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If you have ever gotten your nails done at a nail salon, you probably noticed that the manicurist uses products in a specific way, always following the same order. That’s because both the base coat and the top coat have specific properties that allow them to keep your manicure protected for weeks.
What exactly are they, and how do they differ from each other? We will be answering those (and more) questions below.
In simple terms, a base coat is a special type of nail polish that creates a protective barrier between your nail and the nail polish. If your nails have ridges on them, it also helps with smoothing them out so that your manicure looks flawless.
Here are a few main reasons why you should be using a base coat when doing your nails:
Now that we have explained what is a base coat for nails and why it’s important, let’s move on to the next thing we’re going to cover - what is a top coat?
The top coat is the final step in the manicure routine (at least as far as applying polish goes). Its main purpose is to protect the nail polish from chipping and scratches.
Here are a few reasons why, if you don’t already have it, you should invest in a top coat polish:
So, now that we’ve covered what both a base coat and a top coat are, let's talk about what makes them different from each other.
The main difference between base coat and top coat is pretty obvious when you consider what we already said - the base coat is applied before the color, directly onto your fingernail. The top coat, on the other hand, goes on top of the nail polish.
Secondly, the base coat is typically applied more thickly than the top coat - the top coat is usually applied in a thinner layer, as the polish itself is not as thick as a base coat. Because of this, base coats also typically take longer to dry than top coats.
Finally, base coats are stickier than top coats, as their main function is to adhere to both your nail and the layers of nail polish that you will be putting on it.
Base and top coats cannot be compared as they’re meant to do two completely different things. So, both of them are equally important and if you want to achieve the best results both of them should be used.
Technically, nothing is stopping you from using a base coat as a top coat or the other way around. However, you should be aware that the quality might not be as good as it would’ve been if you were to use them the way they should be used.
So, while it is possible to do so, your nails might not last as long as they usually do.
A solution you might want to consider if you don’t want to purchase two separate products is a 2-in-1 base and top coat. Those polishes are designed specifically to perform both functions, and they do it well.
Yes - before you put another coat on top, you need to wait for the previous one to dry. As a rule of thumb, you should wait two minutes before each coat, so the whole process would look something like this:
apply base coat -> wait 2 minutes -> apply the color coat -> wait 2 minutes -> apply the second color coat -> wait 2 minutes -> apply the top coat -> wait 2 minutes -> apply the second coat of top coat* -> wait until completely dry
*optional
The main thing that can happen in this case is your nails getting stained, as there’s not going to be a protective barrier that prevents it - especially if you decide to use bright or dark nail polish colors such as red or blue.
Absolutely. If you’re not in the mood for colored nails, applying a layer of a clear base coat will leave you with naturally looking fingernails with a little bit of shine. Not to mention that it also strengthens your nails.
Ideally, you should be applying one layer of the base coat and two layers of the top coat, although in most cases, you will be more than fine with just one layer of the top coat.
If you’re on a hunt for a good base or top coat, the most helpful thing that you can do is read online reviews, as well as get recommendations from professional nail artists - YouTube is a great source for that, as they often upload videos about their favorite products.
Unfortunately, they can, which is why you should pay attention to the brand you’re considering purchasing from. Look for those that offer “3-free”, “5-free”, etc. formulations.
At ella+mila, we are committed to offering our customers products that are not only of high quality but also safe to use, which is why our nail polishes are “17-free”, meaning that they are free from the 17 most common harmful ingredients found in this type of product.
In order for your manicure to look as flawless as it would if you got your nails done at a salon, there’s a certain order of applying that should be followed, and both a base coat and a top coat are a part of that.
Hopefully, after this article, you have a better understanding of what is a base coat, as well as what is top coat for nails and why they’re both important in the nail painting process.
At ella+mila, we understand that having your nails done brings a different kind of confidence, which is why we have everything you need to create flawless manicures at home. Whether you’re looking for a base coat, a top coat, or a new polish color to adorn your nails, we’ve got you covered, so don’t hesitate to take a look at our selection.
