15 Best Base Coat Nail Polishes To Protect Your Nails – 2023
Create an evenly polished base for your nail paint and achieve the most flawless finish.
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Mary Ajaka is a celebrity makeup artist with 15 years of experience in TV/media, editorial, and bridal makeup. She has a keen eye for detail and understands that each face is unique, which is why she uses different makeup techniques tailore... more
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A gorgeous and long-lasting manicure can only work if you choose the best base coat for your nail polish. Long or short, everyone desires to have healthy nails that can take any nail paint without getting dull or making the dried paint chip off prematurely. Sometimes, regularly getting your nails painted or manicured can start making them turn yellowish due to nail varnish. To save your nails from getting ruined, try investing in some good base coat before trying on bomb colors.
The base coat is formulated to protect the health of your nails by keeping them sturdy, forming a layer that prevents them from getting too dry at the cuticles. It smoothes out the area before you can glide your nail paint with ease. And the good news? You can simply try it at home instead of blowing money at the salon. Take a look at these 15 effective base coat nail paints that will protect your nails.
In This Article
What Does A Base Coat Do?
A base coat is a step in your manicure routine that you don’t want to miss. It not only provides a shield between your delicate nail and often harsh nail paints, but it also works to nourish and strengthen your nails. The best base coat provides the ideal smooth foundation for nail paint to be applied evenly and flawlessly. A thin coat of a nail base coat followed by 2 coats of your favorite nail paint are all you need to flaunt your gorgeous nails for weeks to come. Whether used alone or under nail paint, base coats will ensure your hands are so pretty, you won’t be able to stop staring at them!
15 Best Base Coat Nail Polishes You Must Check Out In 2023
1) Best Nail Strengthening Formula:Mineral Fusion Base Coat
Image: Mineral Fusion This nail polish base performs beautifully in strengthening nails, making them healthy and flawless. The custom, extra-thick brush ensures smooth and even application, making it ideal to be applied before a coat of nail polish. This product is hypoallergenic and unscented, so you can use it without worry, even if you’re sensitive to strong scents, which makes it the best for nail preparation. Long-lasting and chip-resistant, this product provides a clear and glossy finish, making it a favorite for those who always like to keep their nails in top shape.
Pros
- Long-lasting and chip-resistant
- No artificial fragrances
- Hypoallergenic
- Carbon-free and gluten-free
- Free of parabens, formaldehyde, and camphor
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- Some might find the texture of this product a bit thick.
Pro Tip2) Best Glossy:Aimeili Base Coat
Image: Aimeili If you love gel nails and never miss your monthly nail salon appointment like us, this is the product for you. This gel base coat provides a mirror shine finish without any chips or smudges. To use, apply a thin layer and cure under a UV light for 1 minute, followed by an LED light for 30 seconds. This small step is all you need to ensure a manicure that is both gorgeous and flawless. When properly applied, your nails will have a high-gloss finish that lasts up to 21 days. You can check this YouTube video for more information about the product.
Pros
- Glossy, mirror-shine finish
- Suitable for use under gel-based nail polish
- Improves nail health
- Made with eco-friendly ingredients
- Lasts for up to 21 days
Cons
- May cause an allergic reaction, in rare cases. It is advisable to perform a patch test before the entire application.
3) Best Long-Lasting Formula:Modelones Leafu Top And Base Coat Set
Image: Modelones Say hello to beautiful, glossy nails with this high performing base coat, which will ensure your nails are always the center of attention. Easy to apply, this product is compatible with other brands and is ideal for use under gel nail polish. Brittle and uneven nails are a thing of the past with this base coat that gives your nails a gorgeously smooth and polished look. Give yourself a salon-style manicure which lasts 21-45 days and always have your talons party ready. If you are still unsure about purchasing, you can check out a review of this product on YouTube.
Pros
- Easy to apply and clean
- Long-lasting and high-shine finish
- Nail strengthener
- Soft and neat brush for flawless application
- Durable and compatible with most brand
Cons
- May not be chip-resistant
Pro Tip4) Best Quick-Drying:OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
Image: Opi Love nail polish but hate the staining and yellowing that accompanies it? This base coat is ideal to use under your favorite nail paint for a longer-lasting manicure while preventing natural nail discoloration. A thin coat of this product ensures your nail polish goes on smoother and without any streakiness. Quick-drying and chip-resistant, this OPI base coat will improve the texture of your nails and have you flaunt your beautiful manicure with style and confidence.
Pros
- Prevents yellowing and discoloration
- Offers nail protection
- Quick-drying and long-lasting
- Easy to apply and remove
- Improves nail texture and strengths them
- Longevity
Cons
- Some might find the texture of this base coat a bit thin.
5) Best Alcohol-Free:ORLY Bonder Rubberized Base Nail Coat
Image: Orly Try the ORLY Bonder Rubberized Base Nail Coat for salon-style nails at the convenience of your home. This base coat nail polish works as the perfect gel-based base coat to create a seamless canvas for your nails. It makes sure that your manicure and pedicure last longer for about two weeks or more, and the rubberized basecoat caters to gripping the polish on your nail’s surface for extra-lasting adhesion.
Pros
- Long lasting
- Alcohol-free
- Rubberised base coat
- Ridge filling
- Salon-style manicure and pedicure
- Boosts nail lacquer’s resilience and flexibility
- Easy peel off removal
Cons
- Leaves a yellow tint on the nails
6) Best For Brittle Nails:Seche Clear Crystal Clear Base Coat
Image: Seche Your nails will thank you for this protecting base coat that not only prevents nail damage but also gives your nail art a glossy and polished shine that will last for days. This nail primer adheres to the natural nail and protects it against staining, yellowing, and chipping while strengthening them. Give yourself beautiful salon-style manicures in the comfort of your home by pairing 1 coat of this product with 2 coats of your favorite nail polish and finish off with a luxurious top coat.
Pros
- Prevents staining and yellowing of nails
- Disguises nail imperfections
- Offers nail hydration
- Fast-drying and easy to remove
- Protects nail bed from damage
Cons
- Some might find the scent of this product a bit overpowering.
7) Best Fade-Resistant:Essie First Base Base Coat
Image: Essie First Base Base Coat Give your nails the specialized care it deserves with this high-performing base coat that promises salon-like results. The rubber adhesive in this Essie base coat helps bond polish to the natural nail surface while preventing color wear and fading. A quick coat of this nail bonding product provides a smooth surface for nail polish application and helps resist chipping for a polished, glossy finish. This base coat can be used either alone for healthy-looking nails or as part of your manicure routine for nails that never fail to amaze.
Pros
- Provides color protection
- Chip-resistant and long-lasting
- Easy to apply and remove
- Strengthens and protects nails
Cons
- Some might find the application brush a bit thin.
8) Best Chip-Resistant:Revlon Quick Dry Base Coat
Image: Revlon Here’s a nail polish base coat that glides on effortlessly to ensure your manicure looks smooth, even, and flawless. Made without toxic chemicals, this base coat is quick-drying and helps protect nails against chipping, breakage, and the much-dreaded yellowing and staining of the nail bed. A gorgeous home manicure is just a few simple steps away with this product that creates a smooth canvas for non-gel-based nail paint and promises a glossy, polished finish and long-lasting adherence.
Pros
- Quick-drying and easy to apply
- Protects against chipping and yellowing
- Free of formaldehyde, camphor, toluene, and DBP
- Easy to remove
Cons
- Some feel that the product leaves streaks on the nails.
9) Best For UV Protection:Vishine Soak-Off Gelpolish Base Coat
Image: Vishine No one can deny that gel-based nail paints are the way to go for a super sleek and glamorous finish, but they require regular salon visits to maintain, and time is something we’re all short of. This base coat is designed for gel-based nail paints and allows you to replicate a salon-like gel manicure in the comfort of your home. Long-lasting and chip-resistant, this gel polish base coat ensures a finish that is smooth and flawless. This product is odorless, making it ideal for those sensitive to strong scents.
Pros
- Long-lasting and wear-resistant
- Mild and non-irritating
- Provides UV protection
- Free of formaldehyde and lead
- Odorless
Cons
- Some might find the texture of this product a bit sticky.
10) Best Nourishing:Sally Hansen Ultimate Shield Base & Top Coat
Image: Sally Hansen Sally Hansen is a name synonymous with good-quality nail care, and here’s a base coat that doubles up as a top coat to provide your nails with all the nourishment and protection they need. This base and top coat nail polish features a micro-polymer formula, reinforcing brittle nails and boosting strength and flexibility for healthy-looking nails. This product can either be applied on bare nails as a base coat or over dry nail paint as a top coat for a glossy, refined finish.
Pros
- Chip-resistant and long-lasting
- Doubles up as a top coat
- Repairs and strengthens nails
- Prevents peeling and fading of nail color
Cons
- Some might find the texture of this product a bit dense.
11) Best Breakage Prevention:Duri Rejuvacote Nail Growth System
Image: Duri Rejuvacote Nail Growth System This multi-purpose base coat not only doubles up as a top coat, but is also enriched with nourishing ingredients that help your beloved nails grow strong and healthy. Infused with hydrolyzed wheat protein, keratin, and calcium, this base coat promotes growth, strengthens nails, and prevents splitting and breaking. Suitable for use with or without nail polish, this moisturizing base coat seals in collagen and fatty acids produced naturally by the nail plate for nails protected and always well taken care of. We cannot think of reasons why you shouldn’t bring home this product that is considered as the best base coat nail polish by many right away!
Pros
- Doubles up as a top coat
- Stimulates nail growth
- Protects nails from chipping, brittleness, and splitting
- Free of parabens
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- Might not be best suited for those with very sensitive skin.
12) Best Non-Toxic:Dazzle Dry Step 2 Base Coat
Image: Dazzle Dry Protect your nails and lock in the shine with the Dazzle Dry Step 2 Base Coat. This quick-drying formula is a part of the 4-step system of manicure, which helps in smoothening your nail plates to allow your nail polish to adhere better for a long time. It protects your nails from yellowing, chipping, or peeling and ensures the natural shine of the nails remains intact. This base coat is best suited for natural nails.
Pros
- Fastest drying formula
- Easy to apply and clean
- Long lasting results
- Prevents yellowing and peeling
- Protects natural nails
- Formaldehyde-free
- Camphor-free
- SLS-free
- No toxins
Cons
- Expensive
- Not suitable for acrylic or artificial nails
13) Best Repairing:Butter London Horse Power Nail Rescue Basecoat
Image: Butter London Restore, repair, and revitalize dull, brittle nails with this effective base nail polish, strengthening nails and preventing breakage while promising a polished look. Free of nasty toxins like formaldehyde and camphor, this product is infused with horsetail extract, biotin, vitamin B, and calcium, which help fortify weak nails and protect against future damage. Chip-resistant and long-lasting, this base coat ensures your manicure is wear-resistant, and the color stays fresh and bright for longer.
Pros
- Strengthens and fortifies weak nails
- Even application
- Prevents breakage and damage
- Infused with biotin and calcium
- Free of formaldehyde, camphor, toluene, and DBP
Cons
- Some might find the texture of this base coat a bit runny.
14) Best Color Protection:Maxus Base Coat
Image: Maxus Nails If you’re looking for the best nail base coat without the harmful hardeners used in most other base coats, this product is ideal for you. Infused with amino acids and tea tree oil, this moisturizing and nourishing product creates a powerful foundation for a flawless and gorgeous manicure. When used on clean, dry nails before the first nail polish coat, this base coat also protects the nail paint from staining, yellowing, and discoloration.
Pros
- Enriched with tea tree oil and amino acids
- Prevents discoloration and yellowing
- Free of formaldehyde, camphor, and DBP
- Made without parabens, phthalates, and fragrances
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- Some might find this base coat a bit over-drying.
15) Best Cruelty-Free:Tenoverten The Foundation Nail Strengthening Base Coat
Image: Tenoverten This non-toxic base coat strengthens nails and lays the foundation for healthier natural nails. Infused with vitamin E and horsetail grass, this base coat prevents cracking, fills ridges, and ensures a healthy buffed glow. This product can either be used alone or under a nail varnish for color that lasts long and has an even, polished finish. Free of nasty chemicals and cruelty-free ingredients, this base coat for nails is the ideal choice for the conscious consumer who wants beautiful nails without compromising on quality.
Pros
- Repairs soft or peeling nails
- Long-lasting polish adhesion
- Free of dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde, and camphor
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- Some might find that this base coat is a bit prone to chipping.
Now that we have had a look at our carefully curated list of the 15 best base coat nail polishes in 2023, let us look at some things to consider when picking the right base coat for your unique requirements.
How To Choose A Base Coat
- Type of manicure
The first step is to consider what kind of manicure you want for your nails. If you’re the kind who likes clear, healthy looking nails without any color, this relatively low maintenance style can be achieved easily with a thin coat of a nourishing base coat which strengthens nails while providing a natural glow. For those that favor a more hardcore gel manicure, pick a gel base coat designed specifically for this purpose. If you’re the kind that wants a quick pop of color before dashing out the door, pick a quick-drying base coat which doubles up as a top coat and you will have a salon-style manicure in a matter of minutes.
- Harmful chemicals
Many nail polishes are formulated with toxic chemicals like formaldehyde, camphor, toluene, and DBP, to make the product last longer. It’s best to steer away from these ingredients as they may make nails dry and brittle in the long run and may cause irritation and cause an allergic reaction, moreover if you have sensitive skin.
- Ingredients
While there are many ingredients, one must stay clear when it comes to nail paints, the best base coat nail polishes have nourishing ingredients that help strengthen your nails. Not only do they act as a shield between your delicate nails and harsh nail paints, but they also prevent cracking and fill ridges for a smooth and flawless application. When you pick up the best-suited products for your nails, remember to include ingredients such as vitamin E, horsetail grass, biotin, and calcium.
How To Use A Base Coat
Step 1 – Clean and file nails
The first step in any manicure, whether at home or at a salon, is to clean and file nails.
Step 2 – Apply base coat
Once your nails are prepped and ready for nail paint, apply an even layer of a base coat.
Step 3 – Apply nail polish
Once dry, apply your regular nail polish as usual.
Step 4 – For gel-based base coats, cure under a UV light
The steps are a little more complicated when it comes to gel base coats as they require to be dried under a UV lamp. Follow the directions closely on the product for best results.
Base Coat Vs Top Coat
Base coats and top coats both have essential value when it comes to a manicure that resists wear and stands the test of time. Base coats are usually thicker and stickier, providing a barrier between your nail and nail paint, whereas top coats are thinner and create a durable surface on the nail to withstand chips and breakage. Both are equally important in preventing damage and allowing color to last longer, and neither should be skipped if you want your nails to look polished and oh-so-gorgeous.
Infographic: Benefits Of Using A Base Coat
The base coat, often an overlooked step in the nail care routine, holds a multitude of benefits that can enhance the overall look, health, and longevity of your manicure. If you want to achieve a flawless, impeccable, and long-lasting manicure, check out the infographic below and understand the benefits of a base coat and why incorporating it into your routine is a game-changer.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
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The Bottom Line
Your nails look gorgeous when they are painted with an attractive color shade. But many times, if you apply the nail color directly, it chips away early and doesn’t give a nice finish, and not to mention, it might affect the health of your nails. So, before applying the perfect shade, it’s essential to coat your nail to prevent discoloration. Invest in the best base coats that protect your nails and cuticles from getting dry. The Mineral Fusion Base Coat does not have a strong scent and the OPI Natural Nail Base Coat prevents natural nail discoloration. The Butter London Horse Power Nail Rescue Basecoat revitalizes dull and brittle nails. Besides behaving as a protective shield, these base coats also nourishes the nails and strengthens them. These base coats are chip-resistant and offer a smooth finish to your nail polish. They also help the polish to stay longer. Consider investing in non-toxic base coats as they are safe for your nails. And avoid thick consistency and sticky base coats as they may not offer a smooth finish.
Why Trust Stylecraze?
Our author, Srijita De, is a makeup enthusiast. She has curated this list of base coat nail polishes after carefully researching them, checking reviews online, and browsing through multiple online forums for user feedback. She picked only the top-rated products that keep your nails sturdy and prevent cuticle dryness. These base coat nail polishes are long-lasting, chip-resistant, hypoallergenic, and offer a glossy finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a base coat really help?
A base coat not only helps keep your nails pretty and polished, it also helps strengthen the nail and prevent damage and discoloration. A base coat forms a nourishing shield over your delicate nail to protect them from the potentially harmful chemicals found in most nail paints.
Can’t I use a top coat as a base coat nail polish?
While some use a top coat as a base coat, it is best to use a product for the purpose it is designed for. Top coats are normally thinner, take longer to dry, and don’t have the nourishing properties that base coats have.
How many coats of base coat should I apply?
When using alone, 2 coats of base coat help your nails look nourished and give them a natural healthy glow. When using a base coat under your favorite nail paint, it is best to apply a thin layer of base coat and allow it to dry completely.
Are base coats and top coats the same?
Both base coats and top coats are steps of your manicure that you don’t want to miss. While some products are designed to be doubled up and used for both purposes, most products are specially designed to perform one. A base coat is designed to protect your nail from damage and provide a smooth foundation for your nail paint to go on, whereas a top coat is designed to prevent chips and make your color last longer.
Is base coat a primer?
No, a base coat is a transparent protective coating over the nail, but a primer works as an adhesive and cleaning agent both.
Can I apply gel polish without a base coat?
Yes, you can apply gel polish directly on the nail, but a base coat is necessary as it protects your nails against stains. It also prevents your nail polish from chipping off quickly.
Does the base coat prevent yellow nails?
No, a base coat cannot prevent your nails from turning yellow.
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