gel nails chipping after 2 days

THE 15 BEST TOP COAT NAIL POLISH PREVENT CHIPPING

Have you ever taken the time to paint your nails, only to find that after a day, they lose their shine and develop cracks? The best topcoats that we are about to introduce not only keep the underlying polish from cracking or fading but also prevent discoloration, enhance the shine, and overall protect your nails. So, scroll down to check out 15  top coat nail polish trusted by reliable nail artists. 

BEST OVERALL: OPI PLUMPING TOP COAT

The OPI Plumping Top Coat has garnered a cult-favorite reputation among both professional nail artists and everyday nail enthusiasts. Designed for volumizing, this top coat forms a dense, protective layer that rapidly dries to deliver a lustrous, gel-like finish. When applying, it’s essential to use a minimal amount, given the thickness of the polish; excessive application may result in a congealed appearance on the nails. To avoid this, ensure the removal of excess polish from the brush before application. While this cult favorite may not provide the same shine as a gel, it establishes a thicker film, enhancing the resilience of your manicure against scratches or chips.

BEST BUDGET: OLIVE & JUNE SUPER GLOSSY TOP COAT

The Olive & June Super Glossy Top Coat is my top choice among available options. Its high-shine formula, coupled with a broad brush, simplifies the application process. Not only does it prevent smudging of my polish or nail art underneath, but it has also extended the longevity of my DIY manicures more than any other top coat I’ve personally tested. While I haven’t personally encountered this issue, it’s worth noting that some reviews suggest a potential decrease in shine over time.

BEST SPLURGE: DIOR VERNIS COSMIC TOP COAT

The Dior Vernis Cosmic Top Coat is often hailed as “nail art in a bottle.” This limited edition top coat is infused with shimmering champagne flecks that not only elevate the appearance of other colors when applied on top but also impart an ethereal quality when worn alone. Unlike clear top coats, this one is not transparent, so if you desire a more glassy finish, it’s advisable to consider alternative options. The photo clearly illustrates the distinct characteristics of this top coat, showcasing its transformative and enchanting effect on nails.

BEST GEL FORMULA: LIGHTS LACQUERS TOTALLY GELLY

Lock in any nail design effortlessly with this gel-like formula that not only ensures a glossy finish but also provides a plumping effect for added allure. No LED light is required to set your manicure, unlike traditional gel polishes. This convenient feature makes it a hassle-free choice for achieving a salon-quality look without the need for additional equipment.

BEST QUICK DRY: SECHE VITE DRY FAST TOP COAT

When it comes to quick-drying top coats, Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat takes the lead. Its rapid drying capability is unmatched, ensuring your nail art remains smudge-free even during hand-painted designs. Beyond its quick-drying advantages, users appreciate its thick formula for maintaining long-lasting shine on nails. While some quick-drying top coats may shrink due to their fast-drying nature, Seche Vite stands out for its ability to preserve the integrity of your manicure without compromising on quality.

BEST CHIP-RESISTANT: CND VINYLUX LONG WEAR SHINE TOP COAT

CND, renowned for its UV-cured gel polishes, excels with the Vinylux Long Wear Shine Top Coat, delivering exceptional results even on regular polish. Reviewers praise its ability to “dry to a flawless finish,” ensuring chip-free and glossy nails for at least a week. However, for those with brittle or damaged nails, it’s essential to note that the formula may have a drying effect. To counter this, applying a cuticle oil nightly can help maintain well-moisturized nails and mitigate potential dryness issues.

BEST VEGAN PICK: LONDONTOWN KUR GEL GENIUS QUICK-DRY TOP COAT

Priced on the higher side, this vegan top coat proves to be worth every penny. Its unique feature involves setting when exposed to sunlight, ensuring that your nail color remains vibrant and pigmented even after spending a weekend by the pool. While it may be a bit costly, the long-lasting and color-preserving benefits make it a valuable investment for your nail care routine.

BEST MATTE: OPI MATTE TOP COAT

If you’re aiming for long-lasting matte nails, the OPI Matte Top Coat is a must-have. Achieving a high-fashion matte manicure is as easy as applying a single coat of this top coat. While many users swear by its effectiveness, some have reported that the finish tends to become chalky after a few days of wear. To prevent this, proper storage in a cool, dry place is crucial. Despite this potential issue, the OPI Matte Top Coat remains a popular choice for those seeking a stylish and enduring matte nail look.

BEST DRUGSTORE FORMULA: SALLY HANSEN INSTA-DRI ANTI-CHIP TOP COAT

Buyers rave about the efficiency of this quick-drying top coat, applauding its ability to deliver a glossy and durable finish in under 30 seconds. The incorporation of acrylic polymers has garnered positive reviews, with users noting how it adds an extra layer of protection, ensuring their manicures remain chip-free and resilient. The fast-drying feature is particularly appreciated for its convenience, making it a go-to choice for those seeking a reliable and efficient nail polish top coat.

BEST GEL DUPE: ESSIE GEL COUTURE TOP COAT

Engineered for quick drying in under 30 seconds, this top coat boasts acrylic polymers that harden upon application, providing a robust shield to safeguard both the nail paint and the nails themselves, effectively preventing any breakage. We highly recommend the essie Gel Couture Top Coat for achieving an ultra-long-lasting gel-like durability and shine. You don’t need a UV lamp, and removal is as easy as regular polish. While it can be used over any polish, optimal results are achieved when paired with essie Gel Couture Polish, making it a worthwhile investment for a durable and glossy at-home manicure.

BEST CHIP-RESISTANT: CHINA GLAZE NO CHIP TOP COAT

This professional-grade top coat not only dries rapidly but also fully hardens within 30 minutes, providing a glossy finish while safeguarding the underlying nail polish. Its advanced formula is specifically designed to resist chipping, cracked polish, and peeling, ensuring your manicure stays flawless for several days.

BEST HIGH-GLOSS: CIRQUE COLORS LOOKING GLASS TOP COAT

For an exceptional mirror-like shine, Cirque Colors Looking Glass stands out as your top choice. This high-gloss top coat features a gel-like formula, ensuring rapid drying and providing lasting protection for your manicure, lasting for several days. 

BEST STRENGTHENING:  NAILS INC. 45 SECOND TOP COAT

For those with weak and brittle nails, NAILS INC. Retinol 45 Second Top Coat comes highly recommended by many people who attest that it indeed dries within 45 seconds. Formulated with hardening retinol, it proves to be beneficial for strengthening weak nails. To maximize its effectiveness, it’s crucial to wrap the edges during application. As a fast-drying polish, the formula contracts upon drying, and neglecting to wrap the edges may result in quicker peeling and chipping.

BEST UV-PROTECTING PICK: BUTTER LONDON HARDWEAR SHINE UV TOP COAT

Butter London’s Hardwear Shine UV Topcoat not only provides impeccable protection to your polish but also adds a touch of indulgence with its lightweight formula, akin to the smoothness of butter. This topcoat ensures a dazzling shine that remains smudge-free, safeguarding your vibrant color from fading. The result is a long-lasting and lustrous manicure that stands out with its impeccable finish and enduring brilliance.

BEST PEARLESCENT: PLEASING PEARLY TOPS POLISH

The Pearly Tops Polish is a versatile and elegant choice for your nails. Its transparent formulation reveals a subtle pearlescent sheen, imparting a touch of sophistication to your manicure. With a satiny matte finish, this top coat complements colored lacquer beautifully, adding a layer of depth and refinement. Alternatively, you can embrace a chic, understated look by wearing it on its own. The sheer and luminous quality of this polish allows you to express your style in various ways, making it a must-have in your nail care collection.

BEST 2-IN-1: SALLY HANSEN DOUBLE DUTY BASE AND TOP COAT

For those who prefer a more budget-friendly option and want the convenience of a combined base coat and top coat, Sally Hansen Double Duty Base and Top Coat comes highly recommended by users. This time-tested favorite offers excellent drying time and contributes to achieving a chip-free manicure. While some users have reported bubbling issues, a simple preventive measure is to wipe off excess product on the bottle’s edge. Applying thin layers in this manner ensures optimal results and minimizes the risk of bubbling during the process.

BEST LONG-LASTING: ESSIE GEL SETTER  TOP COAT

Essie is praised for its exceptional shine and the ability to provide a gel-like finish for your nails. Customers appreciate its superb glossiness, making it an ideal choice for achieving a polished and professional look without the need for gel application. Moreover, formulated with an anti-chipping formula, it is designed to protect and enhance the longevity of your nails with just one coat. However, ensuring sufficient drying time (approximately 15 minutes) is crucial to avoid any potential smudges, streaks, or dents that may occur if not allowed to dry completely.

BEST FOR PREVENTING COLOR FADE: HERMÈS LES MAINS HERMÈS TOP COAT

If you’re ready to indulge in a luxurious nail polish experience, Hermès is the epitome of sophistication. Beyond its chic packaging, the formula goes above and beyond, mimicking natural light to create a stunning high-shine finish with a beautifully curved-depth effect. The attention to detail in both design and formulation makes it a standout choice for those who appreciate the finer things in nail care.

BEST FOR FRENCH MANICURES: PEOPLE OF COLOR NAIL POLISH TOP COAT

The People of Color top coat is a standout choice for achieving a professional glossy finish in your DIY French manicures. Infused with a subtle pink tint, it adds a touch of sophistication and warmth to your nail look. Not limited to French manicures, this versatile top coat also enhances the allure of opaque polish colors, making it a go-to for various nail art styles. Whether worn alone for a sheer and polished appearance or layered over vibrant colors for extra vibrancy, this top coat is a must-have for anyone seeking a flawless and versatile finish.

CONCLUSION

After exploring 15 products from various brands, you are sure to have more appealing options to consider. Each model comes with its unique features, so before making the final decision, be sure to read about the functions and effectiveness of each product. Hopefully, you will find a product that makes your hands stand out and more captivating.

THE 12 BEST PRESS-ON NAILS OF 2024

If you want beautiful nails but fear the time and cost of going to a salon, or if you lack steady hands for at-home nail painting, we’ve got a solution for you – press-on nails.  These items, with stylish designs and contemporary shapes, offer effortless application for easy daily changes. Within this article, we meticulously examine 12 trending press-on nail products currently making waves in the market. Read on!

BEST OVERALL: OLIVE & JUNE

With an extensive range of nail sizes, budget-friendly options, and remarkable durability, Olive & June stands out as the top choice for press-on nails. Offering an impressive 41 nails in 21 sizes, they provide the broadest selection on the market. These nails are exceptionally thick and resilient, showcasing no signs of chipping and staying securely in place for an impressive 18 days—the longest duration I’ve experienced with press-ons. While not achieving a completely seamless fit at the cuticle, they maintain a high-quality appearance. Olive & June further excels with its affordable pricing, with many sets available for around $10.

BEST FIT: GLAMNETIC PRESS- ON

Glamnetic outstanding for providing the best press-on nails that deliver a natural and comfortable fit. The cuticle fit is seamless, and the application process is effortless. With a wide variety of designs and shorter lengths, Glamnetic offers a versatile assortment. Despite the higher price point, these nails are natural-looking and durable, lasting a full two weeks without any lifting. However, some minor chipping of the polish may occur after approximately one week.

BEST FROM THE DRUGSTORE: KISS SALON ACRYLIC

Affordable, readily available at the drugstore, and displaying impressive durability, these nails seamlessly blend at the cuticle for a natural and comfortable appearance. The thickness and resilience of these nails mimic the performance of acrylic nails, with no instances of chipping or lifting during the entire 7 days . Despite the claim of “no bubbling” on the packaging, you did observe slight bubbling of the glue underneath, possibly influenced by your application technique or the ridges/uneven texture on your nails.

BEST DESIGNS: CHILLHOUSE

For those seeking trendy and eye-catching designs, Chillhouse press-on nails are the ideal choice to garner compliments. Striking the perfect balance between trendiness and everyday wearability, they offer a comfortable fit. This set, in particular, features a shorter length, making it a great option for those who prefer not to wear long nails. Despite the higher price point, these nails are fashionable and fun. While they lasted for 10 days, they may not be the most durable option, as I encountered some lifting and cracking around the cuticle of one nail around the 7-day mark.

BEST NATURAL-LOOKING: MANI MUSE

Boasting a natural and lightweight feel, these nails from Mani Muse provide exceptional comfort. Their lifelike appearance even led one friend to mistake them for my real nails. As a newer brand established in 2020, Mani Muse currently offers a more limited selection of designs, featuring round and almond shapes only. While they may not be as long-lasting, lasting only a few days on me, you  would still consider repurchasing them, especially for a quick and natural-looking manicure for special events.

BEST WITH CRYSTALS: MARMALADE NAILS

Offering a wide array of shapes, designs, and crystal embellishments, Marmalade presents a diverse range of options. One standout, the Aria, features a short, matte, square white manicure with a sparkling Swarovski crystal accent nail—ideal for a summer look. However, it’s important to note that the white nails tended to discolor over time, taking on a light brown hue. the light pink nail glue is a thoughtful touch, aiding in the precise application of glue. 

BEST FOR CLASSIC STYLES: STATIC NAILS

Static Nails offers reusable pop-on manicures in various shapes. With options like round, coffin, square, almond, and stiletto, Static Nails stands out for its approachable styles, featuring solid colors and multi-colored French manicures. The inclusion of light pink glue is a thoughtful addition, although I found the instructions a bit misleading. Following the directions, which suggest applying a thin layer of glue to the back of the Static Nail and a “generous” layer to the natural nail, resulted in excess glue, spreading to the top of the nail and may cause damage.

BEST FOR UNIQUE DESIGNS: CLUTCH NAILS

Clutch Nails offers a diverse range of fun and vibrant designs, including bright colors, patterns like checkers, flames, stars, and more, along with holiday-themed options and various lengths. The set includes light pink nail glue, which, based on personal observation, seems stronger than the clear glue.They would have had a longer duration if not for the extended exposure to pool water.

BEST EASIEST TO APPLY: IMPRESS PRESS ON MANICURES

Applying Impress nails is incredibly easy, making them an ideal choice for those new to press-on nails or apprehensive about commitment. Unlike some brands, Impress nails come with a pressure-sensitive adhesive already attached to the nail, eliminating the need for glue. I found that the Impress adhesive is particularly robust, outperforming the adhesives from brands that provide glue separately. Additionally, Impress offers a diverse range of designs specifically tailored for short nail manicures.

 BEST LARGEST VARIETY: THE NAILEST

The Nailest stands out with the most extensive variety of nails among the brands I tested. Their instant acrylic sets, ready-to-ship, cover virtually every shape, length, color, and finish imaginable. Additionally, The Nailest offers handcrafted sets with a minimum of 5 layers of gel polish, ensuring a premium quality. These press-on nails are notably thicker and sturdier compared to most others. It’s advisable to avoid following the directions to apply glue on both the faux nail and the natural nail, as it can lead to excess glue and make the nails messy and sticky.

BEST CUSTOMIZABLE: TRÈS SHE SEXTING PRESS ON ACRYLIC NAILS

Très She Instant Acrylics offer the option of being glued down or conveniently attached using the provided adhesive stickers. While the stickers provide a time-saving solution, we found the gluing process to be straightforward and hassle-free, drying quickly with minimal mess. The individual nails have a relatively long length, but they can be easily filed down with the included file. Some users appreciate the thick and durable design, although it can make the press-ons challenging to remove and may leave the nails appearing and feeling somewhat brittle.

BEST BUDGET: DASHING DIVA MAGIC PRESS PRESS-ON NAILS

Looking for a budget-friendly option? Dashing Diva is an excellent choice. The brand’s MagicPress nails received perfect scores in all our tests. They are incredibly easy to apply—after cleaning your nail beds with the included prep pad, you simply peel off the clear film from each nail to reveal the adhesive and press down firmly. While the glueless design makes them non-reusable, the affordable price and hassle-free process make them highly recommended. Moreover, their appearance on the fingers rivals that of a professional manicure.

CONCLUSION 

Here are 12 fake nail designs from various brands, each crafted with intricate patterns, stylish designs, and a variety of colors for you to choose from. They come in different sizes, so it’s advisable to estimate the size before making a purchase to avoid getting the wrong fit. We hope you find a design that suits your style and personality, enhancing the beauty of your hands.

FAQS

  1. How to get press- on nails to stay on?

Ensuring that press-on nails stay securely in place involves a few key steps. First, start by preparing your natural nails – clean them, remove any existing polish, and lightly buff the surface for better adhesion. How to take press- on nails off?

Removing press-on nails can be done effectively with a few simple steps. Begin by soaking your nails in warm, soapy water for about 10-15 minutes. After soaking, gently pry the press-on nails away from your natural nails using a cuticle stick or an orange stick.

  1. Which artificial nails are best?

Some popular options include acrylic nails, gel nails, and press-on nails. Acrylic nails are durable and long-lasting, while gel nails provide a natural look with added flexibility. Press-on nails are convenient and come in various designs.