and reviewed some of the finest top coat nail polishes in 2024 to help you find the perfect one.
Reviewing the Leading Top Coat Nail Polishes of 2024
OPI — Best Overall
The OPI brand is quite renowned for its top-notch quality nail polishes, and their top coat is no exception. Made with premium gel, it has the perfect consistency that lets the coat spread easily onto your nails. It seals the color and ensures your nails are free from scratches, yellowing, or chipping. This top coat nail polish is transparent, so it doesn't mess with the look of the color or pattern beneath. Looking to revive the spark and shine while protecting your manicure? This top coat nail polish is considered the best for this purpose.
Pros
- Stays fresh in the bottle for long-term use
- The sheer finish won’t spoil the polish's look
- Convenient and easy to apply
Cons
- It features a rounded brush
Seche Vite — Best Ingredients
If you don't like to wait around after your manicure and want to ensure you’re only using the safest ingredients, this might be the perfect top coat nail polish for you. It dries almost instantly without any UV light curing and adds a shine that brings your dull nails to life. Not only that, but it also protects your nails from any staining or chipping while strengthening them. A thin coat of this nail polish protects your nails for over two weeks without using harmful chemicals such as sulfates or triclosan. Made with 100% vegan ingredients, it also prevents the lacquer below from fading while being cruelty-free.
Pros
- Very easy to apply and remove
- Comes in two different sizes
- Keeps nails safe and healthy
Cons
- Can change the color
Beetles — Most Durable
A blend of nine toxin-free ingredients, this top coat nail polish can last for over 21 days without chipping, smudging, or cracking. It makes your nails healthier over time and gives you the perfect shine without harmful adhesives. This product isn’t just made for your natural nails, but it can also be used on acrylic extensions, artificial nails, or even gel manicures. This top coat is environmentally friendly, perfectly safe to use, and free from tacky odors. Its brush spreads the gel easily onto your entire nail, so the coat is even and doesn't look bumpy from any side.
Pros
- Suitable for all nail polishes and nail types
- Long-lasting shine and gloss
- Proper consistency for easy, even application
Cons
- Optimal to seal and cure with a UV lamp
Sally Hansen — Best Fast Drying
When you apply this top coat on your colored lacquer or nail art, you only need to wait for 30 seconds for it to dry. Its acrylic polymer formula makes sure that the top coat nail polish takes shape properly and lasts for at least 10 days. Along with that, the double UV filter formula protects your nail polish’s original color from fading and distorting. A single coat of this is enough to cover your manicure and prevent it from chipping.
Pros
- Durable and long-lasting formula
- Provides proper sheerness without impacting color
- Dries quickly, even with textured polish beneath
Cons
- The brush doesn't flatten evenly
CND — Best for Gel Nails
If you use Vinylux nail polishes and are looking for a suitable top coat, this one would be the most ideal for you. The high-quality gel provides a salon-like finish to your nails and lasts for at least seven days. Since gel nail paints have a really oily texture, this top coat tends to tone that down, so you don't end up with smudged nails. It keeps your nails free from any chips and scratches too, so your manicure will always be protected and last a long time.
Pros
- Easy to use and apply
- Long-lasting and durable protection
- High gloss and shine
Cons
- Not as long-lasting as other top coats
Buying Guide for Finding a Top Coat Nail Polish
You must be thinking, what’s to check in nail polish? Well, there’s a lot that needs to be taken into note since these are not just meant to be applied but need to protect your nails well enough. Here’s what you need to check:
What to Look for in a Top Coat Nail Polish
Consistency
A thick consistency in a top coat nail polish is quite difficult to spread on nails, and a thin one never holds its shape. So, it would be best to opt for one with a glue-like consistency that applies well and prevents any ugly smudges that some top coats can cause.
Durability
Durability is one of the most essential factors of a top coat. You need to have a top coat nail polish that prevents chipping and should be durable enough to keep scratches at bay while avoiding any smudges.
Sheerness
A top coat is meant to bring your manicure or pedicure to life with ultra-gloss, matte, or plumped finishes. It should not dilute the lacquer's presence in any way. Make sure to get a top coat nail polish that is transparent and sheer so the main nail paint or nail art can shine through.
Easy to dry
The top coat doesn't need to dry in mere seconds, but ideally, it should also not take more than two or three minutes to dry. Also, opt for a product that doesn’t require a curing lamp (particularly if you don’t have one) and will dry properly by itself.
Good brush
It can be really tough to apply nail polish with a round brush. For an even application, make sure the brush that comes with the top coat nail polish is either angular or flat so it takes fewer coats and sets in one time.
Long-lasting
Since the whole point of a top coat nail polish is to make sure your manicure stays looking great for longer, choose one that lasts for at least 10 days. If it will only last for five or six days, you may want to select a stronger one.
Price
A regular top coat comes for as low as $3, but it doesn't guarantee long-lasting capabilities or durability. You can easily get a good-quality top coat nail polish with a durable formula that is free from toxins and lasts for an extended period for under $6.
From Our Celebrity Expert, Olivia Elgart:
"I really, really like top coat nail polish for adding both shine and depth to your nails. Celebrity make up artists like James Charles will also tell you that top coat nail polish is an essential part of any manicure as it works well to give your manicure more longevity. You can also mix and match different polishes for different looks and effects."
Benefits of Applying Top Coat Nail Polish
Prevents chipping
No one likes to see their nail paint or nail art chip off a day or two after the application. To prevent this, a top coat nail polish comes to the rescue. Its supreme-quality formula not only keeps chipping at bay but also protects from scratches and cracks.
Eliminates smudges
Hate the nail paint blobs that collect at one section of your nail after you’re done applying? A top coat nail polish stops that section from smudging and gives you salon-like finished nails that look clean and fresh.
Helps the manicure last for a longer period
Since a top coat gives an extra protection layer to your manicure, it automatically increases the duration of your manicure. So, say goodbye to short-term manicures that barely last for a week. A fresh top coat is here to make it stay for at least ten days, if not longer.
How to Apply Top Coat Nail Polish
Applying a top coat nail polish isn't a complicated or time-consuming task. Simply follow the steps below for an easy experience:
- If needed, apply your nail polish or do your nail art and let it dry and set for at least five minutes. If you're using gel or quick-dry nail paint, let it cure for at least one minute.
- With the help of an angular or flat brush, apply the top coat from the bottom of your nail to the top. Make sure the brush spreads well onto the nail for an even application.
- Let it dry in the air for two minutes or if it needs to be cured, place it under the lamp for 30 seconds.
- If required, apply a second layer and seal the look.
