Rating of the best bases for gel polish coating in 2022

Base and top are irreplaceable elements of manicure and, perhaps, the most important. The durability of a nail design directly depends on good base and top coats. How to choose them correctly? Does quality depend on price? Can expensive products cause allergies? We want to answer all these questions and for this we have compiled a ranking of the best bases and tops in 2022!

Let's take a quick look at the definitions. Nail base is a preparation that acts as a layer between the artificial coating and the nail plate. The base also hides nail imperfections and allows the colored gel polish to lie as smoothly as possible.

Nail top coat is a gel polish fixer. As a rule, it is colorless and performs protective and decorative functions. It is applied as the final stage of manicure and is also called finishing.

We have prepared this list based on reviews from real customers, personal sales statistics of KrasotkaPro, open data from the Yandex search engine. Attention: since brands, as a rule, have several product lines, in our rating of the best we consider not a specific type, but all products from one manufacturer in the aggregate.

The criteria by which we evaluate the bases and tops of each brand:

• Durability
  : the base and top should last at least 2 weeks and ensure the durability of the manicure.
• Comfort to use
  . A consistency that is too thick or too thin can complicate the process of applying and distributing the material over the nail plate. The shape of the brush and the smell of gel polish can also make the procedure more or less pleasant for both the master and the client. You can also note the time required for removal with liquid.
• Composition
  : it must be safe, and the base and top must not cause an allergic reaction.
• Cost
  : Saving money is always good, but we're looking for the perfect example of value for money.

Point system:

By quality

• 2 points for comfortable use (consistency, brush = 1 point, lack of strong odor = 1 point);
• 1 point for every 2 weeks of durability (if 4 weeks, then 2 points, etc.);
• 1 point for no allergy complaints.

By cost

• 4 points for costs up to 300 rubles;
• 3 points for a cost from 300 to 600 rubles;
• 2 points for a price from 600 to 900 rubles;
• 1 point for a price over 900 rubles.

By popularity

• 6 points for more than 10,000 queries in Yandex per month;
• 5 points for 8,000-10,000 queries in Yandex per month;
• 4 points for 6,000-8,000 queries in Yandex per month;
• 3 points for 4,000-6,000 queries in Yandex per month;
• 2 points for 2,000-4,000 queries in Yandex per month;
• 1 point for less than 2,000 queries in Yandex per month.

After we cover each of the 10 best nail base and top coat manufacturers and assign points, we will collect all the data in a common table. Please note that several funds can be located in the same place at once - it all depends on the number of points.

Which base to choose

Today there are many options for this material from different manufacturers. Over time, each master selects the most suitable option for himself and subsequently uses only it to a greater extent. In order to decide which base to choose, you should first familiarize yourself with the top best options that are in greatest demand today.

Kodi Rubber Base

A popular brand today produces a rubber-based base. The material is in great demand among craftsmen and clients.

Kodi Rubber Base

Advantages:

• High durability;
• A truly unique composition that has distinctive characteristics that set it apart from other drugs;
• The drug has no color, the mass is completely transparent;
• The brush is comfortable, which allows the master to carry out all the work easily, even with little experience in this field;
• You can easily level the nail plate and hide small defects in the base of the nail;
• The composition is designed in such a way as not to cause an allergic reaction;
• Another positive quality of the base is the fact that it can be used with gel polishes from other manufacturers;
• There are no cracks, various chips and such unwanted detachments on the surface.

Flaws:

• The consistency of the material can be called quite thick. May make it difficult for newbies.

The material is applied only in a thin layer or in a drop. Drying in a UV lamp will take about two minutes. When using an LED lamp, drying occurs in 30 seconds. The cost depends on the volume, 7 ml will cost about 450 rubles, for a 14 ml capacity you will need to pay about 600 rubles, this format is sold without a brush. The price will directly depend on the place of purchase.

CND Base Coat

High quality material, in great demand. Today, this particular brand is subject to counterfeiting, so when purchasing, you should be very careful not to buy low-quality products at a high cost.

CND Base Coat

Advantages:

• The base can be combined with gel polishes from other manufacturers;
• Holds color coating well;
• The brush is quite soft and flexible to work with.

Flaws:

• The material has a slight sour odor;
• Due to its liquid consistency, using a base makes it quite difficult to level out various types of unevenness and other defects of the nail plate;
• Quite a high cost of the material.

Polymerization can be carried out either in an LED lamp in 30 seconds, or in an ultraviolet device in two minutes. Before applying gel polish, you do not need to remove the sticky layer of the base. The cost of 12 ml is approximately 1,700 rubles.

Gelish Base Gel Foundation

The base coat is used by both beginners and experienced craftsmen.

Gelish Base Gel Foundation

Advantages:

• Distinctive qualities include excellent adhesion to other materials;
• The material is moderately thick and does not spread;
• It is quite convenient to carry out the work using a soft but short brush;
• Very easy to apply and also easy to remove.

Flaws:

• The base must be applied in a thin layer in two coats. You cannot apply a thick layer because it will wrinkle when drying in the lamp.

Polymerization takes place very quickly, 10 seconds in an LED lamp and one minute in a UV lamp are enough. The average cost of the base is 1500 per 15 ml.

OPI Gel Color Base Coat

Many positive aspects distinguish this base, which is why it is widely used by nail industry professionals.

OPI Gel Color Base Coat

Advantages:

• Among the main ones, one can highlight non-aggressiveness towards one’s nails;
• The consistency is normal, it is applied very easily and the work resembles the use of regular varnish;
• The base can be combined with gel polishes from other companies;
• The drug adheres very well to the natural nail plate and gel polishes;
• The consistency makes it possible to hide small irregularities in the nail plate;
• It is very easy to remove the material;
• There is no burning sensation when drying under lamps.

Flaws:

• Before applying it, it is imperative to use a bond of the same brand, which will slightly increase the time it takes to complete the work.

Drying will require 50-60 seconds in a UV lamp and 30 seconds in an LED lamp. The cost of 15 ml of material is on average 1300 rubles.

Bluesky Rubber Base Cover

Most often, the base is used to create a French manicure, this is due to the camouflage qualities of the material.

Bluesky Rubber Base Cover

Advantages:

• You can choose the shade of the base at your discretion, the line is quite extensive;
• The thick consistency prevents the material from spreading while working.

Flaws:

• The base is quite difficult to remove and during operation there is a possibility of injuring the nail plate;
• The consistency of the material is quite thick, and the work is a little complicated by the inconvenient brush;
• The base has a relatively short shelf life - only six months.

Polymerization occurs in the usual mode for two minutes in a UV lamp and about one minute in an LED lamp. The cost of the material is quite low, which attracts a large number of buyers. On average, for 10 ml of material you will need to pay only 300 rubles.

Beautix Royal Base

The base is made on a rubber base, which is very popular today. The birthplace of drug production is France.

Beautix Royal Base

Advantages:

• The material is characterized by excellent self-leveling properties;
• A very convenient brush does not cause any difficulties while doing the job. With its help, you can completely cover the entire nail plate without any obstacles.

Flaws:

• The base is not compatible with all modern gel polishes. Some brands bleed when used.

Polymerization requires 30 seconds in an LED lamp and two minutes in a UV device. The cost can be classified as average; for 15 ml you will need to pay on average about one thousand rubles.

Ingarden Ideal Nails

The base is made on a rubber base, which makes it very popular among craftsmen of various levels.

Ingarden Ideal Nails

Advantages:

• With its help, you can even out even significant defects in the nail plate;
• The product is characterized by an almost complete absence of odor;
• The consistency is quite thick, but despite this, it is very easy to work with even for beginners;
• The base can be stored for three years; all the qualities of the product are preserved throughout the entire period;
• The brush is quite neat and easy to work with.

Flaws:

• When dried in a lamp, the base causes a burning sensation, so it is not recommended to use it when working with clients who have very thin nail plates. This will cause significant discomfort or even pain.

Drying takes the same time as other representatives: in an LED lamp - 30 seconds, in a UV lamp - one minute. The cost of 11 ml of this product is 600 rubles.

Entity Base Coat

The base of this manufacturer is used by both experienced craftsmen and beginners. With its help you can create a manicure that will look great for two weeks.

Entity Base Coat

Advantages:

• The material provides excellent adhesion to gel polishes and nail plates;
• No detachment will form for two weeks;
• The consistency of the drug can be called moderately dense, it is very easy to work with;
• Interaction with gel polishes from other manufacturers is very good.

Flaws:

• The only disadvantages include the relatively high cost.

A distinctive feature can also be called very fast drying in an LED lamp, it will take only ten seconds, when using a UV lamp you will have to spend no more than one minute. The price of the product is quite high; for a container of 15 ml you will have to pay 1250 rubles.

Extra Rubber Base from Klio Professional

It is not as popular as its more famous analogues, but it already has its fans.

Extra Rubber Base from Klio Professional

Advantages:

• The base is characterized by a fairly high density, but at the same time plasticity;
• She is simple and easy to work with, regardless of experience level;
• Due to the consistency there is the possibility of self-leveling;
• The base is the key to the high durability of the decorative layer;
• Even after some time, chips or cracks do not appear;
• Removal work is just being carried out.

Flaws:

• The thick consistency may cause some difficulties for beginners when first using it.

It polymerizes in an LED lamp for one minute and takes two minutes to dry in a UV lamp. The cost is in the average range. For a container with a volume of 15 ml you will have to pay 650 rubles.

Main types of funds

The base for nail polish should be chosen taking into account the characteristics and needs of the nails. A moisturizing base is suitable for dry nails that are prone to brittleness, as well as those that are too hard and thick. This product will make the nail plates more flexible, help them withstand some pressure and not break.

Strengthening base contains beneficial ingredients that make nails stronger. Ingredients may include gelatin, silicon, herbal extracts or proteins. Women say in their reviews that the base for the polish makes their nails strong and healthy. Bases that accelerate growth are also sold. Such funds can be used either independently or as a basis.

The “sticky” base improves the adhesion of the surface of the nail plate and the decorative coating. Some of these products are designed for use with gel polishes. The leveling base fills small irregularities on the surface of the nail, as a result of which further coating is applied and distributed evenly.

The final choice depends on the condition of the nails. If they are in order and nothing bothers you, then you can choose a universal foundation, strengthening or moisturizing.

Base and top coat

Orly nail care product is universal. This is both a base for varnish and a topcoat. Decorative varnish fits well on it, and the nails themselves are not painted. The polish dries faster and lasts longer, and the nails themselves become glossy. This remedy is praised by many women. Those who have already tried coverage from Orly once do not want to go back to cheaper (although the base is quite budget-friendly, especially considering that this is a two-in-one product) bases.

The best top coat for gel polish: secrets of choice and review of market leaders

When purchasing some gel polishes, you may find instructions on the label that they do not require a top coat. But is this really so?

A top coat for gel polish is mandatory. It is with its help that you can achieve an original finish: glossy, matte or interspersed with gold. Based on the objectives of the top, its consistency is determined. A glossy finish has a thinner consistency than a matte finish.

Typically, a topcoat is used for the sole purpose of protecting the color coating from cracks and scuffs. Therefore it is important to use a thin layer. When applying a thick layer, the nail will become visually heavy and the manicure will become sloppy.

Apart from the finish, tops can also be divided into the following categories:

• with a sticky layer, medium consistency;
• without a sticky layer, with a liquid consistency;
• no sticky layer, moderate viscosity.

Nail technicians often change the top coat. This can happen for several reasons: your favorite product is not on sale, or the top has caused an allergy. But when buying a new top, craftsmen often pay attention to the following brands:

1. Bluesky. A Chinese brand that has established itself in the market due to its high-quality and varied products.
2. RuNail. You can choose a top without a sticky layer. The only negative is that the shade turns yellow.
3. TNL. It has many coatings, including tops without a sticky layer.

Video - How to choose a top coating

Rating of the best bases for gel polish