Best Nail Polish Top Coats
Photo of the back of four nail polish top coat bottles
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The best top coats for nail polish is a subjective topic.
However, after many years of research, there are a few top coats that stand out and we have purchased multiple times.
These “refills” are the best top coats in our eyes. There isn’t just one though, there are a few.
Some of the best top coats for nail polish are great in general. Some are specifically great to prolong nail polish wear, or for quick drying finish and nail art.
Below learn the best top coats to prevent chipping, to preserve nail art and more -
essie gel setter: best top coat overall
Best top coat overall
Made for regular essie polishes, you can use this top coat to preserve nail art, for a long lasting finish and a gorgeous shine on polishes from essie and other brands.
L to R, essie gel couture top coat, OPI Infinite Shine 3 Gloss, best top coats to prevent chipping
Best top coats to prevent chipping
To prevent chipping, you want to consider a longwear top coat.
For this category, we have a tie.
Two of the best longwear top coats we have used are:
Both of these top coats were formulated as part of the longwear systems both brands offer. However, you can use them over regular nail polishes, from a variety of brands, to achieve a longer lasting finish.
Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat: best top coat for quick dry and nail art
Best top coat for a quick drying finish and to preserve nail art
This top coat does not smear nail art, even if you paint over the art while the art is still setting.
It also dries very quickly, so you can be out the door in 5 minutes or less from the time you apply it. It’s our go-to top coat for applying last minute when you have somewhere to be.
Photo of nail polish top coat bottles, L to R: essie gel setter, essie gel couture top coat, OPI Infinite Shine 3 Gloss, Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat with text overlay Best Nail Polish Top Coats
Overall, the four top coats we currently consider the best:
All this said, we haven’t tried all the top coats on Earth. There are probably a few great top coats out there that have yet to be discovered.
For now, these top costs are our best performers and what you see, time and time again, in our swatch posts.
To add any of these top coats to your collection, follow the links above.
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