Tops for gel polish: types, tips for choosing and using

Every fashionista wants her nails to look well-groomed and beautiful. For this, today there are a lot of varnishes and decorative elements with which you can create a very beautiful and stylish manicure. The latter is done by girls both in beauty salons and at home. Of course, in the second case, it is necessary to purchase all the elements necessary for the formation of a manicure. The top also belongs to them. Today we will analyze what it is, how to choose it and use it in business.

Before we proceed to a more detailed acquaintance with the top coat for gel polish, we must answer the main question: what is it? Top or topcoat is a very important thing in a manicure that performs such serious functions:

• makes the gel polish coating more resistant, reduces the likelihood of damage or cracking;
• gives the already applied shellac a more interesting appearance - the gloss makes it velvety and matte, can create the effect of original "wet nails", gives the nails a gloss or pearl shine.

The range of topcoats for gel polish today is so great that you can "get lost" in it.There is a great variety of tops to choose from for lovely ladies, from fairly simple to original and unusual. You can choose the right option for any nail design.

Let us consider in detail what types of topcoats exist today and what features they have.

• Matt. Today, matte top is insanely popular. A manicure with a similar nail coverage is in trend and looks stylish. However, if you decide to go for this trendy top, you should be aware that it usually lightens the base color. Do not be afraid of this effect, it does not spoil the manicure, but emphasizes its color. Matte top can be used with any base varnishes. Today in stores you can find more original items, complemented by sparkles. When applied, marigolds take on an expensive and eye-catching look.
• With mica effect. An interesting top with a mica effect is no less popular today. Basically, it is applied to a monochromatic nail coating. This top is neatly distributed over the main color, making it more original and attractive. Ladies with such a non-trivial manicure are rarely left without attention.

• Craquelure. Craquelure is all the rage. Such a topcoat is usually chosen by women of fashion who want to decorate their nails in a non-standard and avant-garde way. This top creates the effect of being sprinkled with sparkles, smashed or cracked into many different pieces. When applying craquelure, it is recommended to use regular saturated shellac. In this case, the manicure will turn out to be as bright and stylish as possible.
• Rubber. This top has a viscous and rather thick structure, so it is easy to apply. In addition, the rubber topcoat has the ability to self-level. The rubber top does not turn yellow, so it can be safely applied on a snow-white base - it will not spoil it. It is also worth noting that the rubber coating is considered one of the most durable. In this matter, it is ahead of many analogues. By applying a rubber top to your nails, you can get a wonderful glossy silicone shine that will not "fade" in the first week - it will be stable and durable. It is thanks to the characteristic shine that the manicure turns out to be truly luxurious.

• Pearl. A beautiful mother-of-pearl top is in great demand among fashionistas and craftsmen. This nail coating differs in that it contains the smallest particles of golden, silver, blue, pink and other colors. On the nails, such a finish looks very bright and fresh, so many young ladies choose it.
• Protecting from ultraviolet rays. Some girls' nails are prone to the formation of an unattractive yellow tint on the nail plates. Such ladies should buy special tops that do not let ultraviolet rays pass through. With the help of such a cosmetic product, it will be possible to hide many defects and imperfections that are present on ladies' nails. This will make the base coat more attractive and well protected.

• Metal. Often, fashionistas prefer the original metallic tone. It is able to give nails an eccentric look, creating an unusual mirror shine. This coating looks especially gorgeous and bright on long nails. With the help of a metal finish, you can emphasize the passion of the person who chose him, as well as her "iron" character. Most often, young ladies who love to be in the spotlight turn to such a design. The metallic finish is a common choice of the younger generation.
• Cat's eye. This ultra-modern top is also recognized as trendy. It appeared on the market relatively recently, but has already managed to win the love of many fashionistas, since it is distinguished by its ability to create unique effects on nails.With the help of this finish, it is possible to organize various patterned compositions on the nails. Any base can be applied under the top "cat's eye", but the tandem with dark coatings looks the most effective. Thus, it will be possible to form a deeper and "denser" color.

• Suede. This very beautiful finish has a lot in common with matte, but has an unusual shimmer effect. The latter takes place exclusively in "suede" tops. This coating has one important advantage - its layers are applied evenly, when compared with classic matte products. It is also worth noting the fact that the presence of a shimmering effect can revive almost any manicure: from monochromatic to multi-colored.
• Creamy. Manicure coatings from this category are rightfully recognized as one of the most popular. Their demand is due to the fact that such products are able to maintain the "clean" color of the base varnish, and they fit seamlessly on any varnishes. After applying a fashionable creamy coating, ladies' nails come to life, but they will not shine and shine at the same time. They will become perfectly flat and smooth. Not a single roughness will be noticeable. Experienced masters advise to refer to this simple top for those young ladies who often prefer to change the color of their marigolds.

• With a sticky layer and no dispersion. There are also topcoats with a tacky layer and variants without dispersion. So, in the case of products with a sticky layer, you will first need to remove the dispersion using a lint-free napkin. If we are talking about a composition without dispersion, then here the fixer simply does not have a sticky layer, therefore it is considered more convenient to use.
• With holographic effect. This finish is very popular and widespread today. When applying it, it is possible to create a very beautiful and eye-catching color overflow.

• Party Top. This interesting finish makes a lady's manicure more original, because it starts to glow in the dark. This finish is often used for fun club parties. In such conditions, luminous marigolds look very impressive and attract a lot of attention.
• Sand. A beautiful sandy finish is also in fashion today, allowing you to create an unusual velvet manicure. The top itself is a special acrylic compound that is crushed into tiny grains of sand. The result is a real coarse powder that fits perfectly on the nail plate, making it more attractive and fashionable. Often, the specified powder is supplemented with a component such as viscose. It makes the grains of sand shimmer.

The final coat for gel polish must be chosen as carefully as possible, because the durability and beauty of the manicure will depend on it. In addition, we must not forget that low-quality products can cause serious damage to the health of the nail plates, so it is better not to be mistaken here. When choosing a suitable top, it is advisable to adhere to the recommendations.

• The finish for gel polish should not be too liquid. Otherwise, it will simply flow over the cuticle. For this reason, experienced craftsmen always recommend taking a closer look at the structure of the selected product before making a purchase.
• Modern tops without dispersion, as mentioned earlier, do not require prior removal of the sticky layer, which makes them easier to work with. They allow you to save both your free time and money.
• The 2-in-1 finish will also save you money.

• Buy exclusively branded manicure fixing products with gel polish.Fortunately, there are a lot of them, so you will not have any restrictions on choosing the right composition. It is strongly discouraged to buy too cheap products from unknown companies. Usually, such products are sold in the conditions of street shops and all sorts of dubious outlets. Don't risk the health of your nails by buying these kinds of things.

As mentioned above, you can apply a top coat to gel polish not only when decorating marigolds in the salon, but also at home. Let's take a closer look at how to use the top correctly so that your nails look beautiful for the longest possible time. Compositions for gel polish are usually applied to a manicure with a thin layer and only after the color layer has completely dried. If a special finish-drying is used, then it is necessary to draw up a nail with it before the varnish sets. A high-quality top will perfectly cope with all its functions if you apply it according to all the rules. Let's take a step-by-step look at how to do this.

• First, you will need to prepare a finishing product. Even before starting work on decorating the marigolds, roll the bottle with the composition in your palms a little, while gently stirring the product. You don't need to be zealous at this stage. Act carefully and carefully.

• Next, proceed to applying the top to the varnish. The brush must be moved parallel to the nail plate, covering it with a thin layer of a fixing agent.
• Please note that there should be very little finishing compound on the brush, otherwise it will simply start to spread over the nail and it will be difficult to cope with it. It should not be applied in thick layers.
• Gently spread the coating over the entire surface of the nail plate. The top should also touch the end of the nail.
• Reapplication of the final layer should be carried out after drying the previous layer under a UV lamp.

As mentioned above, the final coat for nails should be chosen with due regard to its quality. Only if this simple condition is met, it will be possible to get a truly beautiful and durable manicure. In order not to be mistaken in choosing a top, it is necessary to consider branded products of the highest quality. Today there are many well-known companies that produce finishing fluids.

Our rating opens with high quality rubber tops from this brand.

They differ in the following positive characteristics:

• high durability of the coating;
• the ability to adapt to the bend and structure of the nail;
• uniform consistency;
• very comfortable brush.

To renew the ladies' nails and cover them with a Bluesky finish, it is not at all necessary to prepare the plate for a long time and meticulously. Minor flaws will not interfere with this quality top. Even after 3-4 weeks, the beautiful coating does not begin to crack, which speaks of its reliability and high quality. Both experienced craftsmen and beginners can work with such coatings.

The next brand in our ranking is RuNail. Its range includes both expensive and budget formulations. Moreover, the latter please with their quality not only inexperienced home craftsmen, but also professionals.

RuNail tops have the following distinctive features that attract buyers:

• have a very comfortable brush, which, like a fan, fits on the nail plate, while creating an almost perfect coating;
• differ in average density - tops of this company are obedient and remarkably overlap the space of the nail plate;
• durable - retain their aesthetic appearance during wear, do not crack or fade.

Topcoats from this well-known brand are very popular among buyers, as well as branded varnishes (from simple to three-phase gels). They are great for both home and professional use. Branded tops from Kodi are popular for the eye-catching coverage they create on the nails. In addition, they last long enough and have a democratic cost.

Many topcoats from this well-known company are elite. Their quality is unsurpassed, as evidenced by the reviews of many experienced nail service masters.

The main advantages of tops from GelishHarmony are:

• high strength of the coating;
• excellent mirror effect;
• vials of sufficient volume (15 ml);
• wide and comfortable brush;
• very economical consumption of the composition;
• problem-free compatibility with gels from other manufacturers.

The cost of finishing liquids from GelishHarmony cannot be called democratic, but many consumers still turn to them, who then leave only rave reviews about these products.

Tops from Shellac NDC are included in this rating for a reason. These products are distinguished by the fact that they are chosen not only by fans of beautiful shellac, but also by lovers of ordinary aesthetic manicure.

Branded tops from Shellac NDC boast that:

• they do not spread, since they have a good density;
• have a safe composition and do not cause allergic reactions;
• characterized by a beautiful glossy shine, natural, but no less bright;
• are distinguished by their durability both in application and storage.

Consumers leave different reviews about different finishing lines.

Bluesky branded products attract many fashionistas with such qualities:

• beautiful shine;
• lack of spreading;
• ease of application;
• tops are easy to take off;
• are inexpensive;
• can be found in many stores.

Some buyers did not find any advantages at all in the products from Bluesky, claiming that they doubt the originality of the product. Fake tops are of poor quality - it's difficult to work with them, and they don't look very pretty.

As for the products from the RuNail brand, customers have found the following advantages for themselves:

• democratic price;
• ease of application;
• enough for a long time;
• the top lasts a long time on the nails;
• can be removed without problems.

Of the minuses, consumers noticed:

• the nail design under these tops often loses its attractiveness - the shine disappears;
• sometimes it happens that the composition rolls down quickly;
• unpleasant odor;
• Not "friendly" with all gel polishes.

Some buyers did not notice any drawbacks in RuNail products. The main thing is to buy an original product, not a cheap fake.

Buyers liked Kodi tops for:

• can be combined with different gels;
• economical in consumption;
• they are worn perfectly and for a long time;
• easy to level;
• hide the flaws of the nail plate;
• allow you to create a beautiful manicure.

As for the cons, here consumers noted the following:

• tops are not too thick, so some people want to thin them;
• gloss is erased from the ends;
• unpleasant odor;
• too thick brushes;
• are expensive for novice craftsmen.

Tops from GelishHarmony were loved by customers for:

• large bottles;
• beautiful and dense coatings;
• comfortable brush and consistency;
• strength;
• beautiful effects;
• wide range of.

People also noticed some disadvantages, for example:

• too high a price;
• unpleasant odor;
• the appearance of yellowness over time.

In the Shellac NDC tops, buyers noticed the following advantages:

• high reliability and durability;
• harmless composition;
• lack of chips and cracks in the coating;
• easy to apply and just as easy to replace with new coatings.

Of the minuses, people noted:

• not the most economical expense;
• do not strengthen natural nails;
• do not promote nail growth.

In the next video you will find a comparative test of gel polish tops.