Top 10 Best Base Coats for Nail Polish
Now that we all have our hands up, let's take a moment to talk about if base coats are worth your time.
The argument for base coats.
Yes, they add one more bottle to fit into your polish stash, but for the most part, the main reason people skip the base coat step is to save time. It's an extra step, more drying time, and no one looking at your nails can tell you skipped it (probably) so what's the harm? The thing is, the lasting power your manicure is only as good as your base coat. So if the problem is you barely have time to do your nails as it is, skipping a base coat almost guarantees your polish will be chipping in a day or two and you'll have to spend more time taking your now messy manicure off and polishing again. Base coats make your nail polish last chip-free longer so you won't need to do your nails twice a week if you won't want to. It's a time-saver overall.
Skipping your base coat is like trying to plant flowers in a pot without dirt. If you want your polish to last, you have to start at the foundation.
What do base coats do anyway?
Prevent staining. I have a favorite deep blue lacquer that stains my nails an awful light blue color whenever I wear it without a base coat so it looks like I'm in a constant state of hypothermia. Base coats are a protective layer that keep lacquer pigments from discoloring your nail bed. Your nails take a long time to grow out, so if you don't want oddly colored nails for months, base coats keep your nails a healthy color.
Make your manicure last longer. I'm sure you've noticed that your fingernails aren't naturally sticky. (Thank goodness.) That's great for everyday life, but when you want something to adhere to your nails, having smooth nails puts us at a disadvantage. Base coats are liquid double-sided tape. They anchor to your nails and create a surface that your lacquer can really grab hold of. This (along with a great top coat) prevents chipping. Base coats are also more flexible than most nail polish. They create a middle ground between bendy nails and rigid polish that keeps nail polish from flaking off when your nails flex while typing or opening a seltzer can.
Fill in nail ridges. A lot of us don't have completely smooth nails and that can be a problem. Genetics, diet, medications, and disease can all cause your nails to grow with ridges or dents in them. I have an autoimmune condition that makes my nails grow with horizontal ridges that are visible under nail polish an this kind of bumpy surface affects the strength and stability of dried nail polish. Buffing your nails can create a flat surface but for those with thin nails already, that can cause more problems than it fixes. Ridge filling base coats are thicker base coats that pool in the low spots of your nail and dry to a flat, even nail surface so it's ready for the next coat of paint.
Keep your nails healthy. Many base coats contain vitamins, moisturizers, proteins, and botanicals that are great for improving the health of your nails. They can actually make your nails stronger and less likely to split or flake by wearing them. Base coats also provide a layer of cover between your porous nail and lacquers that might not have the friendliest ingredients. Lots of quality nail polish brands have gone three, five, or even 10 free, meaning they have removed that number of toxins from their formula, but a lot haven't. Base coats seal off your nail from chemicals you'd rather weren't directly on your body.
Ultimately, the path to a long-lasting, boss-looking manicure is healthy nails. When your nails are healthy they can grow long, hold the shape you want, keep polish from chipping, and survive color changes pain-free. Your nail health routine will be individual to you, but it probably includes finding the right products and tools for your hands. To find a nail polish remover you won't dread using, read my guide to the best nail polish removers. If your dream of long nails seems impossible, see my guide to the best products that grow nails fast. If you're still using drugstore nail files, check out my post of the best manicure kits. And once you've got your base coat picked out, you're going to need to protect your manicure so read my guide to the best top coats for long lasting nail polish.
One base coat tip–before applying your base coat, give your nails a quick wipe with rubbing alcohol to remove any lotions or national oils that may be on your nails. These oils prevent your polish from properly adhering. It's a small thing, but it makes a huge difference. But now, let's get to the foundation.
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