Here at CF, we’ve done tons of posts on nail polish – from explaining the different types of nail polish finishes, to the latest polish trends, unique nail art techniques, and even unusual uses for your favorite polishes. We’ve also done a basic manicure tutorial to get you started.
Even though we’ve covered tons of nail-related topics, there are still many more that we’d like to explain in-depth. So each week, we’ll have an entire post dedicated to nail polish – from the hottest colors of the season, to fun nail art techniques, to info on the must-have nail products of the moment.
This week, I want to talk about one of my favorite nail products – the base coat. I love me some base coats, and they are totally underrated when it comes to DIY manicures.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Reasons to Use a Base Coat:
- It will extend the life of your manicure. I’ve noticed base coats help more with this than top coats – they really work to keep your polish chip-free. With a good base coat, you can go a week without a chipped nail, no lie.
- It gives the polish an even surface to adhere to. By using a base coat first, you will prevent your polishes from getting streaky and eliminate those “ridges” that can sometimes appear on your nails.
- It will help prevent dark colors from staining your nail beds. We’ve all experienced the yellow nails that often follow dark nail polish – this phenomenon can be prevented with the right base coat. And with deep fall colors coming into season, it’s more important than ever to use one.
How many coats of nail polish are necessary?
The best way to keep your manicure looking beautiful and shiny for days or even weeks on end? Apply one coat of base coat – it’s the key! Then follow up with two coats of polish. If you want even more durability and boldness, we recommend using three thin layers: white as a base layer, followed by a colorful polish (your color should go second because it will pop over the white). Finally, complete your mani with a top coat.
My 2 Favorite Base Coats:
When shopping for a base coat, it can be tempting to go for those 2-in-1 base/top coats you find at the drugstore. But after testing them myself, I’ve found that those are mostly a waste of money and aren’t as effective as separate top and base coats. Spend a little more and get separate top and base coats – you’ll have them forever and your nails will look better.
In my opinion (and after having tried lots of different ones), here are the two best base coats for your money:
Orly Bonder
Orly’s Bonder is one of my all-time favorite base coats.
It’s pretty unique in that it dries sticky – so polish literally adheres to it. This makes your polish stay on even better than with normal, non-sticky formulas.
Be forewarned, though, if you wait too long (like more than 30-40 minutes – Hey, sometimes I get really into Millionaire Matchmaker!) the stickiness will dry out and your polish will peel off in sheets, which isn’t exactly ideal.
However, it’s Instagram Fashion Partnerships director Eva Chen’s favorite base coat, so it’s definitely worth a try!
Essie First Base
Another great base coat, and in my opinion, one that’s slightly superior to Bonder, is Essie First Base.
What I love about this formula is that it dries super quickly- like, by the time you’re done painting your last nail, your first nail will already be dry. Amazing, right?
Aside from its amazing fast-drying power, I love this base coat because it will seriously, seriously make your manicure last so much longer – from experience, I’m talking a week plus with no chipping! If you’re looking for an amazing base coat at a reasonable price, this one is definitely it.
Frequently Asked Questions on Nail Polish
What is a base coat?
A base coat is like the adhesive that keeps your polish attached to your nail and prevents your manicure from chipping off. It also creates a protective barrier for your nails, giving them more strength and preventing staining or peeling as time goes on.
How long should nail polish dry between coats?
A few minutes is all you need – experts recommend 2 minutes between coats to get that perfect, glossy finish! Just make sure to completely cover each coat with the next one or your finish will be uneven.
Your thoughts?
Now that you’ve heard my opinions on base coats, I want to hear from you! Do you use a base coat? What are your favorite ones? Which ones don’t you like? Tell me everything in the comments!
Related posts:
I work at a barn five days every week and I’ve tried EVERYTHING to keep my nails from chipping, but nothing works 🙁 Any ideas for helping my nails look great through a week of hard work in the outdoors?
I’ve just started using Revlon Quick Dry Base Coat and I love it. It’s thin but it dries quickly and the nail polish sticks pretty well. I also definitely agree that buying separate base and top coat makes all the difference. I used to use Sally Hansen Double Duty and it doesn’t work as well as my separate top coat.
I always just go to the nailshop to get my nails done. I dnt really like doing my own nails but to save alot of money, I really should start doing them myelf. I have never use basecoat, but I really like how the basecoat Essie First Base Coat sounds. Seems like it should be great. I am really going to have to buy some of that SOON.
I’m hot on Julep’s Nail Therapy base coat right now, and it has the added benefit of taking care of your nails, not just your polish!
I’ve always had good luck with Revlon’s base coat.
orly’s ridge filler is really nice too!
I personally LOVE my essie base coat!! & just a tip I learned on a photo shoot…RIGHT before you paint your nails, even if there is no color on them, rub a cotton ball filled with acetone on your nail. It dries out your nail beds from its natural oils, so it REALLY REALLY helps your nails polish stay perfect for like, ever. However, this is pretty bad for your nails, so I only do that every so often because I was always taught your nails need to “breathe” and stay healthy 🙂
xoxo
Rachel.
I use Sally’s Beauty Supply Base Coat. I think it works rather well!! Plus for a small bottle its $3 and for a larger one it’s about $6+.
So excited that you guys are doing this series! I’m definitely nail polish obsessed. I’ve been using CND base coat and it works pretty well.
@jacquie-I change my nail color several times a week and I always use a base coat. It really doesn’t make it any more difficult to remove. Also, I use acetone (for natural nails) to remove my nail polish. Some people say it hurts your nails but I’ve never experienced any problems.
I don’t usually use a base coat but I’m going to start to because when I do my own nails, they last maybe three days before they start chipping. Thanks for the advice!
i don’t usually use a base coat, because i change my nail polish color almost every other day so i want it to come off easy. is that a healthy thing to do for your nails? what are the best nail polish removers out there that won’t damage your nails…??
yes~!! Thank you for this post! I’m finishing up my current base coat, and I was looking around for a good base coat since I’m a self proclaimed nail polish addict. I will definitely give these two a try. Thanks!
I love Sally Hansen. They have this AMAZING 3-in-1 Base coat, Top Coat, and nail strengthener! Definitely should be on the list 🙂
In the UK we’ve got a newish brand called Save the Nail (allegedly Nails Inc’s sister brand) and they do a sticky base coat I’m really impressed by, it’s around £6 in Boots. It’s definitely a very odd feeling, you wouldn’t want to use it on its own. I believe it’s labelled as a ‘colour extender’ and it really does just that.
I like Essie’s First Base. It hasn’t failed me yet. 😀
My HG base coat is Zoya anchor. It is beyond amazing. You should definitely give it a try!