I often get asked, what is the best base for gel polish? So that it stands on the nails for three months, it evens out the nail plate itself, does not cause detachments, and does not harm the nails.
I have some experience that I gained while working with some databases and now I’m ready to share it.
Here's what I'll tell you about:
- Why do you need a base?
- Differences between liquid and thick bases
- How to choose a base for different types of nails
- How to apply base correctly
- Is it possible to apply top instead of base?
- Errors when working with the database. What not to do when applying base
- Is it possible to strengthen and extend the nail plate with a base?
- Is it possible to cover nails with gel polish without a base?
- Expensive and cheap base - what are the differences?
- My rating of bases for gel polishes, and what are my plans for the future
So:
Why do you need a base?
It is the base that holds the gel polish on the nails. It acts as a layer between the natural nail and the polymer coating.
The base is in direct contact with the nail. Not gel polish, but a base. Therefore, it is very important to choose a base that will hold the gel polish firmly on the nails, but will not harm the nails.
The base coating is designed to protect the nail plate from coloring pigments in gel polishes, smooth out all defects on the surface of the nails, and ensure reliable adhesive bonding of the polymer material to the nail.
Another important function of the base is to strengthen the nail plate. The natural nail may be weak, thin, or bend and break. All this will not allow the coating to last on the nails for the required 2-3 weeks. A properly selected base will strengthen and protect even the thinnest and weakest nails.
Detachments, chips, cracks - all this can happen due to a poorly selected base.
How to choose a base and top
First, the top or base is applied to the nails - the answer to this question is presented in this article. The first and initial layer is the base layer. To fix the created manicure, use a finish or topcoat.
When choosing a material for creating a manicure at home, you need to focus on the basic rules:
- a regular liquid base is chosen for strong and smooth nails;
- rubber base, thick in consistency, suitable for thickening a thin nail plate and simultaneously strengthening it;
- liquid bases tend to quickly polymerize under the influence of ultraviolet rays, but at the same time they are able to cover any solid material and lengthen the tip of the nail;
- Top coatings are selected according to the type of base chosen; the best option is to purchase the top and base of the same brand from the same manufacturer.
There are different types of products on the list of the best base and top coats. They can be used independently at home if you follow the steps of the technology.
Base Nano Professional NANLAC Gum
Professional base, which is used for application under gel polish or shellac. It is recommended for creating a manicure with elements of additional correction on thin, soft nail plates. In terms of consistency, the product belongs to the group of thick and viscous products. It is capable of forming a stable drop with the ability to spread independently. Experts consider the presence of a short brush, with which it is convenient to apply the coating, to be a plus.
The brand that produces this base specializes in the production of bases used to strengthen the nail plate. To do this, add a protein primer to the cooper, then a base coat. The formula helps strengthen soft and problematic nails.
Advantages of the base:
- creating conditions for long-term wearing of manicure;
- the presence of a comfortable brush;
- modeling capability;
- self-leveling ability;
- Possibility of small extension of nail tips.
The cost of a bottle with a total volume of 15 ml. starts from 950 rub.
Base In'Garden Rubber Ideal Nails
Rubber base that can hide imperfections of the nail plate. Leveling properties allow you to create a good smooth surface with a beautiful shine.
Main advantages:
- leveling the surface of the nail plate;
- presence of action to strengthen the nail;
- good viscous consistency;
- the ability to easily remove the layer without additional cutting;
- The line includes 3 options: pink, beige and transparent.
Cost per bottle with a total volume of 11 ml. starts from 595 rub.
TNL Base Gel Polish Rubber
Rubber base from a Korean manufacturer, which is created to mask the unevenness of the nail plate. With its help you can get a smooth, glossy finish. The consistency of the base is characterized as thick and viscous. The base polymerizes under the influence of ultraviolet rays in 3 minutes. Users note that when drying under an ultraviolet lamp, a burning sensation occurs.
Main advantages:
- good consistency;
- alignment and strengthening of the nail plate;
- absence of harmful elements in the composition;
- democratic price.
Price per bottle with a total volume of 8 ml. starts from 300 rub.
Base RIO Profi Rubber
A rubber base that can hide any unevenness of the plate and level the surface. This product is recommended for creating a manicure on a thin nail plate that is prone to deformation.
Advantages of the product:
- long wear;
- strengthening and straightening the nail;
- the presence of a wide range of colors in camouflage shades (from translucent beige to white or milky);
- large volume in the bottle.
Among the disadvantages are the inability to self-level, as well as baking under the lamp during drying. The cost of the base is in a bottle with a total volume of 18 ml. starts from 280 rub.
UNO Base Gel
One of the most popular bases used to create home or professional manicures. The manufacturer of the line of products under the UNO logo is a company from Hong Kong, which has been in the nail products market for more than 30 years. The base is recommended for thin and soft nails. It allows you to create an even coating, does not cause peeling, and increases the duration of wear.
Advantages of the product:
- the presence of hypoallergenic elements in the composition, which helps strengthen and nourish the nail;
- a convenient brush with which you can create any type of surface;
- ease of application;
- good consistency.
The cost of a bottle with a total volume of 12 ml. starts from 590 rub.
NANO PROFESSIONAL NANLAC FLEX
Top-fixer, which is used for applying the finishing coating, as well as for creating various decor, filling, and overlapping relief images. The consistency of the top is viscous. The texture promotes an even finish. The top is prone to self-leveling and provides an elastic layer with a lasting glossy sheen.
Advantages:
- helps to prolong the wear period;
- Provides a glossy finish that is resistant to chips and cracks;
- Self-leveling when applied correctly.
The top is produced in Germany, on the territory of a company specializing in the production of materials for creating professional manicures. The cost of a bottle with a total volume of 15 ml. starts from 950 rub.
KODI RUBBER TOP
KODI is one of the most famous brands of tops used to create gel manicures, produced in the United States of America. The top has proven to be a durable rubber finish with an increased degree of durability. The peculiarity of application is its rapid spreading over the nail plate and the inability to hold a drop, so to use the top you must have basic skills.
Advantages of the product:
- creating a durable coating;
- the coating is resistant to various types of chips and cracks;
- ability to work with various decorative elements;
- economical spending;
- ensuring increased finish strength due to composition elements.
The cost of a bottle with a total volume of 12 ml. starts from 600 rub.
UNO SUPER SHINE TOP COAT
The UNO brand top goes well with the UNO base. Combining products from the same brand allows you to count on creating a lasting, beautiful manicure. Elements added to the base composition protect the color coating from fading in the sun, create a durable coating and provide a glossy shine.
Advantages of the product:
- medium-thick consistency, convenient for self-application;
- self-leveling ability;
- providing a thin but durable coating;
- providing mirror shine;
- ease of use;
- Possibility of combination with materials from other manufacturers.
The cost of a bottle with a total volume of 15 ml. starts from 500.
Runail Top Coat Velvet
Matte top with a rich composition from a Russian manufacturer. A special feature of the product is the presence of a sticky layer. The matte effect results from removing the sticky layer using a degreaser. The topcoat provides a flexible finish and works well with acrylics, shellac or gel polish.
Advantages of the product:
- the ability to use the top to create complex designs;
- providing a durable coating that is resistant to chips, cracks and household chemicals;
- economical spending;
- the presence of a short-haired, comfortable brush;
- self-leveling ability.
The cost of a bottle with a total volume of 15 ml. starts from 250 rub.
ADRI COCO Top Gel Polish Velvet
A new product on the beauty industry market is a youth product produced by a Russian manufacturer. The product combines affordability and good quality. The top is suitable for creating a gel manicure with an average wear period.
Advantages:
- the ability to choose between beige, pink and transparent top;
- ease of use;
- fast polymerization;
- no sticky layer;
- resistance to darkening and fading
The cost of a bottle with a total volume of 8 ml starts from 160 rubles. After studying the information about the technology of creating a manicure, the question of whether top or base is applied to the nails first does not arise. The three-phase application system involves alternately covering the nail plate with a base, colored gel polish and top coat. Following the step-by-step instructions and allowing sufficient time for polymerization ensures the creation of a durable and high-quality coating.
Differences between liquid and thick bases
Liquid bases are highly durable. They practically do not shrink on long nails. Suitable for craftsmen with experience, because... Due to its liquid consistency, the nail plate must be leveled quickly, otherwise streaks cannot be avoided.
I remember how freaked out I was when I just started working, and not yet understanding the intricacies of choosing a base. I bought something cheap, very liquid and smelly. Later, I learned to work with liquid bases, and realized that they are not suitable for all types of nails. A strong smell is a sign of a not very good base.
Liquid base is good for strong, healthy nails. With a pronounced apex. On bendable, soft nails, the base can cause detachments and chips.
And yes, you cannot extend your nails with a liquid base.
Thick bases - they are also called Rubber (which is translated from English - eraser, i.e. these bases are elastic), and not rubber, as many masters like to call them. Due to their thickness, they are easy to work with and the leveling is perfect. Also, with the help of a thick base, you can extend your nail without any problems. Great for weak, easily bending nails. The only disadvantage of this base is that it shrinks on long nails, and the longer the nail, the more it sinks. This feature must be taken into account.
After the second week of wear, the coating begins to sag, and the architecture of the nail is disrupted.
Why does the coating sags?
Gel polish bases consist of polymer chains that are formed as a result of a polymerization reaction. This process is completely completed only after a few hours or even days. When polymer chains are formed, the molecules come closer together, the distance between them decreases and they take up less space. This is how the material shrinks. Polymer chains have formed, but this is not the end of the polymerization reaction and not the end of the shrinkage of the material. This is clearly visible on the nails 2 weeks after application of the coating. The material begins to sag. This is especially noticeable on the free edge of the nail. The shrinkage causes the tip of the nail to twitch, which visually increases the dip. It is because of the shrinkage of the material that the natural nail curls. The percentage of shrinkage will be different in different materials.
Some people are indifferent to this, but personally I really don’t like it.
I don’t cover my own nails with gel polish, and just like everyone else, I go to a nail technician. I love when nails have a little volume. I had to spend about 8 months to find a master who takes into account the shrinkage of the material when working and correctly selects the base for my nail type.
How to choose a base for different types of nails
In fact, there are no bad or good bases; there are bases with different physical properties and purposes. It is important to use them correctly. The fact is that each person's nails are unique in their own way. The master’s task is to understand which nails are in front of us and to choose the right base for these very nails.
For example, it is not advisable to apply liquid bases to thin nails, because... They become very hard when cured. As a result, the native nail under the coating may bend or deform, but the hard coating cannot. Therefore, the coating begins to chip and peel off.
On thin nails it is better to apply a rubber-based base. After hardening, such a base can bend slightly along with the natural nail - this will allow you to wear the coating longer.
When the client comes next time, everything is simpler: we see the results of wear and the choice of base becomes obvious. We carefully examine the nail to see if there are any detachments or chips. Where do they start from the cuticle or the end of the nail. The identified problems are like a map that shows us the structural features of these particular nails.
What can you say about the base/top 2in1 product?
You often find offers in online stores (including the aforementioned Salon Service) to sell a bottle of product that is used at the beginning and end of a manicure. What can you say about him? Well, we note the following:
- Ideal for beginners (no confusion about what to apply first);
- Saving money (a 2in1 bottle is cheaper);
- Great if you plan to wear your manicure for a short time, up to 2-3 weeks.
That's all. We hope our article helped you understand the features of base and topcoats, as well as combined products. Don't forget to visit the store we mentioned above. Happy shopping!
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Errors when working with the database. What not to do when applying base
- Applying too thin a base layer. It will cause all the irregularities and grooves on the nails to come out. A thin layer will affect the wear of the material. An unstrengthened nail will quickly begin to chip and crack.
- A base layer that is too thick , especially at the ends of the nail, will give unnecessary volume to the nail. And your nails will look like “pies”.
- Insufficient drying time for the base. Drying your nails for less than 15 seconds in an LED lamp is a mistake. The base on top will grab, but not on the inside. And by the way, there is a misconception that you can dry the coating later. There is a standard polymerization time: in a UV lamp 2 minutes in an LED lamp 30/60 seconds, depending on the material.
By the way, I found a very detailed video on this topic on YouTube.
What is “base” and “top” in manicure
A reliable nail coating is created through the gradual application of several materials. The quality of the finish and the duration of wear depend on compliance with the rules of application. First, the top or base is applied to the nails - the answer to this question is clear. It depends on the characteristics of the purpose of both funds. A base coat is a material that acts as an intermediate layer between the nail and the artificial gel dye.
Base properties:
- preservation of the nail plate, preventing the effect of coloring pigments on it;
- creating a smooth surface;
- camouflage of irregularities and relief defects;
- strengthening the nail to prolong the wearing period;
- the possibility of extending the nail plate, if there is such a need.
There are 3 systems in manicure technique:
- With one phase . This is the application of gel polish, which includes 3 components: base, color and top coat. The duration of wearing such a coating is reduced to 4-5 days.
- With two phases. A coating that includes a base and a coloring pigment. After the first layer has dried using a two-phase varnish application system, the nail is treated with a top coat.
- With three phases. The most durable coating, which is achieved by alternately applying 3 elements: base layer, color layer, top layer.
First, the top or base is applied to the nails - after studying the information about the stages of creating a manicure, the answer to this question is beyond doubt. The top coat is the final layer that acts as a fixative. It provides strength and can be used exclusively as a top layer. The top coat is traditionally used in two-phase and three-phase manicure systems.
Main functions of the top:
- protection of the created coating from chips and cracks, as well as fading in the sun;
- providing shine or creating a matte effect (this depends on the type of top coat);
- fixing design elements, which include rhinestones, sliders, drawings.
Expensive and cheap base - what are the differences?
Despite the fact that there is nothing natural in both the cheap and expensive bases and there is only chemistry, there is still quality. A cheap base may have a sharp, unpleasant odor, the quality of cleaning of the main components, as a rule, cheap materials are very acidic. Which negatively affects the condition of the nails. An allergy to the material is possible. In expensive bases, there is most often no smell, the materials undergo stricter quality control, there are risks of allergic reactions, but they are minimized.
My rating of bases for gel polishes, and what are my plans for the future
During my career I have tried many base coats. And I decided to make this mini review:
Bluesky
A popular database on AliExpessa. You can also find it in any nail supply store. When I first started getting involved in the nail industry, this base was the first one that fell into my hands. But I’m very glad that I experimented only on myself. I left it for the tips. + Low price - Liquid (some people may like liquid bases, but for me this is the biggest and fattest minus!) - Strong smell - Does not strengthen - Does not even out
Kodi
My second purchase. Perhaps the most popular base among masters. But now there are a lot of fakes for it, plus the base is quite aggressive for nails. + Amazing wear + Thick + Good strengthening + Excellent leveling + Excellent retention of rhinestones + Average price - Has a strong smell - Burns when cured
Supernail by Arnelle
Thick, suitable for a beginner! It sticks to any nails, but can cause small detachments if the nail is very thin and weak. Gives a slight shrinkage. + Thick, you can level it as much as you want and it won’t bleed + Average price + Neutral odor - It bakes during polymerization
My love from Arnelle
Good base, medium consistency, easy to level! For me it's the perfect base for short nails, but also suitable for long nails. Gives a slight shrinkage. + Good wear + Quickly evens out + Has a neutral smell + Average price - On very thin and wet ones, may cause peeling - Stings during polymerization
In fact, all bases bake during polymerization. This is fine. I talked about this in detail in the article why gel polish bakes.
In addition to the brands listed above, I was given several bases to test from new brands that are just entering the market, but for now I have chosen the Arnelle base. I also use their top coat and gel polishes.
I plan to purchase Beautix and Gloss base and top in the future. Fellow craftsmen highly praise these companies
please rate the article, I tried 
( 4 ratings, average: 5.00 out of 5)
Rules for choosing protective coatings
Today, you can find more than just clear topcoat nail polish on store shelves. Different textures, inclusions of glitter and other stylistic elements allow you to complement your usual manicure with new colors. In addition, most popular manufacturers make the base and top in one bottle, which in itself is very convenient and economical.
Considering all of the above, we can draw the following brief conclusions.
- Nail base and fixer are essential components of a quality manicure.
- It is advisable to give preference to coatings containing caring components: vitamins A, E, B5, silk, protein, etc.
- It is more convenient and economical to choose a 2 in 1 product that can be used simultaneously as a base and top coat.
In conclusion, we invite you to look at a short review of several nail bases. The video will be useful for those who are just about to purchase a base for a manicure and do not know which company to give preference to. If you already use a certain database, then in the video you will be able to evaluate alternative options. Enjoy watching, dear girls!
