The best top and base for gel polish

Today, long-lasting manicure is not only a pleasant service, but also a necessity, as well as cost savings. In order to forget about the correction for several weeks, you need to choose a professional master or learn how to manage these procedures yourself. It is not enough just to buy a beautiful expensive coating - without a top and base, it will be practically useless.

The top differs from the base in its purpose: the first completes the manicure, and the second is necessary to prepare the nail for it. No 2 in 1 products will give the desired effect. These products are united by a viscous transparent consistency, protective properties and the need for a long-lasting coating.

So, the first rule is that there must be a base coat under the pigment layer, regardless of the type of manicure: gel polish or regular varnish. It performs a number of functions, without which high-quality nail art is impossible:

• the plate is leveled, all microroughnesses and cracks are filled, leveling the surface of the nails;
• protective function - the base is a shield between the coloring varnish and the nail, which does not allow chemicals to penetrate the plate;
• nails are strengthened (including the most vulnerable free edge);
• the varnish adheres better to the surface of the nail, since the base for the gel varnish prepares the plate for coating, like a primer.

The second rule: you need to complete the manicure with a top coat, followed by only the application of care oil. Top is needed for many reasons:

• without it, it is simply impossible to protect the coating from external influences - all aggression will immediately fall on the pigment (ultraviolet, chemistry, water) and begin to destroy it;
• mechanical damage (scratches, chips, cuts) will spoil the manicure, and with the top, the nail is reliably protected from blows, the color and integrity remain unchanged;
• the beautiful shine of nail art depends on the top layer, if necessary, it can be shimmery, which adds to the effect of the manicure;
• the design and decor are fixed precisely with the top (and the more voluminous the creation, the more layers will be required).

In theory, of course, no one can interfere with this. However, in this case, the acquisition of a coating of a beautiful shade and a lamp for drying will be pointless. Triad - base, varnish and top - these are essential materials, without which long-term coverage is simply impossible. After all, it is the combination of these three elements that protects the nail plate and allows the manicure to look perfect for a long time.

When choosing a base coat, you should study all types that differ in functionality and composition. Basic coatings can be transparent, colored-single-phase, nude and pink. Most of them contain harmless polymer and silicogel.

Fits perfectly on the plate, seals it. Moreover, the removal of such a coating is quite gentle. Most often it can be found as a nail sticker that can be fixed on a plate.

It can be found both in professional salons and in home use. By the name, you can guess that the base contains rubber, which provides thickness and consistency. The base is very simple to use and perfectly levels the surface of the nails.

The base can be white, colored or transparent. It has a synthetic composition - in addition to the base itself, it also contains acrylic powder. Ideal for nail extension and nail polishing.

This is a medicated type of coating that targets thin, brittle, unhealthy nails. In the composition, you can see vitamins of groups E and D, as well as other substances that help restore the plate after building up or other aggressive procedures. Stimulates cell regeneration, restoration of the nail plate.

The base is a gel (often a 3-in-1 product that combines top, color and base). It is applied very easily, the structure is pleasant to work with. It is worth noting that the single-phase nature of this type of base makes it rather short-lived to wear.

Not suitable as a base for gel polish, but for a regular coating it is a great option. Dries only naturally. This base has a fairly gentle composition, which is not contraindicated for pregnant women, children, or allergy sufferers.

Topcoats are divided into three main types:

• medium thickness and viscosity, and a sticky layer;
• inelastic, liquid consistency, non-sticky;
• consistency of medium viscosity without a sticky layer.

This question is often asked by those who are just starting to study the procedure for applying gel polish. Professional craftsmen give an unambiguous and categorical answer to him - no, it is impossible. After all, the finish and the base coat have completely different compositions and are radically different in their functions. They are by no means interchangeable. In addition, no substance can replace these funds.

In order for the base and the top to fulfill their purpose properly, it is necessary to take a responsible approach to the choice of these funds. If you prefer shellac, then you better buy goods from this particular company (or choose the finish and base within the brand of your gel polish). To determine which firm is best for you, remember a few rules.

• As already mentioned, the products of the same brand are ideal for shellac; this coating also does not conflict with the pigment gel varnishes of the Bluesky and Cody brands.
• The finish itself and the base must be of the same brand - it is better to observe this requirement, otherwise the manicure will not delight with its beauty for long.
• If you are in economy mode, it would be better to save on color coverage. The base and finish need to be bought only of high quality.
• Additional substances in the composition are always a plus. As a rule, these are caring components: keratin, hydrolyzed substances. They have a beneficial effect on the state of the plate, their effect is soft, non-aggressive. Another advantage of additional elements is an increase in the solidity of the coating, which increases the durability.

• Nails with an uneven surface (porous, damaged) require a thicker base coat.
• For thinned nail plates, a dense, thick finish will work to make them stronger.
• It is very important that both coatings are easy to use, odor neutral and easy to apply. Give preference to stable elongated bottles with a comfortable and thick rounded brush (hairs and fibers should not fall out of it). It is important to apply coatings as accurately and quickly as possible, so the material should be comfortable.
• One of the most important selection criteria is the manufacturer. Time-tested and proven brands produce only high-quality products.

Correctly applying the base means ensuring a perfectly even varnish coating, so you need to be able to use it. A certain order of actions must be followed.

• First, we carry out all the hygienic manipulations in which the free edge is corrected, the nail is sanded with a buff and a file. At the same time, the top layer gets rid of gloss and grease, becomes pliable for adhesion. You need to grind both the free edge and the base at the end, without injuring the surface of the nail.
• Then you should clean the plate from dust, for this it is recommended to use a polishing cloth or a brush.
• Then comes the period of degreasing and disinfection with special fluids. They will qualitatively clean nails and skin, provide better adhesion to the coating. Professional masters do not use the usual nail polish remover, although it may be suitable for home use.
• In especially difficult cases, masters recommend using a special primer that ensures adhesion even for those who do not hold gel polishes, exfoliate and crumble. The special primer must not be dried under the lamp.

• Only after all the previous manipulations can you start applying the base. It is important here not to take too much product on the brush and apply it as evenly as possible.
• If you're not satisfied with the original brush, get a special one with a long handle that professionals use.
• Do not forget to process the butt without pouring it under the edge of the nail. It is enough to lightly brush with a small amount of base.
• Brush movements should have a slight rubbing character (from the very beginning of the nail to its edge).
• The layer is applied once, but the thinned areas need additional processing and thickening.
• The next step is drying for 60 seconds in a regular lamp (or 10-15 - in LED). The stickiness should not be removed, because it is she who will provide an ideal adhesion to the pigment.
• After all the manipulations, a colored coating is applied, and the required design is carried out very accurately and evenly.

Only after the decor is finished, the finish is applied, while the following recommendations should be observed:

• the colored layer must be sticky;
• the top coating is applied thicker than the base, while you should be careful that it is even, does not float;
• do not forget to seal the plate, having previously wrung out the brush;
• thoroughly cover the entire surface, there should be no uncovered islets on the sides or near the cuticle;
• overlapping the perimeter of the colored layer is recommended;
• the top is dried in LED for half a minute, in a regular UV lamp - 2 minutes (it is important to withstand the required time, otherwise the manicure will not be shiny and strong for the stated time);
• then the stickiness is removed with a special solution, the top remains unchanged - nothing can be drawn on it, but you can glue rhinestones;
• the final stage is the application of oils and special products to slow down the growth of the cuticle.

Today, there is a very wide variety of professional brands on the market that produce bases and top.

It is based on rubber. Undoubted advantages: amazing durability and strength, ability to adapt to bending, viscous, thick composition. In addition, the finish does not need complex plate preparation. The declared period of wearing is up to a month.

A budget finish that suits both professionals and beginners. It has no sticky layer. Main pluses: fan-shaped brush, medium consistency, easy to apply, excellent hold. There is a nuance - the yellow tint of the top, which can affect the shade of the manicure as a whole, especially in light tones.

This tool is one of the favorites of professional salons, but it is distinguished by its high price. But there are a lot of advantages: high strength, perfect gloss with a specular effect, economy, comfortable brush, large volume, perfectly combined with pigment coatings of other brands.

This brand stands apart, if only because its name has already become synonymous with gel polish. Highly appreciated by professional craftsmen. Among the advantages are the following: the consistency of the correct thickness, beautiful but natural shine, suitable for allergy sufferers, durable.

Pros: durability, transparency, high-quality composition, suitable even for allergy sufferers, good brush, perfectly aligns the nail with defects, rarely conflicts with coatings of other brands, adequate cost. Cons: Thick consistency that can be difficult for hobbyists.

Pros: combines well with other coatings, excellent color holding, soft, comfortable brush. Cons: unpleasant sour aroma, liquidish, imperfectly evens the surface, high price.

Pros: suitable for both beginners and pros, high adhesion, composition with a comfortable thickness, excellent brush, applied and removed equally easily. Cons: Requires a very thin two-layer application, and if the layer is thickened, the coating wrinkles.

Pros: gently acts on the plate, compatible with the color of other companies, the density is pleasant, almost does not differ from ordinary varnish, it is removed easily, does not burn your fingers when drying. Cons: it is obligatory to use a bond of the same company, which increases the procedure time and cost.

Pros: ideal for a jacket, there is a choice of shades, does not spread, low price. Cons: it is quite difficult to remove it - you can injure your nails, an uncomfortable brush, the consistency is too thick, the shelf life is short.

Pros: perfectly levels the surface and self-leveling, the brush is very comfortable. Cons: practically cannot be combined with varnishes from other manufacturers.

Pros: suitable for craftsmen of any level, perfectly copes with complex plate defects, easy to use, stored for up to 36 months, convenient brush, low price. Cons: Painful burning when drying, so don't use it on thin nails.

Pros: a high degree of adhesion, does not exfoliate, goes well with other brands, a pleasant consistency to work with, a short drying time. Cons: high cost.

Pros: plastic and moderately thick, suitable for craftsmen without experience, resistant, easy to remove, low price. Cons: Requires skill at work.

In general, reviews of the most popular base and top coatings are positive. Professional users of the products celebrate the high quality of the products. Among the most common disadvantages: burning during drying, the difficulty of applying an unusual consistency. Most often, the violation of the integrity of a well-made nail art depends on improper wear and mechanical damage.

How to strengthen nails with a base in 1 minute, see the video below.