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 19 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.
