Good base and top for gel polish. Which is better, rubber or regular, rating, prices

The base for gel polish serves as a fixing material for sealing the natural nail and the basis for further work with other materials for extension or design.

A good structure helps not only to fasten the materials together or to the original plate, but also to level the surface of the nail layer to create an even contour. But not all bases are universal - some are suitable only for working with gel polishes, others for nail extensions. It is important to choose a base that will be successfully combined with different systems.

What is gel polish base and top?

Gel polish is an artificial material that does not adhere well to the natural nail. The base is an intermediate agent that acts as an adhesion between the original plate and subsequent pigments applied on top of it.

Reliable manicure requires compliance with the conditions for laying out materials in a 3, 2 or single-phase system:

• In a 3-phase system you need to lay out the base, working material and top.
• In a 2-phase system, most often, either the 1st or the last layer is not required: a top coat is not always needed, just like a base for artificial materials.
• The single-phase system involves the use of one material to cover the natural nail and the artificial one after the manicure is completed.

The article discusses good bases and tops for gel polish.
The topcoat is necessary to protect the design, shine or special effect - matte, which can be achieved using a matte top. You can do without a base when working with polygel, but modeling gel is not always able to protect the nail.

Thanks to its texture and components, the base layer allows you to:

• protect the nail from staining with pigments that are used in the design;
• act as a strengthening or classic foundation;
• eliminate aesthetic defects - chips, stripes, unevenness;
• Remove the modeling coating quickly and without injury.

Bases can be rubber or camouflage - for ease of application and simultaneous selection of the base shade. Due to the pigment, the future layer of gel polish looks more expressive and clear. Silicone bases are intended for designs that contain large sparkles, glitter and other decorative elements.

A good base for gel polish guarantees the durability and strength of the manicure.

However, without a topcoat, scratches and cracks appear on the coating during wear. It also helps protect the pigment from fading due to sun exposure. Decorative tops emphasize the gloss, while matte tops remove it, revealing the manicure in a “corduroy” role.

Scented tops add elasticity to the manicure, which is especially important for artificial long nails. It is recommended to use coatings from the same manufacturer in order to complement each other as much as possible due to the compositions.

What happens if you apply a top coat instead of a base?

Nail technicians do not advise swapping the first and third stages or using products not intended for one or another action and remind you that the rule for shellac coating is first the base, then the top. This sequence preserves the technology, ensures the nails are healthy and look beautiful.

If you apply a top coat instead of a base, the varnish will not obtain the necessary degree of adhesion to the first layer and will come off the nail in the lamp or during wear. The manicure product may harm the plate.

What is the difference?

There are several types of bases for gel polish extensions. For example, a rubber base is needed to level the coating. In a 3-phase system it is used as a base for color coating.

It has a number of advantages:

• The thick consistency (rubber) allows you to quickly straighten a crooked nail growing up or down. If the plate has bumps, the rubber base copes with such irregularities better than others.
• It does not flow into the side rollers due to its viscosity and thickness. You can apply it to 4 nails at once so that the material can be laid out quickly.
• For brittle nails, rubber is a salvation, since with prolonged wear the varnish on the base does not crack, and the coating is not susceptible to chips and scratches.
• The rubber base does not move on the tips of the nails, so creating the perfect highlight is much easier than using other bases.

Any base coat can be worn for no more than 4 weeks. You need to dry it under a lamp for 30-60 seconds in LED, and 2 minutes. in a UV lamp.

The silicone base is suitable for damaged nails - it seals all microcracks and evens out the plate, eliminating delamination and chips. The product also varies in composition and may contain silicon impregnation. This “sticker” is placed on the nail as a strengthener for further decoration or shellac coating.

A good acrylic-based gel polish base provides the best adhesion to the natural nail. Gel bases do not allow you to cover your nails with a thin layer, so sometimes you have to choose between different bases.

There are also vitamin bases that treat nails and at the same time protect them from future cracks. After removing the polymer, it is especially important to preserve the natural plate without damage.

It is worth noting

When applying the top, it is worth considering that this layer of shellac may be thicker than the previous ones, but not much.
The coating should be smooth, without bumps, and if something accidentally gets on the brush or nail plate, it is better to wash off the shellac top and apply again. Otherwise, the manicure may look sloppy or even fall apart when in contact with water or aggressive detergents. The important thing to remember about sealing is the process of running a brush along the very tip of the nail and applying a little polish to the back of the nail (underneath). A thin layer on the edge of the nail plate seals the main manicure, thus ensuring its integrity and safety. Particular attention should be paid to covering the edges of the nail near the cuticle with topcoat - if you do not brush it with topcoat there, then after a couple of days the unprotected varnish at the edges will begin to crack and chip off.

After the top shellac has been applied according to all the described rules, you need to put your nails in the lamp for two minutes. During this procedure, the surface of the nails may be a little sticky - this unpleasant detail can be easily removed with a cotton swab and nail polish remover. You just need to lightly swipe it over each nail (there is no need to fix the result again with a UV lamp). Now all that remains is to moisturize the skin around the nails and enjoy the result.

We recommend: Gel polishes without drying in a lamp: which one to choose and how to apply

Why are they needed?

A manicure base is needed for ease of working with natural nails. It hides imperfections and allows the master to make almost any design. During extensions, the base for the modeling gel is used to adhere the layers of the natural nail to the artificial material.

Water-based bases are not polymer liquids, so they can only be used under pigment as a platform for painting the nail. There are water-based “primers” without acids - they do not corrode the nail, but also do not allow it to withstand the wear of heavy polymer.

The composition may also contain pigmented paints. This is necessary so that the client can “try on” the water base with the color that suits him best.

What to look for when choosing

To make sure your purchase is as successful as possible, be sure to read the following tips:

1. One of the most important selection parameters is the compatibility of the base with the color and top. Please clarify this issue with your consultant.
2. The product brand is an equally important purchasing criterion. The more well-known the brand, the more positive reviews and ratings, the more likely it is that the product can be trusted. Don’t buy an unknown product from a dubious brand for little money - is it worth risking your beautiful and healthy nails for the sake of minute savings?
3. If you want to extend the life of the base, then pay attention to such an ingredient in the composition as hydrolyzed keratin .
4. Pay attention to the condition of your nails - if, for example, you have serious unevenness, then stop buying a rubber base .

Application

Almost any base is applied after cleaning and degreasing the nail plate. Next you need to use a primer and only then the 1st layer of the future manicure.

Rubber bases are easily distributed over the plate due to their texture. They do not flow together and are distributed in the places where the coating is applied. A drop of material does not go beyond the rubber - it self-levels and forms a flat surface.

Polymers need to be dried in LED/UV lamps for up to 2 minutes. Sometimes, when the design requires, instead of a top, you can use a base to create decor. The top has a liquid consistency, and it is not always possible to make a design with it. It is needed to consolidate the result and protect it from damage.

There are tops with gloss and matte texture:

• A glossy top is needed to complete the manicure. It may have a sticky layer - convenient to use for decoration.
• The matte top is applied exclusively over the gloss to create a “corduroy coating” effect. When applying a matte topcoat to a pigment, there is a possibility that the gel polish will be absorbed into the polymer, forming streaks.

The sticky layer from the base coat is not removed for better adhesion to extension materials and pigment paints.

About shellac without base and top

Makeup base for oily skin with enlarged pores

It is not recommended to use classic gel polish without a base and top coat. The presence of pigments in the color layer can negatively affect the health of the nail plate. In addition, such a manicure will not be durable and will quickly become unusable.

For your information. Currently, single-phase varnishes that do not require the application of top and base are beginning to appear on the gel polish market. They are applied to the grease-free surface of the nail, also fixed with a UV lamp.

How to choose a base for gel polish?

When choosing a base, you need to rely on the purpose of the manicure, its type and the properties of the natural nail:

Some camouflage bases may contain acids in their compositions, so medium-viscosity primers may not be used for them. It is enough to apply a degreaser and 1-2 layers of camouflage to even out the nail and cover the uneven tone of the plate.

The best bases for gel polish in terms of price and quality ratio

A good base for gel polish should have all the properties of a professional product, be affordable in the price segment, and correspond to the declared cost in terms of quality and degree of consumption.

Beautix Royal UV base gel

The rubber base has a thick consistency. The liquid comes in a black 15 ml bottle. The brush allows you to evenly distribute the material over the nail, however, due to the viscosity of the base, overuse occurs.

The product is suitable for leveling the nail plate and for independent use as glue for rhinestones and other decor. Users note average quality - the dense texture forms humps in the apex area, which have to be cut off. The material lasts up to 2 weeks when worn. The cost of the bottle is 990 rubles. for 15 ml.

UNO Base Gel

Legendary base without a sticky layer, intended for use under gel polishes. It can be applied to natural nails without primer. The product comes in white and black bottles with a wide brush for easy application in 1 layer.

The product has a medium viscosity, due to which it self-levels quickly and easily. Bottles of 12 and 15 ml can be purchased for 690-900 rubles. Camouflage bases from the same manufacturer cost 1,100 rubles. for 15 ml.

CND Creative Play Base Coat

The manufacturer has recommended the product as a basis for nourishing and strengthening nails. The base is self-leveling, easy to apply, and there is no waste of material. The brush is dense and wide, it is convenient to apply a drop and stretch it over the surface.

The American product involves the use of 2-3 phase systems in conjunction with the base. The bottle is dark, its volume is 15 ml. The cost of a bottle reaches 980 rubles.

The best bases for gel polish from Aliexpress

It's no secret that Chinese bases also perform well in wearing manicures. It is believed that products from Aliexpress should be cheaper, and little attention is paid to quality.

Belle Fille base

This product should be used in a 3-phase manicure system. As a rule, you can purchase the base and top in one set. The composition of the liquids does not differ - the consistency is medium viscosity.

The base performs well when worn - it does not chip, has minimal residual stickiness, and is suitable for any pigmented paints. The rubber base is supplied in a dark plastic bottle with a volume of 10 ml, and the cost is 170-180 rubles.

Danchel Gel Base

A popular company in the affordable price segment, which offers colorless bases of medium viscosity. The bottle is made in a matte green color. The brush is convenient; you can apply the foundation in a thin layer, as well as using the “drop” technique.

Due to its dense texture, the product evens itself out without leaving a sticky layer after drying. Bottles are available in volumes of 9 and 15 ml, depending on the purpose - for gel polish or acrylic painting. The price is 113-169 rubles.

Lily angel professional nail base coat top

The manufacturer offers bases for gel polishes as a base, primer and top coat. Finishes, like base products, contain a sticky layer after drying. This ensures even laying of the material. The product must be manually leveled with a brush or applied in a thin layer in several layers.

A good base for gel polish from this manufacturer does not leave a sticky layer with a viscous consistency. The products have a translucent texture and are easily distributed over the nail plate. Such bases need to be dried for 2-3 minutes. in the lamp so that subsequent overlapping of color does not affect the absorption of pigment. The cost of the set (base and top) varies from 150 to 200 rubles. for bottles of 15 ml.

Advice from experienced manicurists

By following the advice of experienced manicurists, you can prevent common beginner mistakes:

• The cuticle layer should not be completely cut off. The cuticle provides protection to the nail;
• Before performing a manicure, you need to disinfect all tools used;
• You can prevent delamination of the nail plate by moving the file in the same direction;
• After soaking your nails in a saline solution for 15 minutes before the manicure procedure, they will become more obedient and easier to work with;
• When shaping the shape of the nail, you should choose a silhouette that is more similar to the curve of the cuticle;
• Before applying the base, you need to treat your nails with a degreaser to give better adhesion to the surface of the nails;
• Carrying out the procedure of sealing the nail, both with a base and with a top, will allow you to preserve your manicure for a longer time.

To summarize, we can say that the use of gel polishes is currently at the peak of popularity. This is due to the neat appearance and durability of the decorative coating.

The use of gel polishes is currently at the peak of popularity

Note! However, to create a long-lasting manicure you will need a minimum set of cosmetics. These include base and top coats, colored gel polish, and a UV or LED lamp to set each layer.

The use of a base and top is necessary to maintain the health of the nails and give longevity to the manicure. When choosing a top or base, you should be based on the individual characteristics of the nails. For those prone to the formation of nail defects, there are treatment bases rich in vitamins and minerals that nourish the nail plate. In addition, you should not skimp on these components. If you are on a limited budget, it is better to opt for a cheaper colored varnish than to save on the base and top.

Using gel polish without a base layer, in addition to getting a poor-quality manicure, can worsen the health of your nails.

Thus, following the advice of professionals in the field of manicure, you can independently make a high-quality and durable decorative coating on your nails.

The best camouflage bases for gel polish

A base with a shade of nude color is a camouflage product that helps not only to even out the surface of the nail, but also to cover up the uneven color of the plate.

Vogue Nails Ultra

Rubber-based ultrabases have camouflage properties. The manufacturer supplies the materials in black bottles - the handle is made in the shape of a flower, and the brush is flat and wide for easy distribution of liquid. It is convenient to use when leveling the plate and creating the desired shade for painting with gel polish. For 10 ml the cost was 550 rubles.

Runail Elastic base

Another rubber camouflage base designed to moisturize and nourish the nail plate. The product comes in a black opaque bottle with a convenient brush.

Many craftsmen note the quality of the material:

• durable;
• easy to sawdust;
• will pass for a nude manicure without painting;
• does not spoil nails.

The cost of a 10 ml bottle is 290 rubles.

POLE Color base

A rubber base with camouflage shades can replace the pigment layer of gels and gel polishes. It can be used for extensions and design. Perfectly worn in a French design, decor and a regular top.

Depending on the number of layers applied, the shade changes from light to a dense, pronounced opaque color. The bottle is made in a classic light shade - 8 ml volume for only 350 rubles.

The best fortified bases for gel polish

Hybrid bases are saturated with vitamin complexes to treat and protect natural nails from the effects of artificial materials.

In'garden Base-Hybrid So Naturally

Rubber hybrid base with vitamins, designed for basic manicure. Can be used as a base for gel polish. The composition contains D-panthenol and vitamin E, which are responsible for preventing fragility and brittleness of nails. The cost of an 11 ml bottle is 580 rubles.

MASURA Vitamin Base

A simple vitamin base in a black bottle suitable for art design. Ideally distributed over the surface, can be used to protect nails when performing decoration. It comes in a black bottle with a volume of 15 ml. The price is 690-720 rubles.

TARTISO Vitamin Base Gel

The base has a medium viscosity consistency - suitable for beginners. It is convenient to use and can be used for thin and brittle nails.

When worn, the material shows its quality - there are no chips or detachments. It is necessary to apply a thin layer for impregnation and repeat to give the desired shape. A 10 ml bottle costs 350 rubles.

The best leveling bases for gel polish

Thanks to the leveling properties of base liquids, this consistency allows you to achieve a perfectly even coating with the desired transition from the apex to the tip of the nail.

In'garden Base gel Super easy off

New basecoat varnish system for quick application and removal. The product has high adhesion and protects the nail from color pigment. The gentle formula does not injure the plate. The bottle is made of dark glass with a volume of 11 ml. The cost is 590-600 rubles.

Patrisa Nail Kautschuk-Basis

The product has rubber properties and has a viscous consistency. Thanks to this, it is easily applied and distributed over the entire surface of the nail. Supplied in a black plastic bottle, suitable for all types of nails. The base is removed with an acetone-containing liquid for 5-10 minutes. The cost of the product is 400 rubles. for 8 ml.

Grattol IQ Rubber Base Gel

A good rubber base is suitable for working in a 3-phase system with gel polishes. It is distinguished from other analogues by the presence of a concentrated sticky layer - it can be used as a basis for attaching decorative elements.

The base is removed by soaking. It is designed for brittle nails without interfering with their mobility while wearing artificial material. The cost of the bottle is 395 rubles. for 9 ml.

Best lists

In addition to the above bases, one cannot fail to mention a couple of other wonderful tools:

• Rubber – Kodi Rubber Base.
• Camouflage – Klio Professional Base.
• Leveling – Nano professional Nanlac Gum.

Read about them below.

Rubber – Kodi Rubber Base

A long-lasting foundation with a unique hypoallergenic composition is easy to apply using a convenient brush. Dries quickly - only 2 minutes. The base stays on the nails for a long time – up to 3 weeks. In addition, Kodi Rubber Base is compatible with gel polishes from other manufacturers. Among the disadvantages is the difficulty of removing the product; you cannot do without washing it down.

Price: from 500 to 550 rub.

base for gel polish Kodi Rubber Base

Camouflage – Klio Professional Base

Klio Professional Base is not only a foundation, but also an excellent concealer. Perfectly levels the nail plate and also has a pronounced strengthening effect. With regular use, there is a significant improvement in the condition of your nails - as a result, you get healthy, long and strong nails. Compatible with products from other brands.

Price: from 650 to 700 rub.

base for gel polish Klio Professional Base

Leveling – Nano professional Nanlac Gum

Nano professional Nanlac Gum is the case when domestic products are not inferior in quality to foreign ones. The base is suitable for owners of problem nails, as it perfectly levels the surface, hiding minor imperfections on the nail plate. Included with the jar you receive a special, comfortable brush with short bristles. Does not leave detachments.

Price: from 1050 to 1100 rub.

base for gel polish Nano professional Nanlac Gum

Good topcoats for gel polish

Thanks to the finishing coat, the manicure looks complete. It is protected by materials from chips, scratches and premature detachments.

Uno Super Shine

The top coat without a sticky layer gives your nails a mirror-like shine while maintaining the color saturation. It is suitable for slide design, rhinestone attachment and decoration. A 15 ml bottle costs 690 rubles.

Grattol, Rubber Top Gel

The sticky top is designed for professional and home use. The synthetic brush and viscous consistency allow you to distribute the volume of the drop over the entire nail without rushing - the liquid does not spread and holds its shape. The finish can be used by allergy sufferers and those with sensitive nails. The cost for a 9 ml bottle is 395-400 rubles.

RIO Profi

Rubber top without a sticky layer is easily distributed over the plate, leaving no streaks or uneven clots. The self-leveling texture allows you to create any design with gel polishes. A 7 ml bottle costs 400 rubles.

Masura Basic No. 298-20

The product has an ultra-shine that allows you to create amazing designs. There is no sticky layer, the texture is dense but soft. Convenient to work with 3-phase system. It must be applied to a sticky layer of gel polish. A bottle of 11 ml costs 400 rubles.

Lunail Brilliant

The final coating without a sticky layer has a consistency of increased viscosity. Convenient to apply due to the synthetic brush. The volume is 30 ml, and the price is 1100-1200 rubles.

Haruyama

A high-quality Chinese manufacturer offers a top coat without a sticky layer in a plastic bottle. The bottle has a volume of 8 ml, and its cost is 250 rubles. Easy to level, but susceptible to some defects in the form of chips and scratches.

Uno Lux, High Gloss Top Coat

The top contains UV filters to protect the pigment from fading and fading in the sun. An elastic brush allows you to distribute the material evenly in a thin layer. Can be applied in 2 layers to create a mirror shine. The bottle has 15 ml, and its cost is 690 rubles.

Rio Profi, Rubber Top

The rubber top without a sticky layer is made from Russian-made raw materials by foreign manufacturers. The composition has a gentle formula with protective properties against UV rays and fading of the pigment of gel polishes. A 15 ml bottle can be purchased for 600 rubles.

Good bases and topcoats should satisfy the needs of the nail plate - protect against defects and damage, and fading of the coloring pigments of gel polishes. Thanks to modern production technologies, many bases do not need to be filed - just soak them for removal. Tops also have rubber properties, which allows them to be used for decoration, color blocking and gloss.