Apart from the colors and long process it would take to make your nails appear more attractive, it is also important to consider protecting your natural nails from any type of damage such as chipping and thinning. This is where nail polish base coats come into place.
What are base coats?
Nail polish base coats are the first line of defense of your nails before being exposed to any type of product. It gives the nails an even texture and prevents it from staining or as some people call it, ‘yellow nails’. It somehow serves as a barrier between the natural nail and whatever product is used on its surface.
In makeup, you would consider your base coat as the primer. it serves as a protective layer for your skin preventing it from absorbing the negative effects of makeup while also serving as a base to make your makeup last longer. In the same way, a nail polish base coat works as a primer.
Are base coats necessary before applying polish?
Yes. They are necessary to protect your nails from any type of damage and base coats are basically the first thing that should be applied. They contain minerals such as protein, vitamin E, and calcium that keep your nails healthy and hydrated.
Benefits of using base coats
There are a lot of benefits you may gain from using base coats. It doesn’t just serve as a proactive lining, it also improves the overall appearance of your nails. in addition, it offers a variety of benefits.
Prevents Discoloration of nails
Having ‘yellow nails’ or stained nails are caused by frequent changes in nail polish and nail art designs. the colors seep into the outer layer of your nails thus causing your nails to be discolored. Your base coat prevents this from happening since it acts as the additional layer of nail absorbing all the tints from your nail polish.
Smoothens natural nails
Basecoat improves the appearance of your nails by providing an even and smooth surface. This avoids bumps or unsightly ripples on your nails. It also allows the nail polish to be applied smoothly and evenly on your nails even with just a single layer. Trying to even out your nails with multiple layers of nail polish can be damaging to your nails.
Polish sticks better and longer
It makes your manicure last longer than usual due to the cellulose chemicals making the polish flexible therefore doesn’t let it chip off easily. Your base coats provide a strong base for your nail polish to adhere making it ideal in promoting the longevity of your nail art.
Base coats prevent breakage
It also prevents the damage and breakage of your natural nails. Base coats have hardening properties that lock-in the oils on your natural nails making them less prone to any sort of damage.
How should you choose a good base coat?
Base coats differ in composition especially from one brand to another. Some may cause allergic reactions to sensitive skin while others do not have the desired consistency manicurists are looking for. Before picking out a base coat, you should always consider the following:
Assess your nails’ condition
Before applying any type of base coat, you should know your nails to know the product that suits it. If your nails are dry, consider base coats that are known to hydrate and rejuvenate. If they are brittle and get easily chipped, look for recommendations that balance the protein levels of your nails.
Practical and high quality
Price doesn’t always guarantee the quality of the product. Oftentimes, we heavily depend on the price of the product considering that expensive ones are high-quality while budget products are sub-par. Always settle for quality and not for the price.
Consider professional recommendations
It’s always great to seek professional advice from your manicurist or nail expert. They know what type of base coast is best and suits your nails best. Many who do DIY nail art may end using the wrong products thus damaging their nails, you don’t want that happening to you.
Look at substances and ingredients
The best base coats contain more natural vitamins and minerals such as protein, calcium, and vitamin E. They are necessary to maintain the health of your nails. It is important to consider these more than the chemicals which may cause damage to your nails rather than give it a perfect look.
Can base coats be used as topcoats?
We can often find basecoats that double as topcoats. Since both serve the same purpose of preventing damage on the nails and hardening its surface to prevent breakage, you can find a 2-in-1 nail coat in the market. Though they may be more expensive, they are well worth the price.
Best Nail Polish Base Coats in 2024
UNT Ready for Takeoff Peelable Base Coat
This UNT base coat can really work with many kinds of applications like glitter, nail art, stamps, and many more, all without having to chip or break. It is also a very easy peelable base coat that can remove polishes in one piece without damaging your nails. It’s formulation also makes it healthy for your nails since it does not contain formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, and other damaging chemicals.
Revlon Quick Dry Base Coat
Having a coat that you can apply easily and have a smooth cover gives a feeling of satisfaction, and that’s just what this product offers. It has a sleek application that firmly adheres to whatever color you put on and have it last for a long time. On top of that, this Revlon base coat also resists chipping, breaking, and discoloration on your nails to keep it strong and protected.
ZOYA Naked Manicure Base Coat
Treat your weak or damaged nails with the revitalizing benefits of this ZOYA Base Coat. It is made with a formula that specifically nourishes your nails and defends it against any nail damage or discoloration. Packed with a blend of vitamins, proteins, and botanicals that not only mimics the keratin structure of the nail but also strengthens it to the cellular level.
LondonTown Kur Nail Hardener and Base Coat
The solid qualities of this base coat will surely keep your nails protected while serving as a good base for your nail polish. It keeps your nails strong by using a formulation with ingredients that nourish and moisturize your nails, preventing them from cracking or splitting. This product is also gluten-free and cruelty free.
Probelle Hydrating Base Coat
This Probelle base coat might be the solution if you have a problem with dry, thin, or brittle nails. With both Keratin and Vitamin E, this product is great at keeping your nails hydrated while mitigating any damage from your polish or to outside forces. In addition, it is a fast-drying base coat that sticks neatly and can be used with or without any nail polish.
OPI Nail Polish Base Coat
This base coat is excellent in giving the perfect complement for your polish and ensures that your nail lacquer would last for a long time. When paired with the OPI nail polish and top coat, it can give a great result with a guaranteed long-lasting manicure. more than that, it also stops nail discoloration or yellowing caused by the color application.
Beetles No Wipe Gel Top Coat and Base Coat Set
Beetles is one of the leading companies in producing quality nail products, and this is no exception. The base coat can provide your nails with a sturdy and durable layer that ensures a strong grip on your color. Plus, it is also very easy to apply, and when paired with the topcoat, can last for up to 21 days with minimal chips and breaks.
MODELONES No Wipe Gel Top and Base Coat Set
Whether you use this MODELONES product for home, salon, or professional application, it can provide a glossy and high-quality product that can last up to two weeks. The base coat and top coat of this set are made without any toxic materials or harmless resin, which ensures your nail would have no damage from this product.
Makartt No Wipe Base and Top Coat Kit
This Makartt product set can fit nicely into the nail kit you already have since it can work with many nail applications. The base coat sticks well to your nails and to the lacquer you put on top of it, pairing this with the high gloss top coat makes for a shiny final product. It is also made with a harmless formula and does not have a strong smell.
AIMELI Builder Base Gel
The super thick formulation of this product is not only a good builder gel, but can serve as a clear base coat as well. Once it is properly cured under UV light, it provides a clean extension to your nail that also adheres to many kinds of polish and becomes very resistant to chipping, breaking, or smudges.
Essie Base Coat Nail Polish
This Essie product has a strengthening formula that nourishes and protects your nails while creating a smooth and ideal base coat for your lacquer. This is done with the help of Vitamin E, Ginko biloba, and other minerals that keep your nails defended while making your color remain for a long time.
Orly Base Nail Coat
This Orly base coat can give you a convenient and enjoyable experience with its very smooth glide upon application and its long-lasting bind on your nails. It also makes your color coat vibrant and shiny, and can also be used as a top coat too. This results in a sparkling finish on your manicure.
Orly Bonder Rubberized Nail Base Coat
This is another Orly product that can make a good addition to your kit. It is made with a unique formula that is rubberized. This property allows the base coat to have a strong grip on your nails and the lacquer, and ensure that they would stick for a long time, this one can last for up to two weeks.
Murron Peel Off Gel Base Coat
Ensure no harm to your nails with the use of this Murron base coat. It has a vegan formula that is odorless, so you can ensure gentle care on your nails and on the environment. This coat can last for weeks but can be removed without causing damage to your nails.
Essie Here to Stay Base Coat
This is another Essie product that is more intricately designed to hardly glue to your nails while still giving a smooth and enhanced color to your polish. This base coat is also long-lasting and can keep your nails well fortified by having a protective barrier that keeps it from staining.
Mineral Fusion Nail Polish Base Coat
If you’re looking for a base coat that can last long without containing any harmful chemicals, then this might be the product you’re looking for. This base coat is formulated without formaldehyde, toluene, phthalate, and other harmful chemicals. Still, it gives a clear and shiny finish that keeps your nails beautiful and healthy.
Our Pick
We highly recommend you pick the OPI Base Coat. This product is a really effective base coat that applies very easily and keeps the lacquer intact. The Essie Base Coat is also a highly recommended product since it does a really good job of keeping its strength.