Base coats are usually thicker and stickier, which helps the nail polish adhere better. They contain more resins to give the nail added strength. Topcoats are thinner and contain more ingredients that create a durable surface on the nail.

They act as a barrier between your nail and the colored polish to prevent damage and staining, while simultaneously ensuring a better surface to adhere to, which provides the opportunity for longer wear time of your color.

Nail professionals seal all manicures with a top coat for a reason: It helps color last longer. When you pair a long-lasting polish with a top coat, you can even get a seven-day wear. Top coats can also help block UV rays from damaging color, protecting it from water and other things your hands regularly touch.

However, there's one important twosome that's oftentimes disregarded - base coats and nail polish. While, yes, you can use one without the other, there's a reason this pairing exists. “A base coat acts as a solid foundation for any nail polish application,” explains nail technician and cosmetologist Alisha Mathis.

After cleaning your nail surface from the old nail color, apply the base coat. When applying base coat, color and top coat, let each coat dry first before applying the next coat. Base coat needs to be dry before applying color, otherwise it will chip. You may think this process will be time-consuming.

And it should also help when you apply your colored nail polish. So that it could adhere better to your fingernail. And I do recommend investing in a good base coat that's good for your nail type.

That's the difference. Base coat goes on the bottom to protect your nail and form a barrier between your nail and the nail lacquer or nail polish whichever name you prefer. If you're in a rush use, the combination top and base coat.

When To Apply Top Coat. If you are trying to replicate a salon manicure at home, you are going to apply your top coat last. A general rule of thumb is that you start with a base coat, after which you apply two layers of your chosen color and finish it off with one layer of top coat.

REAPPLY TOP COAT EVERY TWO TO THREE DAYS However, if you really want your nails to sport a fresh out of the salon look, we recommend stepping it up on the maintenance front. Make sure to reapply a top coat every two to three days for long-lasting results.

Tip 1- Apply 2 Thin Coats After correctly prepping your nail, apply 2 thin coats. Make sure not to put too much product on the nail, remember only a thin coat. There are multiple reasons to add aa second coat of base. The main reason is that it adds flexibility to the nail.

Peel Off Base Coat provides easy removal without acetone. Nails last between 1-7 days depending on placement and how many layers are applied. Perfect for changing manis and accent nails often giving you more chances to wear all your colors!

You'll want to cure your base coat for at least 30 seconds to a minute before continuing to ensure that it has thoroughly dried. Also, make sure to seal the open edges, or cap the free edge, as this process is called.

Tip 1- Apply 2 Thin Coats Make sure not to put too much product on the nail, remember only a thin coat. There are multiple reasons to add aa second coat of base. The main reason is that it adds flexibility to the nail. It also helps for the color gel to adhere to the nail, creating a perfect finish overall.