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Have you ever wondered if these two products really make a difference in your nail care routine?
If so, you’ve come to the right place. Here, we’ll dive a little into what these two products do, why they’re important, and how you can use them to achieve salon-worthy nails at home. So read on to discover the secret behind long-lasting, shiny, and healthy-looking nails.
This is why you should use a good base coat
Base coat is the product applied to the nails before applying nail polish. It is specially developed to prepare the nail for polish by creating a smooth, even, and receptive surface. This makes it easier for you to apply your colored nail polish AND it improves the durability of the polish. Win win.
Here are some of the main reasons why you should use a base coat:
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Protection against discoloration: Some nail polishes, especially darker and highly pigmented colors, can leave discoloration on your natural nails. Yes, I’m looking at you, very specific turquoise blue nail polish that left my nails puke-blue for weeks. A base coat acts as a barrier between your nail and the polish, helping to prevent this discoloration. If your nails have become discolored, you should consider reading: Discolored nails – How to fix them
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Improves the durability of nail polish: Base coat helps to "grip" the nail polish, improving its adhesion to the nail. So the base coat clings to your natural nail, but also to the color you apply on top, and this can help your manicure last longer without chipping.
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Smooths the nail surface: If you have ridges or other irregularities on your nails, a base coat can help make the surface even, so your nail polish applies more smoothly – just as we want.
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Strengthens and protects the nails: Some base coats contain ingredients that can help with everything from strengthening your nails and preventing them from becoming brittle or weak, to peel-off, to avoiding drying out the nail plate, all the way to the basic model that "just" helps prevent discoloration.
So even though it can be tempting to skip the base coat, especially when you’re in a hurry, it’s an important part of a good manicure. It only takes a couple of extra minutes to apply, and it can make a big difference to the appearance and especially the durability of your nail polish.
Top coat gives the finish
Top coat is a clear or glittery polish product that is applied over nail polish to seal in the color and give a shiny finish. It acts as a protective barrier that helps prevent the nail polish from chipping, and it can also give your manicure a more professional, salon-like appearance.
Here are some of the main reasons why you should use a top coat:
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Extends the durability of your manicure: By sealing the nail polish, a top coat helps prevent chipping and peeling, which extends the life of your manicure.
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Gives a shiny finish: Most top coats provide a high-gloss finish that can make your nail polish look smoother and more polished. Today, you can get top coats for every taste, e.g., gel-like that almost encapsulate the surface for extra, extra shine. There are also matte or satin top coats if you prefer a non-shiny finish.
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Protects against damage: Top coat helps protect your nails and nail polish from everyday wear and tear, so you avoid getting those dreaded chips too quickly.
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Faster drying: Some top coats are designed to dry ultra-fast, which can help reduce the time it takes for your manicure to dry. If you want to dry your nail polish faster, read this guide.
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Improves the appearance of nail polish: Top coat can help even out any streaks or irregularities in the nail polish, giving a more even and professional finish, so even if you haven’t applied it perfectly, top coat is your best friend here.
So just like with base coat, even though it can be tempting to skip the top coat, it’s an important part of a good manicure. And with a Quick Dry Top Coat, it doesn’t even take a couple of extra minutes.
Next step: The perfect polish
You are now ready to apply the finest nail polish the world has ever seen. If you need a refresher on how to apply the perfect polish, you can read the guide we’ve made.
We hope this guide has helped you understand the importance of base and top coat in your nail care routine. Remember, a good manicure isn’t just about color, but also about caring for and protecting your nails. Enjoy your next manicure!
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