When searching for the ideal top coat for your nails, several key factors should be considered. Initially, ensuring the top coat works well with your nail polish is vital. Next, consider the drying time of the top coat. Finally, finding a top coat that provides enduring shine and protection is essential.
I’ll show you my favoites so you don’t have to search for yourself!
Best Top Coat for Nails
We all know that a good top coat is the finishing touch that can make or break a perfect manicure.
Take a look at our top picks below.
1. Ardell Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Nail Coat
Pros:
- Over 88k positive Amazon reviews
- Dries in as fast as 5 minutes
- Ultra-glossy finish
- Chip-resistant and durable
Cons:
- Might thicken in the bottle over time
- May not be compatible with all nail polish types
I can highly recommend this Nail Coat for anyone looking for a top coat that can give their nails a glossy finish and protect them from chipping.
This top coat is fast drying and perfect for those who want to get on the go in as fast as 5 minutes. It makes your nails look freshly polished every time and extends the life of your manicure and pedicure.
Seche Vite works well with all nail polish colors and is the go-to top coat of professional nail technicians and nail art enthusiasts to achieve durable manicure and pedicures. It makes nail art designs look so much better!
2. OPI Nail Polish Top Coats | High Shine |
Pros:
- Dries quickly
- Provides a high-glossy finish that lasts for days
- Creates a protective barrier that helps extend the life of your nail polish
Cons:
- The formula is thin and can be tricky to apply
- The top coat gets gummy too quickly, so you need to work fast
If you’re looking for a top coat that will give your nails an extra shine and long-lasting protection, OPI Nail Polish Top Coats is a great option to consider.
I recently tried OPI Nail Polish Top Coats and was impressed by its quick-drying formula and high-shine finish. It’s perfect for those who don’t have time to wait for their nail polish to dry and want to achieve a salon-quality look at home.
The top coat is easy to apply, but you need to work quickly as it gets gummy too fast. It also creates a protective barrier that helps extend the life of your nail polish, saving you money on frequent salon visits.
3. CND Top Coat Longwear Nail Polish
Pros:
- Chip-resistant finish
- Gel-like shine
- Provides long-lasting wear
Cons:
- May not be as effective on extremely oily nails
- Requires a UV lamp for best results
This top coat is perfect for those looking for a salon-quality finish at home. The formula provides a chip-resistant finish that is perfect for those who are hard on their nails. The gel-like shine is perfect for those who want a high-gloss finish that lasts for days. The long-lasting wear is perfect for those who want a top coat that will keep their nails looking great for up to a week.
The only downside to this top coat is that it may require a longer drying time than other top coats.
To achieve the best results, you may need to use a UV lamp.
4. Beetles Gel Polish No Wipe
Pros:
- Topcoat avoids nicks, chips, or smudges
- 9 toxin-free ingredients make it healthy and low odor
- Compatible with all brands of soak-off gel nail polish
Cons:
- May peel off after a week
I was impressed with how easy it was to apply. The thin consistency made it easy to apply without making a mess, and the shine was amazing.
Plus, if it looks dull, you can simply polish it with a cotton, fleece, or velvet cloth, and the shine will be right back.
The product is very shiny, and I did not have trouble with dry times or stickiness after curing our nails.
5. Essie Nail Care Top Coat
Pros:
- Dries nail polish in less than a minute
- High-shine, professional finish
- Vegan formula with no animal derived ingredients and no animal testing.
Cons:
- May not be suitable for people with very sensitive skin
- Can be a bit pricey compared to other top coats
I recently tried this top coat and was impressed with how quickly it dried our nail polish, leaving a smooth, glossy finish. I also appreciate that it’s vegan and cruelty-free, which is important to me.
One thing to note is that the Speed Setter Top Coat may not be the best choice if you’re looking for a long-lasting manicure. I found that this polish chipped a bit sooner than it does with some other top coats I’ve tried.
This top coat is a great option if you’re looking for a fast-drying top coat that delivers a salon-quality finish. Just be aware that it may not be the most long-lasting option out there.
6. Sally Hansen Top Coat
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Dries quickly, so there are no smudges, streaks, or waiting for your nail color to dry
- The UV absorbers in this top coat nail polish protect against fading and discoloration.
Cons:
- May not last up to 10 days without chipping or peeling for everyone
- Brush may not be suitable for those with smaller nails
This product is perfect for those who want a quick fix for their last-minute manicures. It provides a glass-like finish that resists chipping and scratching, and it dries fast to give you that freshly manicured look that lasts for days.
It is easy to use, and it dries quickly, so you can walk out the door worry-free about chips or smudges. The top coat provides a glass-like finish that resists chipping and scratching, and also protects against fading and discoloration.
It is affordable, easy to use, and dries quickly.
7. KUPA GelFinity
Pros:
- Cures quickly in just 90 seconds
- High-gloss shine that lasts for weeks
- Doesn't fade, chip, or peel easily
Cons:
- Some users have reported streaks or unevenness in the finish.
I’ve tried KUPA GelFinity for myself and can attest to its lasting power and shiny finish.
It’s easy to apply and dries quickly, making it a great option for both beginners and professionals. But be aware that it may cause a slight burning sensation when curing in the lamp.
8. Modelones Gel Nail Polish
Pros:
- Large capacity of 15ml
- Made of natural resins and ingredients, makes it non-toxic, non-yellowing, and skin-friendly
- Can last for over 28 days
- Long-lasting shine effect and no scratch problem
Cons:
- Over-filing your nails can affect the effectiveness of the top coat.
If you’re looking for a top coat that can keep your nails looking shiny and flawless for weeks, this Top Coat is definitely worth considering.
The suitable thickness makes it easy for beginners to DIY nail designs at home. I also appreciated the fact that it doesn’t chip, smudge, or peel off easily, even after weeks of wear.
9. Makartt Gel Top Coat
Pros:
- Flexible crystal clear topcoat
- 9 toxin-free ingredients make this top coat healthy and low odor
- Perfect for those with sensitive noses or who want to avoid harmful chemicals.
- Suitable for professional salons or home use
Cons:
- Top coat can be difficult to remove
- Shimmer effect may not be for everyone
This top coat is easy to use and has a high-gloss wear that will make your nails look shiny and sophisticated.
Simply apply the top coat after your base coat and color coat and cure under a UV lamp. With proper application, your nail gel will last at least 3 weeks without yellowing or peeling.
This Gel Top Coat is my choice for anyone looking for a durable, healthy, and professional-looking top coat for their nails.
10. Beetles Gel Polish – Top Coat and Base Coat Set
Pros:
- Long-lasting for 28+ days and provides perfect shine.
- Top coat avoids nicks, chips, or smudges.
- Healthy and low odor thanks to its 9 toxin-free ingredients.
Cons:
- Base coat may remain sticky
- Base coat may become clumpy or thick due to low temperature
I found that this top coat is flexible and avoids nicks, chips, or smudges, making it perfect for everyday use.
Additionally, the top coat is healthy and low odor thanks to its 9 toxin-free ingredients, which makes it a great choice for those who are concerned about the health of their nails.
11. OPI Nail Polish – Top and Base Coat
Pros:
- High-gloss shine
- Long-lasting protection against chipping
- Quick-drying formula
Cons:
- May require multiple coats for desired thickness
I was impressed with the OPI Nail Polish Top and Base Coat’s ability to provide a high-gloss shine while also protecting our nails from chipping.
The quick-drying formula was a huge plus, as I was able to apply it and move on with my day without worrying about smudging or ruining my manicure.
One of the downsides to this product is its price point, which may be higher than what some users are willing to pay for a top coat. But in my opinion, it is definitely worth it!
12. Essie Gel Couture
Pros:
- Ultra-glossy gel-like shine
- No UV lamp needed
- Easy to apply in just two easy steps
Cons:
- May cause nail polish wraps to shrink and lift around the edges
- Require more coats for longer wear
If you’re looking for a top coat that provides a mirror-like finish and seals and protects your nails, Essie Gel Couture Long-Lasting Nail Polish is definitely worth considering.
It’s also easy to remove with any acetone or non-acetone nail polish remover, so there’s no need for harsh soaking, scrubbing or scraping.
The patented swirl-stem and curve-hugging brush provides even color coverage and precise application, making it great for at-home use.
While it’s advertised as long-lasting, I’ve found that it may require more coats for longer wear and may not last as long as advertised.
13. Seche Clear and Seche Vite
Pros:
- Seche Clear base coat protects nails from damage and staining
- Seche Vite top coat gives a bright and glossy finish that lasts for weeks
- Works with any nail polish brand or color
Cons:
- The base coat not as impressive as the top coat
I highly recommend Seche Clear and Seche Vite for those who want a long-lasting, shiny finish for their nails.
Seche Clear and Seche Vite is the perfect combination for long-lasting nails.
The base coat protects nails from staining and damage, while the top coat gives a bright and glossy finish that lasts for weeks.
Seche Clear base coat adheres to the natural nail and protects the nail beds against nail polish staining or yellowing. It also helps strengthen nails so they are less likely to break.
Seche Vite top coat is acknowledged as the world’s finest top coat, and its fast-drying and protective formula brings out the beauty of your nail art designs to the next level.
It is cruelty-free, never tested on animals, and proudly made in the USA.
14. OPI Start to Finish – 3-in-1 Treatment
Pros:
- Long-lasting shine
- Vitamin A & E to help strengthen nails.
- Vegan formula.
Cons:
- May not be as effective for very weak or brittle nails.
- Requires a bit of practice to apply evenly
If you’re looking for a versatile and reliable top coat for your nails, the OPI Start to Finish 3-in-1 Treatment is a great choice.
The added vitamins help to strengthen nails and prevent breakage.
One thing to keep in mind is that if your nails are very weak or brittle, this product may not provide enough protection.
Some users may find it slightly pricey compared to other brands, although I think the quality justifies the cost.
15. Sally Hansen Insta-Dri
Pros:
- Dries any nail color in just 30 seconds
- Beautiful & brilliant shine
- Super strong wear for up to 10 days
Cons:
- Brush may be a bit too thick for some people
- The bottle may leak if not stored properly
With just one coat, my nails were covered brilliantly, and the perfectionist brush made it easy to apply the top coat precisely and flawlessly.
The exclusive acrylic polymer formula hardens and dries any nail color quickly, and the double UV filters formula helps protect nail color.
I appreciated that the top coat dried any nail color in just 30 seconds, making it perfect for busy people who don’t have time to wait for their nails to dry.
I was impressed with how super strong the wear was, lasting up to 10 days without chipping.
Buying Guide
Here are some factors I keep in mind before buying my top coat:
Type of Top Coat
There are several types of top coats available, each with its own benefits. Some common types include:
- Quick-dry top coats: These are great if you’re short on time and need your nails to dry quickly.
- High-shine top coats: These provide a glossy finish that can make your nails look like they were done by a professional.
- Matte top coats: If you prefer a more understated look, a matte top coat can give your nails a muted, velvety finish.
Consider your personal preferences and needs when choosing a type of top coat.
Ingredients
It’s important to pay attention to the ingredients in your top coat, especially if you have sensitive skin or are concerned about the environment. Look for top coats that are free of harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, toluene, and phthalates. You may also want to opt for a top coat that is vegan and cruelty-free.
Durability
No one wants to have to constantly reapply their top coat throughout the day. Look for a top coat that is long-lasting and can withstand daily wear and tear. Some top coats claim to last for up to two weeks, so keep an eye out for those if you want a low-maintenance option.
Price
Top coats can range in price from a few dollars to over $20. Consider your budget when choosing a top coat, but keep in mind that a higher price tag doesn’t necessarily mean better quality.
By considering these factors, you can choose a top coat that meets your needs and helps your nails look their best.
And if you want to do not just the top coats at home but your complete polygel nails, we also have some tips for this.
If you liked this blog article about our best top coat for nails, don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest so you don’t miss any more nail tips and tell us, if you made some experiences with any of these kits!
